Unraveling Paradise

"Nice office...great job title...big team and budget...ahhh...life is good. This gig feels like I've finally arrived in paradise."
- Said every new leader since forever

For those leaders that have scored the proverbial hat trick of landing a great job, work that they love, and a company that has great leadership, life can be really good. For some that means they believe they can take their foot off the pedal. It's almost as if they have convinced themselves that now they can delegate their work and simply operate in a "strategic" role.

Bahahahahaha.

Leadership Is Hard As Hell
I'm not exactly sure how "hard" hell is, but let's assume it's pretty rugged. To me, the privilege of leadership requires a whole new commitment on several levels:

1. Personal
Leading requires sacrifice. Not only in the extra time necessary to get the job done, but in understanding much more about the business than just the collection of boxes on your organizational chart.

For those not willing to put in the time, leadership will be a short and inglorious experience. I don't care what Generation (Boomer, X,Y or Z) thinks about this point. Leadership requires a new level of dedication; but trust me, there's still time to save the world too.

2. Strategic vs. Tactical
I see leaders at high levels all the time that believe they shouldn't have to "get into the weeds" of the work. 

I hate to burst their bubble, but the only effective leaders are those that can effectively flex between both high level work and also understand what it takes to get the job done.

For those tossing around buzzwords and jargon you are not fooling anyone. In fact, you're actually playing the fool in front of your colleagues.

3. Energy Is More Important Than Ever Before
Leading effectively consumes an inordinate amount of energy. If you are going to perform at a high level (which by default is a minimum requirement of every leader) then you must take care of yourself.

Good nutrition, exercise and sleep are not just things you "should do." They are required. Commit to modifying your lifestyle today...and for God's sake don't say you're too busy. That makes you sound like you can't get your life organized, and no one wants to follow that person. Ever.

How About You
Does leadership feel like paradise sometimes? You bet it does. I wouldn't trade it for any other job on Earth. The ongoing (and quite humbling process of leading effectively) means that I have to unravel my vision of paradise so I can be my absolute best.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



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Patience Drives Progress

I grew up in a world of drive through "restaurants", microwave dinners and Convenience Stores with hot dogs on a rotisserie available 24/7.  I can barely remember a world without the Internet, haven't used a fax machine in years, and would prefer to receive a [Direct] Message than email anytime.  Simply put, I like my stuff now.  Not in a minute, not in a little while... I want what I want NOW.

Work is Not a Microwave
There are no quick wins, really.  Yes, we love to brainstorm and convince ourselves we've come up with an amazing idea that will change the organization, country, world...whatever.  Coming up with an idea is one thing; however, executing on that idea that actually results in moving the needle is very different.  Candidly, without that great idea no progress can occur.  But we need to be realistic...dare I say strategic in our thinking and execution if we are to achieve progress.


In his book Onward, Howard Schultz describes how he tried to get a quick win as he transitioned back into the ceo role at Starbucks Coffee Company.  He tried, failed and then slowed down to take a more strategic view of turning his company around. He embraced the notion of being strategic, while still having a sense of urgency about the work being done.  Being bold, and expecting everything to be perfect right away are two very different things.


HR Should Be Strategic
Time for a moment of self-disclosure.  I'm tired of people saying how lame it is for HR to be talking about being strategic.  We're supposed to be.  We're supposed to be putting plans in place for the short and long term.  We're supposed to be thinking well beyond the current benefits/recruitment/training/political-hot-potato-of-the-day crisis and delivering value to our organizations.  So if you're taking the easy way out and jumping on the HR bashing train against being strategic, it's time to switch professions.


How About You
Be patient with your ideas.  Think through them, spend time testing them, and then make a decision and act on them.  Being patient and then being decisive is a potent combination.  Being trapped in a world of analysis paralysis and excuses is also a potent combination.  Which path do you take?  I'm glad I switched.


I'd love to hear from you.


No Excuses.




pic courtesy of kaboodle