I Know

I'm not sure where to start. 

It's been a couple of week since the world, literally, shut down. I've had so many emotions that I don't even know how to frame them...process them...or take charge of them.

At least, sometimes I don't.

I'm worried about loved ones, and colleagues, and friends, and...everybody. That feels like a lot.

At least, sometimes it does.

I started a new job a few months ago. Then the world changed. I was still trying to figure out my new normal. Now I'm figuring out a newer normal. It's odd. Swinging between big ideas and plans for taking over the world...to struggling with the reality of that invisible enemy can be overwhelming.

At least, sometimes it is.

Somewhere in this mess we can't lose sight of the people on the frontline..in hospitals, as first responders, the researchers, the delivery people, the store clerks, the clergy...and on and on. They are risking so much...and I feel like I'm not doing my part.

At least, sometimes I do.

I'm thinking about you all my friends.

I'm thinking about the opportunities we have to provide inspirational leadership.

I'm thinking that prioritizing people is probably the most important thing we can do...it might just be our historical legacy.

In fact, I know that is true.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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Inspire Sacrifice

What? Inspiring sacrifice? That sounds...well...miserable.

Vision First
Where am I headed with this notion of inspiring sacrifice? It starts with each of us as individuals. More specifically, it comes from those times in our lives when the world seems to be closing in around us. 

Whether it's a personal issue, a complex professional challenge, or your desire to change your life for the better, two things (at least) are in play:

1. The pressure of getting through whatever "it" is
2. Finding the strength to make the necessary changes to "get there"

For me, it starts with a vision. What do I want my professional life to look like? How do I want my life to be outside the world of work (remember, work is not your life, it's just an important part.) How do I want to feel from a health and fitness perspective. All of these pieces are linked together. We literally can not separate them into convenient little buckets.

Trust me on this one...I've tried many, many times.

Finding Strength
Moving our grand visions from concept to reality requires much more than wishing them to be true. How exactly does one move past pain, challenges, frustration, disappointment, anxiety all the while staying fired up and believing they will achieve their goals?

How do you inspire this kind of sacrifice?

Where do you draw the strength necessary, when you have run out of resources, but still need to push harder?

How do you continue to challenge yourself to excel when you are exhausted?

How do you push beyond every boundary when you are ready to collapse physically, emotionally and mentally?

When it must be done...how do you get there?

Go Deeper
There is more to draw upon actually, but there is a powerful barrier in the way.
It is our mind. It tells us we can't continue. It tells us we will get hurt, physically, emotionally and mentally. It never stops telling us to take the easy path.

- No need to push for that organizational change...it will be too political
- No need to do any more reps, you've worked hard enough in the gym today
- No need to have the tough conversations in your life, just shut down and it will pass

Well my friends, our minds are wrong. We can withstand so much more. Our minds are in fact constantly searching for the easiest path forward. However, the easiest path produces zero results, physically, mentally and emotionally.

The easiest path is paved with familiar, and sadly, comfortable excuses for you to remain mediocre.

It is only when we reject our soft self-talk that we achieve breakthroughs. It is only when we decide to push through the pain and stress and fear that we achieve greatness. It is only when we decide to be something much better than we are today, that we take our entire lives to a completely new place.

How About You
So, what is the secret source of the necessary focus to "get there?" For me it is a combination of faith, self-reflection, and a bold commitment to turn off the noise (my own, and from everyone else) to achieve things I never thought possible.

Who's with me?

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.


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Destroyer of the Universe

It didn't start out this way. The fear hadn't set in...communication was open...and most believed the long wait for a strong leader was finally over. The energy and creative ideas seemed to be just what everyone had hoped for...

Starting Out

The common "honeymoon period" for new leaders is one that the shrewd among us seize upon, and for good reason. The window of opportunity for change is usually the greatest during this transition time. The most latitude is afforded during the honeymoon, new team members are willing to go along with fresh ideas, and in turn give the new leader a chance to succeed.

"Perhaps the honeymoon period is the only time most leaders have a chance to affect real change because they struggle so mightily to inspire others once their true leadership style emerges."

Inspiration Is Mandatory

So how does one inspire others exactly? Is it through a series of ideas? Is it creating a culture that energizes the team to take risks and think big? Is it demonstrating a willingness to trust others and allow them to take ownership for the work that gets done instead of micromanaging every detail?

The answer of course is yes!

Crashing and Burning

With so much written about leadership behaviors, so many leadership development sessions being held, and a long list of assessment tools available to us all, how is it that the promise of the honeymoon could end up crashing down on the team?

Maybe the answer can be found in the selection process? Perhaps we don't intervene early enough to head off a disaster? Or maybe we just don't want to admit that a mistake has been made so we tolerate behavior because that is "just how they are?"

Perhaps we're not as strong at leading as we thought?

How About You

Who in your organization has fallen from grace? Do you even realize the full impact? Unless you invest the time to create a safe environment for those affected to open up to you, the truth will remain an elusive target. 

How much of your culture will be destroyed while you take the typical "wait and see" approach; or, worse yet, wait for someone else to arrive and clean up your mess?

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



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Words

Words have power.

They can inspire, encourage, lift up, and tear down. 

Words are weapons.

They can fend off evil things, protect us from harm, and help us see through the darkness.

Words create change.

They can move organizations in new directions, transform worn out departments, and give individuals a new perspective on their career.

Words are fuel.

They live forever, remind us to stay focused, and allow us to explore beyond our limited world view.

What words do you choose?

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses. 



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