Bleed the Fifth

"If you are a boss, ask yourself: When you look back at how you've treated followers, peers, and superiors, in their eyes, will you have earned the right to be proud of yourself? Or will they believe that you ought to be ashamed of yourself and be embarrassed by how you have trampled others' dignity day after day?"
- Robert I. Sutton

Fear
For those that believe they are "great leaders" and have so much experience and "always know the answers" I have some bad news for you.

You have created a corporate culture rife with fear. 

Yes you have. 

Your arrogance and "coaching" are not perceived the way you've convinced yourself that they are. Your teams are not being honest with you, they are worried about losing their jobs, and the fact that you are "always right" simply adds fuel to the culture bonfire you've created.

You Can't Change
Well, maybe you can change. But I suspect it will be the most difficult thing you've ever done in your career, and here's why.

You have to actively infuse humility into who you are as a leader.

I'm not talking about dropping a bunch of leadership jargon on the team. I'm not talking about employee feedback sessions that you facilitate and get the comments that you were expecting all along.

Newsflash! They are not going to tell you their truth. They will continue to bleed quietly and "accept" your reality.

As the high value team members slip away, and you continue to behave in the exact same way year after year, it makes me wonder how much longer the tired excuses can be used to justify the same results?

How About You
What would it take for you to really change your style? Perhaps if you were threatened with your position? Maybe if you publicly fell flat on your face and your team, despite their feelings about how you treat them, rallied to support you?

What would it take for you to get over yourself?

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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Recruitment Marketing Is Not A Threat

The concept of establishing an employer brand and then leveraging contemporary recruitment marketing strategies to capitalize on that brand are foreign to most HR leaders.

Sure, they've read about it, know they need to work on it, but somehow feel like making those moves would be controversial. Wait, what?

Telling the story of why your organization kicks ass is controversial? Um, no, it's not.

Fear

I can appreciate the fear that creeps into the minds of today's HR leaders. I've been one for more than 20 years myself.  You may not fully understand the concept of what an employer brand means. That's okay. You may worry that the Marketing Department will want to control your messages and content. That's okay too.

Here's the main issue...you have a job to do, and in order to do it effectively in the modern world of work, you must develop an employer brand strategy. It is no longer optional.

Power

Feeling powerless? Wonder if you'll lose your job or lose political clout if you push this issue?

Consider how if feels in meeting after meeting when your Operations leaders are wondering why there aren't any applicants (or at least qualified ones) for their growing list of open positions.

Does that feel good? No, it does not.

Now consider the impact you can have by simply using the power you already have and taking action. No one will stand in your way if you make the business case for an employer brand strategy (insider tip: it's not hard to do!)

Don't underestimate the impact you can make. You have an opportunity to provide high impact, contemporary leadership right now. You simply have to decide to do it.

How About You

Are you ready to make a move? Are you ready to be bold? Are you ready to get your power back? I will help you get there. I'm serous. Hit me up here or here, and let's get started.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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Try

I was afraid to try new things for a long time. I was worried I would look foolish in front of my colleagues. 

I was afraid to try new things for a long time. I was afraid my friends would laugh at me.

I was afraid to try new things for a long time. I was afraid no one would like me.

I was afraid to try new things for a long time. I was worried that I wouldn't fit in with the crowd.

...but then...

I tried new things.

And I didn't look foolish.

And no one laughed at me.

And I was able to show my true personality.

...and, I ended up having the privilege to lead the crowd.

How About You
It's more important to try than you might think. It's where we live, and grow, and succeed.

So start trying...for real.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

Be Very Afraid

"I can't understand why people are frightened of new ideas. I'm frightened of the old ones."
- John Cage


How About You
What are you afraid of this Halloween? I hope it's not doing everything you possibly can to make a difference in your organization.

That would scare me to death.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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Velocity

I love this word. I love what it represents. It should be synonymous with "effective leadership" in today's world.

Heck, I even love the way it sounds.

V e l o c i t y.

Go Fast or Die
I'm a speed guy. I love fast sports (hockey and racing), working out hard, and moving fast at Kinetix. So many leaders all around us live a double-life that attempt to balance speed and results. They use the jargon about what their organizations "should" do... 

...but...

When it's crunch time, they fall prey to the same old paralyzing fears that have kept them stuck in their current roles for years.

Most leaders simply cannot move fast enough to do their jobs effectively. Moving fast means taking risks. Moving fast means making decisions. Moving fast means being alone.

Guess what? You're getting paid to get the work done. Stop with the excuses, and start leading.

It's Not That Easy
I know that it is not easy to take action. I know that is scary to take risks. I know it can be unsettling to make decisions alone. I've been there too.

...but...

It is what is necessary to be the leader you were meant to be.

Start today.
Become the leader you wanted to be when you started.
Take the risk.
It is worth it.

How About You
Today is your day. It's the day velocity becomes one of your favorite words too. It represents everything you were expecting.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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The World's Most Dangerous Job

One of the most dangerous jobs in corporate life today is leading a progressive human resources team. You know, the kind you're leading, right?

This is not up for debate. The pressure to deliver new talent is at an all time high. The need to retain good employees is critical to achieving business goals. The costs associated with both of these priorities is so immense that most HR leaders can not quantify what is being spent today. 

Literally. They have no idea what their own costs are...

Most Dangerous
The reason HR leadership must be the most dangerous job is quite simple actually. With so many pressures on HR to deliver real results...and the clear absence of any meaningful action in most industries (#HealthcareHR leading the way here)...it is obvious that these leaders are simply too scared to take the steps necessary.

Too Harsh
Now before you all get worked up that I'm being too critical of HR please keep these points in mind:

- HR is rarely given the latitude to be creative (read here --> never)

- HR often attracts risk-averse leadership styles

- Adoption of contemporary talent strategies is not welcomed in the healthcare industry (which is counterintuitive to the how the industry interacts with patients)

- HR is always the corporate punching-bag when things go wrong (as in, ALWAYS)

The leaders I speak with (almost) to a person would like to move their talent acquisition and employee engagement strategies into the digital world; but, since they do not use contemporary tools and strategies themselves, they do not know where to begin.

How About You
Are you ready to buck the trend of HR always trailing behind the other business functions in your company? Let's find some time for a virtual cup of coffee, and discuss how you're only a few decisions away from dominating your world.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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Finding Your Voice

Have you heard this phrase? ....finding your voice...

It's often associated with writing. It's intended to make the connection between what you think and believe as a person, and your ability to express those thoughts and beliefs in a blog post, article, or book. It can also apply to speaking as well. 

Have you found your voice?

Step One: Who Are You

I think the most overlooked part of the "voice" strategy is stopping to define who we really are as people. It doesn't matter if we are in formal leadership roles or not; but for those of us who lead others it is a requirement.

Yes, requirement.

What is important to us?

What do we stand for?

What is so reprehensible that we will immediately address it regardless of the situation?

What do we want to achieve in our lives?

Who is most important to us?

How do we think about work?

What role do employees play in our prioritization process?

How comfortable are we taking risks?

There are many more questions, but without answers to these questions at the outset, it will be impossible to define "who you are" and thus express your voice.

Step Two: Start

Fear is a terrible demon in the world of leadership. Fear stops us from doing the right thing. It stops us from holding people accountable. It forces us to give people one more chance (for the 10th time) simply because we do not have what it takes to lead effectively.

Fear destroys.

However, once you begin on your path of expressing your voice something very powerful happens. Fear disappears. It's as if you have taken control of your entire world. You now make the decisions, and take risks, and hold people accountable. 

The anxiety about political repercussions no longer matter. Why? Because the other weak leaders around you are watching real leadership in action, and they simply can not challenge it.

Your voice does all of these things.

How About You

Today is a good day to answer the questions outlined above. Tomorrow is shaping up to be the perfect day to start expressing your voice. Don't you think?

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses. 

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Hand Me My AR-15, the British Are Coming...Oh, Wait

The gun control issue is so polarizing in the United States, that I almost decided against sharing this post. However, judging from the flood of comments I received when I hinted at writing on this topic, it speaks to the need for the dialogue to continue.

This is not a comprehensive policy proposal; rather, it is a message about one component of the bizarre place we find ourselves in...regardless of which side of the "debate" you fall.

-----------------------------------------------

I am pro-gun ownership. 

Let me make that crystal clear. I am pro-gun ownership.

From target practice, to hunting, to feeding one's family or to protection in extreme circumstances, guns are a valuable part of our society.

Our forefathers sent a powerful message about guns and freedom as well...IN 1776!

In Case You Missed It, We Won the Revolutionary War
The message the Founding Fathers sent to all Americans was that we could fight real tyranny (think King George III...aka a foreign power occupying America) and gain our independence. The bravery of those patriots, both men and women is absolutely astonishing. 

But the world is a very different place today than it was in colonial times. Our government (regardless of how much the crazies want to claim that it will happen) is not going to turn America into a police state and invade our homes.

It's not going to...so please stop talking about defending yourself from...ourselves.

Machine Guns Are For The Armed Forces
One of the things that surprises me most about the gun control debate (if you can call the choke hold the NRA has on Congress a "debate") is the belief that ordinary citizens need high powered machine guns.

Seriously? It would be funny if it wasn't so pathetically embarrassing for those that believe we need that sort of firepower laying around our homes. 

Before any of you head out to do a drive-by and exert your Second Amendment rights, check out this and this or this from the New York Times. Guess what? We're number one in the world! 

In gun deaths. Please save the "guns don't kill people excuse"...the other civilized nations of the world don't have the guns we do, and shockingly they have far fewer deaths.


Coincidence? Um, of course not.

How About You
Do you think our forefathers would have been excited to have each and every farmer load up with a row of cannon outside their barns? 

The rabid gun advocates should be absolutely ashamed of themselves. 

Although, I feel sorry for them. They have lost their way...they actually believe we have "control" over the millions of guns in America, and it's just an enforcement issue. 

I wonder who they trust to "control" things, or at least have a meaningful discussion about the many layers of this issue? It appears, no discussion is the preferred option.

SMH.

What do you think?

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.


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Soar!

There is a unique responsibility that comes with a leadership job. It's more than just representing your company well, and working hard (much of it behind the scenes that most simply can not appreciate.) 

It's a responsibility that has to do with how we treat people. I know that sounds like an overused phrase, except there's a catch.

Many leaders...formal and informal alike...treat their colleagues and team members quite wretchedly. 

Yes Sir, Yes Ma'am, Yes Sir, Yes Ma'am
Before you completely dismiss this post, consider those around you. Think about the team members who are keeping their heads down...who are remaining quiet...who seem reserved "all of a sudden" or are quick to agree with everything the "leader" has to say.

Maybe there is something happening that you're not aware of yet.

It seems that something odd happens when people are offered the privilege to serve in a leadership role. They suddenly lose the perspective they once had when they were starting their careers, and now believe they can act without any consequences. 

That is a flawed assumption.

The Most Important Thing
It turns out that the most important thing that happens in any organization comes down to how the leaders treat the people. Whether it is employees, volunteers, vendor partners, interns or students shadowing as part of their academic curriculum, the people are the number one priority.

After many years in human resources leadership mired in policy and procedure manuals, I have learned a couple of very important things:
- people matter
- our job as leaders is to encourage, support, mentor and develop
- our ultimate goal should be for our people to soar

How About You
If I were to ask the people who interact with you everyday, would they tell me that you help them soar? Or, might I hear something different?

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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inspiration

Nothing Left to Fear

"The greatest mistake you can make in life is to continually be afraid you will make one."
- Elbert Hubbard

Fear In Your Head
What is the worst thing that could happen if you took a risk and failed?

- embarrassment?
- loss of credibility?
- career stagnation?
- loss of your job?

Let me ask it in a slightly different way...

...what is the most likely result if you took a risk and it failed?

- reputation as a bold leader in an era of ridiculously self-absorbed wimps?
- achieve breakthrough learning that leads to innovation and progress?
- a promotion?

If you decide that the secret to success is a different view of the world, you might find that your world changes in a very profound way.


Fear In Your Heart
Once we flip the anxiety in our head to a relentless passion in our heart two very important things happen:

1 - We become more relevant in the life of our organizations.

How?

We all know the bold leaders in our companies. 

They take risks, are constantly trying new things, aren't afraid of a misstep, and have the respect of their team members, superiors, and clients.

2 - We have a positive energy around us.

How?

We see the world differently. 

Literally.

How About You
Does each day feel like an unbelievable opportunity to go for it? 

Or, is the new day just "the grind"...another reason to moan and groan...and list the same tired excuses to why new things don't matter...why new approaches have no value...and that the world just isn't the same anymore.

Don't miss out. Change the lens that you use to see the world. Who cares if something doesn't work today. Keep pushing and learning and risking...

...and winning for your organization.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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Luckiest

I’m the luckiest person alive.

Because…

- I have an amazing family

- I have an incredible job working with very special people

- I have the ability to provide for those that I love

- I have many old friends that continue to “be there"

- I have so many new friends that I can’t wait to meet in real life

- I have survived despite many mistakes

- I have the ability to make a difference

- I have the privilege to speak to large groups of people about things that matter

- I can actually see the results of my work

- I have the courage to try new things

- I am no longer afraid

- I receive a huge amount of support

I’m the luckiest person alive because…

…I have you.

I bet you’re the luckiest person alive too.

I’d love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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This Battle Chose Us

leading through change

leading through criticism

leading through risk

leading through failures

leading through setbacks

leading through growth

leading through fear

leading through breakthroughs

leading through bigotry

leading through new perspectives

leading through sadness

leading through success

leading

through

it 

all.

We don't have a choice. 
The real leaders keep pushing, no matter what. 
That is the path chosen for us.

Are you with me?

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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Do You Remember?

Something seems be changing in our world. People are angry, and want change, and are apparently making their views known in ways that are very different from what I remember. To be honest with you I’m rattled by all of this anger and what it may lead to in the not so distant future.

I remember….

- teaching my children that people of every color, religion, sexual orientation and nation were equal

- deciding to speak out against bigotry in my personal and professional life

- losing friends and colleagues because I stood up against narrow minded racist attitudes

- learning about the risks the leaders of the American Colonies took to create a new country based on freedom

- admiring Abraham Lincoln for stopping the scourge of slavery once and for all

- the chills I felt hearing Martin Luther King, Jr. when he said “…I may not get there with you…"

- gaining a deep understanding for the incredible leadership Dietrich Bonhoeffer demonstrated in fighting against the Nazi message of hate against specific groups of people, ultimately becoming one of the millions they murdered

- watching my parents fight for civil rights throughout their careers…and make a real difference

- my transition from someone who talks privately about diversity and equality, to being a leader who pushed through the MLK holiday and same sex partner benefits at a hospital I worked for

I remember when real leaders were admired for doing the right thing, not scaring people.

I remember being proud of America. I hope I will still feel that way in November.

How About You

What is it that stirs your soul to action? Is it your career, family, politics, or maybe just your core values that shape how you decide to lead each day?

Whatever it is…make sure those around you will be proud to be in your world.

I’d love to hear from you.

No Excuses. 

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I Meant What They Said

Sometimes the words of others are exactly what we want to say. Here are some of my favorites...

"Silence in the face of evil is itself evil. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act."
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer

"I have learned over the years that when one's mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear."
- Rosa Parks

"It takes no compromise to give people their rights...it takes no money to respect the individual. It takes no political deal to give people freedom. It takes no survey to remove repression.
- Harvey Milk

"Conscience is the perfect interpreter of life."
- Karl Barth

"The time is always right to do what is right."
- Martin Luther King, Jr.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

Fear Factory

The ultra-competitive environment to source, attract and hire talent is fascinating. So many organizations lament the fact that they can not find the "right" people to meet their needs.

Yet these same organizations continue to use the same old and ineffective approaches to talent acquisition; or they are being taken advantage of by large vendors that throw around lots of terminology but fail to execute effectively on behalf of their clients.

I'm calling B.S. on both approaches!

Desperate and Scared
For years I've seen organizations that know they need to implement contemporary approaches to their talent strategy, but doing so represents such a quantum leap out of their comfort zone that they are paralyzed.

"Leaders who fail to make bold decisions are usually not leaders for very long."

The habits of yesteryear continue to strike fear into the hearts of these well intended leaders. Think about the good old days of display ads in the Sunday paper. 

Now that is living in your comfort zone! Sadly, there really isn't a Sunday "want ads" section in the paper anymore.

Now Is Your Time
The opportunities available to today's talent acquisition leader are endless. The ability to position yourself as a high-performing, contemporary leader in your industry is not as hard as you think. (Which in turn helps your organization be viewed in the same positive light.) 

Yes, it takes expertise, courage, and commitment. But aren't those qualities in every leader's job description anyway?

How About You
Do you work in a fear factory where moving into the contemporary age is still viewed as a risky move? If so, maybe you and I should talk. I want to help...and it sounds like maybe you could use a helping hand.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



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Arise and Purify

Sometimes we find ourselves feeling...well... stuck. It often comes in waves. Work gets complicated despite our best efforts to add value...we miss more workouts than we should... and personally life seems a bit off track.

We feel low. I hate that feeling.

Arise

When was the last time you decided to stand up for yourself?  What was the tipping point that made you realize you needed to take action? Doing something, even what most would consider a small step, can do wonders for your mindset.

Don't let others define you. You know who you are and what you have done and will continue to do. Stay true to yourself. Lead with that attitude!

Purify

Once you've allowed yourself to focus on you, block out the noise from those who judge you unfairly. Create a plan to literally move yourself forward. 

Maybe that is a new way to manage your workload; maybe it is a transition to integrate technology into your world; or maybe it is time to find a new job that will meet your personal and professional goals.

Allow yourself the freedom to go for it. Recognize that you might feel nervous or afraid. That's okay. Allow yourself to be overwhelmed with the fear of an unknown future. That's okay too.

There is nothing wrong with fear. But there is something wrong with living a life where you never stare fear down and take control.

How About You

Today is your day. Not tomorrow, not next week, and for God's sake not during New Year's resolution season. Today. Arise and purify yourself.

 

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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