You I Need

I think it's fascinating how some leaders make their lives so difficult. Those same leaders typically make the lives of those around them equally as difficult, yet they can't see how disruptive they are. SMH.

I Need You (in the mirror)
There is a simple reality to getting work done these days in my opinion. You have to do the heavy lifting. Unless you understand what is happening and invest the time to help build work plans, you are not leading. We can talk about delegating work all day long, but I've personally seen many executives fail because they believed they no longer needed to learn anything, and that delegating was actually leading.

Um, no. 

I've had to learn over and over again throughout my career in order to both grow my career and to understand what it actually takes to lead at a high level. (I'm still learning by the way...that's the fun part!) 

Beware the leader that says  they are an expert or have figured it all out. The world is moving so fast, I'm not sure anyone is an expert any longer. 

You may be damn good...but be careful with the self-appointed labels.

What does need to manifest itself however is the inner drive that the best leaders demonstrate each day. They have vision, they build plans, make decisions, and have stopped running scared of the political noise that can dominate an organization but provides zero value.

I Need You (everyone on the team)
Newsflash: real leaders are not individual contributors. Honing your communication skills, understanding that different members of your team need different levels of attention and guidance, and appreciating that without the team's efforts you will fail are all hallmarks of the best of the best.

Let me say it again...you will fail without them. Now, how do you think you should treat your team?

How About You
Trust yourself first. Trust your team second. "You" need them.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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Where Are The Courageous Leaders?

I'm a student of history, particularly leaders in history. One of my favorites is a man named Dietrich Bonhoeffer. He is famous for his opposition to the tyranny of the Nazis during the 1930s and 1940s. Hitler ultimately had him murdered just days before the end of the war.

Dietrich was the ultimate courageous leader.

Corporate Life Today

Fortunately the world is not consumed in a conflict the size and scale of a World War. But sadly, the leaders of today are no match to those courageous leaders either.

Consider this...how many leaders out there are quick to espouse their philosophy on leadership and make sure everyone hears it? It's as if simply talking about it means they are an effective, even idyllic leader. The reality is however that those words mean absolutely nothing if the leader is unwilling to stand tall when the pressure is on.

Do you know leaders who say one thing, but when the pressure builds, instead of making decisions that command respect they quickly cave into political pressure to sidestep their responsibility to lead?

I've seen it all too often, and candidly it is so obvious to everyone watching that the "leader" with all of their fancy philosophies is actually mocked as a fool.

You're A Leader...Now Act Like One 

Executives have a particular responsibility when it comes to leadership. The burden to make the right decisions for the organizations they serve is enormous. (It is important to remember that they serve the organization...they are not the company.) Executives often live in a sheltered world that is less connected to how the operations of an organization in the rapidly changing world are executed.

Those leaders must not get caught in the trap that their "gut instinct" or outdated "personal preferences" dictate policy. Data, an awareness of current market trends, and demonstrated results should drive decision making.

If you have leaders on your team that "just feel strongly" about strategies that have absolutely no basis in data or results, then you have a dangerous and out of touch liability on your team.

How About You

Do you consider yourself a courageous leader? Really? When was the last time you stood up for someone or something when the treacherous political conditions inside your company put you at risk?

I didn't think you could remember when you did. Maybe it's time to stop talking about leadership and do what is right for a change.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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The Most Important Thing

"Someone needs to speak with Steve. His behavior is getting worse in our meetings, and I'm afraid he's going to alienate his colleagues to the point of no return."

"Sharon is not giving us an answer. I think she's unclear about whether or not to commit to the project. Something needs to happen...the whole process has stopped."

"Why does that team struggle with their part of the strategic plan? We need them to get moving so we can all meet our deadlines. This is getting ridiculous." 

"We have a variety of options...we need to make a decision..."

Lots of Things
The world of work is filled with pressure. One day we're learning about a colleague's irrational behavior, and the next we're trying to roll out a new culture change initiative across the enterprise. In between we're juggling deadlines, talent shortages, and how we can lead a new employer branding campaign.

Leaders have lots of things to do.

Focusing On A Few Things
For as much as I love Wunderlist (read here --> could not live without it!) there is a certain reality to how much we can realistically expect to get done each day. 

Somehow I'm able to have a longer list than I have hours in the day, but that doesn't stop me from loading up that app with all sorts of things I need to do.

When I sort through my priorities however, there is a very short list that actually demands my attention. Those are the items I focus on, and then reprioritize the others as best I can.


The Most Important Thing
As I power through the demands, expectations, and stress I feel each day, it is crystal clear to me what the most important thing is that must be done. It isn't a task or related to a major strategic goal. It is something that should happen frequently and with conviction.

I need to make decisions. You do too. 

Waiting for every bit of information to come in means you've missed your opportunity. Showing how indecisive you are actually means your team is losing confidence in you. Leadership is about being bold, driving change and being confident. 

What culture do you create when you live in the dreaded world of analysis-paralysis? I'll tell you...it's a world where no one will follow you. 

How About You
Instead of worrying, over-thinking, and wondering if you might make the wrong decision; try this instead --> do something! Show your colleagues, employees, and customers why you are the leader. That won't happen if you're hiding...it will happen when you stand up and make it happen!

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



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