Bail and Pray

Sometimes work feels like...well...a lot. Not always bad of course, at times it's full of new projects, challenges, experiences and opportunities. These are exciting moments. Other times can feel like we are a ship that is taking on water and there aren't enough hands to do the bailing.

Stop for a Second
When the pressure is on do you sulk, throw up your arms or feel sorry for yourself? Maybe you feel like throwing in the towel altogether. Those are normal feelings. 

We want to do good work. 
We want to make a difference for our organizations.
We want to feel like we add value.

Don't let go of those feelings. They are the thread that keeps you connected to the real you, regardless of what is happening in your world.

Now, Go
Perhaps you decide to own the day the best way you can...it won't be perfect, but you can modify your expectations with a long-term view.Yeah, that's it. Think beyond these moments. Think farther ahead.

Having to bail and pray for a period of time is not a bad thing. In fact, it demonstrates patience, and an awareness of bigger pieces that are being pulled together but aren't in place quite yet. 

It shows restraint, and professionalism...it shows leadership. Your leadership.

That seems to be a much talked about but rarely seen thing in the world of work.

And then...suddenly the pieces come together. The team is in place. The plan comes together. The momentum picks up.

How About You
Time moves so quickly...why wallow in self-pity, when you can bail out the water and pray today...knowing that tomorrow is going to be fantastic? This is not failure...this is not managing...this is leading when it is needed most.

What do you think?

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

pic

I'm Starving...Pass the Humble Pie

I've been thinking about how I work lately. Thinking about doing a good job...about making a difference...and then making mistakes that bring me back down to earth. It's an odd series of experiences that seem to happen in rapid succession: great work, bold leadership, progressive strategies...and big stumbles that feel awkward at the least, and are downright embarrassing at the worst.

On A Roll

I've been on a bit of a professional roll lately. My leadership team in HR is fully staffed and doing a terrific job. The energy around the work we're doing to support our organization is spreading; and, the early results indicate we're on to something special.

What sometimes happens (to me) in these moments is that I allow myself to get caught up in the daily action of HR. Yes, action in HR! Who do the leaders in our organizations turn to when the employee relations environment gets too complicated to handle? HR, that's who. We jump in to support our colleagues, provide solutions, and help facilitate very difficult communications on a routine basis.

But sometimes things slip by us when we're caught up in the moment. I don't like it when I let things slip.

Eat That Roll

When those failings happen, which I guess (read here --> hope) happens to us all, what should we do next? 

We've all seen people in our careers who try to place blame on someone else, or at the very least attempt to deflect the full accountability for the mistake away from themselves.

I think that's a lame strategy. If I've stumbled, I should say so, and shift my thinking from being "on a roll" to eating a big 'ol slice of humble pie.

Today, I'm feasting. 

How About You

When you stumble do you run and hide? Or, do you hold yourself accountable and make things right? It's not easy, or comfortable, or appetizing. But sometimes it's the best thing on the leadership menu.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

pic 

Polite Disregard

I have some favorite words. Many of my HR colleagues have the same favorites. One that is near the top of my list is accountable. I like it so much I built it into the subtitle of this blog. Recently I've started hearing that perhaps the word accountable is falling out of favor...that it is too negative...and may send a message that isn't positive enough.

What?

Have we become so politically correct that we're not allowed to lead anymore?

I'm Not Giving Up
For the record, I'm sick and tired of how politically correct the world has become. I'm all for supporting people. Anyone who knows me is clear about how positive I am...and they also know how much I despise any form of discrimination...as I've written about here and here and here.

However, the issue of holding people accountable, particularly in the context of gaining the proper alignment to execute on strategy, organizational culture, and good leadership is a non-negotiable item. 

They're Not Listening Anyway
One of the odd behaviors I continue to see in people is that despite repeated direction, communications from the company, and clear examples being demonstrated, some individuals believe they can act out in their own way "because that is just their personality."

Excuse me? Are you serious? No one is going to agree with every single decision their company makes, including me. But does that mean I can "do my own thing" because I feel that my views are the best ones?

Absolutely not!

A key component of effective leadership is supporting the organization's mission, culture, and priorities. I hate to break it to you, but if you have a problem with these things...you're the problem.

Harsh words? Maybe. Honest? Yes.

How About You
What do you do when suddenly holding others accountable is no longer en vogue? Do you allow their polite disregard for your organization's priorities to be tolerated? Or, do you step up, hold them accountable for real, and move your company forward?

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



pic