The Insufferable Hustler

There is a fine line between working hard (the hustle) and promoting yourself as the second coming (the hustler.) We see them all the time across our social media channels. 

One is truly working their version of the hustle, connecting with others, sharing knowledge, and offering to help at every turn. The other feels compelled to remind us how amazing they are...making sure any snippet about their latest post, webinar, or speech is broadcast far and wide for all to "enjoy."

The Hustle
The world of work seems to have changed faster in the last few years than it has in decades. Whether it's our smartphones, apps, social media accounts, live video or an endless demand for relevant content, our world moves fast!

There is something quite interesting about those that are dedicated to the hustle. They don't need to spend all their time promoting themselves. Other people do it for them.

Think about that for a minute. 

When you are working that hard...putting out high quality product...you no longer need to be a human bullhorn. Your network will recognize you for the value you add.

The Hustler
At the other end of the spectrum is the hustler. They are everything that a professional is not. 

Their bios are filled with language about "expertise."
Their work is life-changing (for us!)
Their self-promoting noise level is deafening.

No one respects them. Sadly, they don't even realize.

How About You
What choices have you made about how you present yourself in the digital world? Do you hustle; or, are you a hustler?

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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The Power of Unexamined Thoughts

Meetings are a double-edged sword. They are a powerful tool to bring team members together to think, plan, and ultimately execute on organizational strategy. Yes, meetings are supposed to do that.

But sometimes meetings hit a wall. It could be that the team is losing momentum, it could be they are not able to see the larger vision, or it could be that some members are simply not up to the task at hand.

Whatever the reason, meetings require two important elements to be successful...

Leadership and momentum.

Presence

One of the hallmarks of effective leadership is presence. It's much more than a job title or physical presence in the room. In the meeting context, it is taking charge and driving things forward. Sometimes that requires pushing ideas out to the group that are new.

These 'unexamined thoughts' are not brainstorming; rather, they are an example of the leader keeping the reality of where the team needs to be front and center. The best leaders use this approach in a way that reconnects the group to a global vision aligned with where the organization is headed, not just to the task-at-hand-focus of the people in the room.

That is leadership presence.

 

Results

The true power of unexamined thoughts comes in the output of the work. Driving change through a stalled meeting is one thing, developing great work product as a result is entirely different. 

Without leadership intervention to maintain the momentum of the group...sometimes moving past where the group is able to go as a team...is necessary to achieve the ultimate goal of great work.

Just so we're clear, the best leaders know that the only thing that ultimately matters is great work product.

How About You

Do you use unexamined thoughts when the teams you're leading start to fade? Or, do you pack it up for the day and ask everyone to "come back with good ideas next time?" I think it's time to step up...push through...and lead the way.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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