"You can never think big enough"
I absolutely love this phrase. It hits every facet of life.
It challenges how we think?
It challenges how we make decisions.
It challenges us to do more...be more...achieve more.
It helps us break through the malaise of 'how it's always been done.'
It is the push we need to see...when our own vision can't do it on its own.
What areas of your life need you to think bigger? Home? Work? Community?
I think it's time to get started.
Thanks for being here.
Jay
There is so much written about effective leadership practices inside our organizations; however, there is a crucial element of leading that has nothing to do with strategic plans, people strategies or revenue goals.
Consider the not-for-profit organizations in your community. So much important work being done, yet those organizations could never afford to hire you (in most cases.) Your ability to impact those around you is limitless, yet it is rarely hardwired into the leader expectations in the organizations where we work.
Why is that?
Is it the never-ending pressure to meet goals, hit a new 'important number', meet yet another deadline, and deliver on expectations; or, is it simply that most organizations don't care?
Perhaps that's a bit inflammatory...well...I've worked in organizations where community commitment was never discussed.
I want to be part of an organization that believes the impact we can have on the community is just as important as the one we have in the office, patient's room, or Board room.
Imagine what it would feel like to be part of that corporate culture.
Now that is something to get fired up about! How are you going to make that happen in your world?
Thanks for being here.
Jay
Getting to the point today about culture.
Know your business and how it makes money regardless of tax status. How can you explain the reasoning behind some of the most difficult decisions if you don't fully understand how your organization generates revenue?
Know your people that do the work and how they feel about doing it. You need to build real connections with people and implement sophisticated listening systems to fully understand your risks, vulnerabilities and employee sentiment.
Live the culture that is posted on the wall and is discussed at orientation. Talk is cheaper than ever. Everyone is watching your behavior, make sure it reflects your organization's mission, vision and values.
Support the team you lead in actions, not just words. Show your team that you value them by giving as much control away as you possibly can.
You can't build a world-class culture if HR is not willing to lead every step of the way. It is simply impossible.
So, who's willing to be vulnerable, take risks, and show every member of the organization that they matter just as much as you believe you do?
Thanks for being here.
Jay
Is it me, or are we suddenly moving at light speed?
Work life is at full throttle with AI, M&A, TA, and a whole host of other abbreviations. Our personal lives seem to be moving faster too. Maybe that is just me lately?
So how do we somehow find a moment to reflect on what is happening around us, and sometimes to us, and maintain a level of balance that not only allows each of us to navigate our personal storms, but to enjoy the journey we're on?
I wish I had an easy answer.
Perhaps it is the intentional act of scheduling time?
Or, maybe it's just a momentary pause during a difficult moment?
A quick walk or coffee stop might help.
Meditation or prayer can be significant sources of peace in the storms of life.
Or it might just be that we need to stop worrying about 'solving' this challenge; and instead, keep it top of mind and tackle it in different ways at different times?
No easy answers. But if we ignore the pressure, we risk life burning us up unnecessarily.
Thanks for being here.
Jay
Crazy busy.
We're just so busy.
Life's been busy.
Never been busier.
I can't get caught up because I'm busier than ever.
Wait a second!
There has been plenty written about busyness and its negative effect on us all. Yet, you and I hear that same old 'busy list' every week.
I find that the posts describing the 'right' self-care, inspirational messages, and leadership effectiveness quotes often tell us things we know we should be doing, but we still find ourselves trapped in an endless cycle of never actually changing our behavior.
Maybe you feel that way too?
A quick story:
Many years ago I was exploring getting my PhD with my Health System CEO who had his doctorate. His primary point for me was that a PhD was usually a personal achievement, and if that was what I was after I should go for it. However, if I wanted to actually improve my effectiveness in the organization I should instead schedule two hours of thinking time each week (yes, put it on my calendar.)
He said the pace of our work lives never actually give us much time to think things through (oh the busyness!)...instead...we're constantly hustling from one meeting to the next without ever really examining all of our options to be the best.
I scheduled the time on my calendar, and quickly dropped the PhD plan.
How do you slow down and simply think once in a while?
Thanks for being here.
Jay
Do your colleagues know you are there for them in times of personal or professional crisis beyond the standard line “if you need anything, feel free to reach out?"
Crisis. That's a high impact word.
When our colleagues are truly facing a crisis our real values rise to the surface. Shifting our focus to support them and taking action instead of simply offering is something that not only makes a difference for them, it also demonstrates real-time leadership to the rest of the team.
While we can rarely 'solve' our colleague's crisis moments...we can always be considered a valuable and kind people leader...and that's a pretty good position to be in.
Please know that if you ever find yourself in a tight spot, I am available 24/7 for you.
Thanks for being here.
Jay
I've seen too many leaders believe they are putting on a politically correct public face, and yet behave poorly behind closed doors. Why does this behavior persist? I'm not sure who they believe they are fooling but it never works.
Employees are smart.
Employees see through thinly disguised compassion.
It's a shame, actually. Good intentions end up wasted on a compulsion for control, constantly being in-the-know, and generally convincing themselves that without them everything would fall apart.
Everything? Really?
Um, no.
So how do we support those who have lost their way and are caught up in their own echo chamber of leadership destiny?
Neither one of these options sound reasonable to me. Remember, we're talking about two-faced leaders...that means they do have redeeming qualities in one of their 'faces'...we just need to tap into that 'good side!'
Here are my three keys to addressing the behavior in a direct, non-emotional or judgmental way.
1. Meet privately and tell them you need them to allow you the grace to share some feedback, and that you in turn will demonstrate the same grace for them to react.
2. Give them examples of their strengths, and how you have specifically witnessed the behavior that is concerning and its impact on others in the organization.
3. Offer to serve as a sounding board for them going forward so they do not feel as if they've been accused and abandoned; but rather, have a colleague who is truly interested in helping them improve their leadership style.
What do you think? Can the two-faced leader be helped...or am I once again being too positive?
Thanks for being here.
Jay
