Stop Chasing Process Glory

 I’m so busy.

You’re so busy.

We’re all so busy.

Doing. Stuff.

We revel in the glow of sharing how much time we have to devote to…well…everything. Here’s the problem with focusing on the process: burying ourselves in the process and not the outcome is the perfect formula to erode your credibility.

“No one should be process rich and outcome poor.”

There are some voices that advocate we should all “trust the process” as a strategy for success. Certainly we all need to have a plan and execute that plan. However, if the desired outcome is never achieved, that effort has been (mostly) wasted.

Controversial view? Maybe. But think about how you’ll sound explaining that you were so committed to the process that you didn’t achieve anything.

Being busy doesn’t sound quite as important any longer, does it?

Thanks for being here.

Jay

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Finding Peace

The ever elusive goal of ‘being at peace.’

With so many changes in the world of work (and candidly our post-pandemic personal lives) I’m not quite sure how to define ‘peace’ anymore.

Is it feeling satisfied with your work life?

Perhaps it’s a special location that helps you unwind?

Maybe doing something you love brings you peace?

Could peace be achieved through someone else…your partner, children, friends?

Is it something we must continually pursue and “find?”

It could be just about us?

Does our faith or moral compass equate to our level of being at peace?

I’m not so sure it’s one thing or another. 

I think peace is about…all of these things. Our lives, and certainly our mental health is far more than a sound byte or catchy phrase.

We are complex individuals. Why wouldn’t our experience of peace be equally as complex?

I rather like that perspective actually. It speaks to me being so much more than a clever phrase of inspirational quote.

So perhaps finding peace means we accept that there are many pieces to who we are, and thus our journey will have lots of stops and starts along the way?

What do you think?

Thanks for being here.

Jay

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Into the Fire

Running to problems vs. hiding and hoping you won’t get caught up in a mess is a major differentiator for your leadership brand. And just so we’re all on the same page…literally everyone in your organization knows which way you play it.

I’ve been in a bunch of messes over the years…and that’s because leaders are supposed to be in the middle of the action. We are the ones that have the authority to fix issues. We shouldn’t be concerned about playing it safe and avoid the risk of getting involved and then somehow defaulting into “owning the problem.” 

If there is a problem…it’s every leader’s problem to some degree. For executives, it absolutely is our problem.

That’s how it’s supposed to work, right? An issue comes up and we all rally together to think through it and execute changes that resolve things.

Am I too optimistic here? I hope not. A truly collaborative leadership culture is so powerful. 

For those that believe they are the smartest one in the room, and if everyone would just do what they say all would be right with the world, are actually modern day dinosaurs in today’s world of work.

If it’s all about you…you have failed.

When was the last time you jumped into the fire? It may not be a comfortable feeling, but it will absolutely send your credibility to new heights. Not a bad outcome if you ask me.

Thanks for being here.

Jay

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Is That All?

Life moves fast. One minute you’re a high school senior on top of the world and the next you’re a grandfather, publishing a book, pouring your energy into your job, launching a little side gig, and becoming obsessed with paying it forward.

The lesson here: life will never stop giving you opportunities, regardless of your age or job. Doors are opening all around you. Have you noticed; or, are you too caught up in the mysterious “grind” that everyone complains about?

The grind yields some results.

Your open mind yields greater results.

The support of others will help you achieve mega results.

So, what are you waiting for? What have you always wanted to try but it was either too risky, too far out of your comfort zone, or you were simply afraid that others wouldn’t believe in you.

Well, I believe in you.

I think it’s time for you to get started.

Thanks for being here.

Jay

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