I Don't Feel...Anything

Something is different. You're not quite sure what it is, but things aren't what they used to be when you sit down at your desk. You just don't feel anything...the drive, the passion, the 'I'm-all-fired-up-to-make-a-difference' energy that was once part of your style. It seems like you're following the same patterns, connect with the same people, and tackle the same issues as if they were the seasons of the year circling back again.

Wait a minute...

Same routine...again?

Routines Are Good

I have to admit I rely heavily on my routines. It's as if I put myself on autopilot, particularly when I'm getting ready for work, flowing through my day, or even doing my workouts. I know what to do, which helps me avoid making mistakes, forgetting things, or doing anything that will disrupt my life.

Routines often bring confidence, play to our strengths, and keep us securely in our comfort zones. For the most part, that is a pretty good way to think about routines. 

Routines Are Brutal

Here's the problem...routines are lethal.  Not in a sniper-like attack sort of way; but rather, a slow insidious erosion sort of way. We become complacent in our "normal flow." 

We allow complacency to replace our drive to be the best. (Being the best takes extra effort, right?) The negative talk that creeps into our conversations is a product of routine and complacency. 

Yes, routines can be brutal.

New Routines Are Glorious

So how do we transition out of the rut of "bad" routines and get ourselves and our career back on track? Simple...

Commit to changing.

It will take hard work to change your routine. So what? 

It will force you to do new things that you're not ready for. So what?

It will make you nervous and you'll make a mistake or two. So what?

You don't really want to be the long-term cynical employee that everyone smirks about behind your back, do you?

How About You

What's it going to be? Are you going to force yourself, as painful as that sounds, to modify part of your safe routine to be a real leader? Or, is just easier to be the source of the water cooler jokes from the ones who will be leading the way for your company in the future?

 

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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The Whole World Turned Away

"The day your team members stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them. They have either lost confidence that you can help them or concluded that you do not care. Either case is a failure of leadership."
- Colin Powell

Being part of a team can be wonderful. The connection between team members, the trust and support of each other, and the knowledge that everyone is working toward the same goal can be an amazing experience.

Changes
What happens when everyone isn't as focused on the team as in the past? What if the appearance of support wasn't as sincere as the team believed? The impact of these changes can not only create divisions within the team, but has the potential to rip the team apart.

How could this happen?

Changes in life are not uncommon, in fact change is the most exciting part of life! Living a routine, same-old-schedule day in and day out would just about kill me. Learning, growing, and maximizing what you can become is the definition of living a full and meaningful life.

So how does all of the goodness that is wrapped up in change, end up pulling the team apart?

Team Agenda vs. Personal Agenda
As leaders...and as team members...we have to ensure that goals and priorities are clear. Every member has to know what is important, why it is important, and what needs to happen to achieve those goals. In the absence of knowledge, people will start filling in their own interpretation of reality. That is a slippery slope.

One of the worst things that can happen to a team is that one member or a small group of members decide that their wishes supersede those of all others. When this happens the team suffers. It is our job as leaders to make sure we keep the team informed, fired up about the future, and fully aware of what needs to happen, even if what needs to happen isn't the most popular option.

No one ever said leadership is easy.

How About You
When your team raises issues and concerns with you the next time, instead of feeling like you have another headache to deal with, be thankful. They are reaching out to you. They feel it is important that you know what is going on so you can do something about it. They believe in you...and that's a pretty special feeling.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



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