Rocking Chair Leadership

"I'm on it!"

"We're moving fast on this one!"

"The team is all over it!"

"Everyone is so busy working on this!"

I.

Don't.

Believe.

You.

Activity Does Not Equal Progress

How many leaders have you heard describing how 'busy' they are; or, their teams are? How many times did you hear those same updates week after week with no real progress to show for it?

That drives me crazy...

...particularly when I do it. 

Lots of Hustle (sort of)
Back when I coached youth hockey we had a player on the team who always looked like he was skating hard and trying to make an impact. He was really busy out there! 

However, he rarely made actual contact with an opposing player, never ventured into the corners, or God forbid, stood in front of the net to endure a cross-check or two.

I meet a lot of leaders like that player.

Their calendars are jam-packed. Their list of meetings is endless. Their Inbox is always full.

But nothing gets done. Ever.

How About You
Who on your team is that little hustling skater who never makes any big plays? 

They probably believe rocking back and forth all day in a rocking chair actually gets you somewhere!

Oh, and, why do we seem to continue to allow that lame leadership style to continue?

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.
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Squads and Loyalty

Many of us have jobs. Some of those jobs are pretty good...some are brand new because we're new to the world of work...others are at an in-between-stop along the journey...

...and a select few have something completely different.

Your Squad
Success is often achieved through hustle, grinding, and hard work. This is true! There are no shortcuts. However, success is never achieved in a vacuum. The people you trust and allow to be part of your inner circle will define your future.

Think about that for a second...the people you trust will dictate whether you are successful or not.

Your squad means everything. I may be the luckiest person working today, because the team at work combined with my squad has opened up my world in ways I could never have imagined.

Loyalty
The result of recognizing the support you have behind you is the ultimate prize every employee engagement guru strives for...

Loyalty.

"How many of you are actually loyal to the organization your work for? What does that look like? How do you talk about, defend and promote your company?"

How About You
One of the often overlooked benefits of loyalty is the confidence you feel to do your job. When we know our organization has our back, and the team around us is helping us do good work we break through to a new level of performance.

So...who's on your squad, and what does that mean to you?

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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The Insufferable Hustler

There is a fine line between working hard (the hustle) and promoting yourself as the second coming (the hustler.) We see them all the time across our social media channels. 

One is truly working their version of the hustle, connecting with others, sharing knowledge, and offering to help at every turn. The other feels compelled to remind us how amazing they are...making sure any snippet about their latest post, webinar, or speech is broadcast far and wide for all to "enjoy."

The Hustle
The world of work seems to have changed faster in the last few years than it has in decades. Whether it's our smartphones, apps, social media accounts, live video or an endless demand for relevant content, our world moves fast!

There is something quite interesting about those that are dedicated to the hustle. They don't need to spend all their time promoting themselves. Other people do it for them.

Think about that for a minute. 

When you are working that hard...putting out high quality product...you no longer need to be a human bullhorn. Your network will recognize you for the value you add.

The Hustler
At the other end of the spectrum is the hustler. They are everything that a professional is not. 

Their bios are filled with language about "expertise."
Their work is life-changing (for us!)
Their self-promoting noise level is deafening.

No one respects them. Sadly, they don't even realize.

How About You
What choices have you made about how you present yourself in the digital world? Do you hustle; or, are you a hustler?

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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