Finding Peace

The ever elusive goal of ‘being at peace.’

With so many changes in the world of work (and candidly our post-pandemic personal lives) I’m not quite sure how to define ‘peace’ anymore.

Is it feeling satisfied with your work life?

Perhaps it’s a special location that helps you unwind?

Maybe doing something you love brings you peace?

Could peace be achieved through someone else…your partner, children, friends?

Is it something we must continually pursue and “find?”

It could be just about us?

Does our faith or moral compass equate to our level of being at peace?

I’m not so sure it’s one thing or another. 

I think peace is about…all of these things. Our lives, and certainly our mental health is far more than a sound byte or catchy phrase.

We are complex individuals. Why wouldn’t our experience of peace be equally as complex?

I rather like that perspective actually. It speaks to me being so much more than a clever phrase of inspirational quote.

So perhaps finding peace means we accept that there are many pieces to who we are, and thus our journey will have lots of stops and starts along the way?

What do you think?

Thanks for being here.

Jay

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Into the Fire

Running to problems vs. hiding and hoping you won’t get caught up in a mess is a major differentiator for your leadership brand. And just so we’re all on the same page…literally everyone in your organization knows which way you play it.

I’ve been in a bunch of messes over the years…and that’s because leaders are supposed to be in the middle of the action. We are the ones that have the authority to fix issues. We shouldn’t be concerned about playing it safe and avoid the risk of getting involved and then somehow defaulting into “owning the problem.” 

If there is a problem…it’s every leader’s problem to some degree. For executives, it absolutely is our problem.

That’s how it’s supposed to work, right? An issue comes up and we all rally together to think through it and execute changes that resolve things.

Am I too optimistic here? I hope not. A truly collaborative leadership culture is so powerful. 

For those that believe they are the smartest one in the room, and if everyone would just do what they say all would be right with the world, are actually modern day dinosaurs in today’s world of work.

If it’s all about you…you have failed.

When was the last time you jumped into the fire? It may not be a comfortable feeling, but it will absolutely send your credibility to new heights. Not a bad outcome if you ask me.

Thanks for being here.

Jay

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Is That All?

Life moves fast. One minute you’re a high school senior on top of the world and the next you’re a grandfather, publishing a book, pouring your energy into your job, launching a little side gig, and becoming obsessed with paying it forward.

The lesson here: life will never stop giving you opportunities, regardless of your age or job. Doors are opening all around you. Have you noticed; or, are you too caught up in the mysterious “grind” that everyone complains about?

The grind yields some results.

Your open mind yields greater results.

The support of others will help you achieve mega results.

So, what are you waiting for? What have you always wanted to try but it was either too risky, too far out of your comfort zone, or you were simply afraid that others wouldn’t believe in you.

Well, I believe in you.

I think it’s time for you to get started.

Thanks for being here.

Jay

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Hold Your Tongue

I had an exchange recently with a friend on LinkedIn about leadership, and the clear indications that our future leaders…who are today’s rising stars…will bring a much different view of the workplace. 

The old expectations…

Taking one for the team. 

Falling in line with the corporate message. 

Understanding “how things are done around here.”

You get the point…however, they’re simply not going to buy in to what we’ve all gobbled up over the course of our careers.

And they shouldn’t have to.

Disruption is the future. It’s their future to disrupt, and I for one think it’s terrific. How many of us have lamented how the world of work is today, yet never pushed a single boundary? I’m grateful I’ve done more than my share of pushing…and candidly have been criticized for it as well.

Disruption is going to be how the world of work operates in a massive new way. Let that sink in for a second. Disruptors used to be labeled as a “bad fit for the organization” and were summarily fired. 

Now, they will be in the most senior executive roles challenging all of us to think differently. Are you ready for that? Clinging to old ways will guarantee that you are the one who is a “bad fit for the organization.”

I’m excited to be part of the new wave of leadership that thinks bigger, and differently, and candidly…BETTER!

Who else is ready?

Thanks for being here.

Jay

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New Leaders: To Ask or Not to Ask

New leaders regardless of their age of often fall victim to the perception that asking questions is a sign of weakness and incompetence. I suffered from this same affliction early in my career as well.

While I understand where this thinking comes from, I now know that it is not real. In fact, as I transitioned from middle manager to executive I was always impressed with new leaders that were willing to ask questions. Why? Because it showed me that not only did they want to learn, it also demonstrated their willingness to take the risk of “looking bad” in my eyes so they could be more impactful.

That’s the good stuff.

My message however is not targeted at new leaders to somehow find the courage to ask questions. The pressure is on us, as seasoned leaders to create an environment where these new leaders feel comfortable…perhaps are even required…to ask questions.

Too provocative? Of course not.

What specific steps do you take to create a questioning culture with your new leaders?

Thanks for being here.

Jay

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Is Your Passion for Leadership Quiet Quitting on You?

Has your energy level dropped lately? Do you feel like Mondays are no longer a day that kicks off an exciting new week; but rather, is now just another day? Has that inner drive that propelled you forward for so long somehow disappeared?

I want to help. 

Leadership at any level can be maddening, thrilling, stressful, panic-inducing, and ultimately the most rewarding job on the planet. But sometimes we drift a bit and lose our way. That’s when it’s important to connect with someone who will bring the energy, focus, and support necessary for you to continue to conquer your world.

Sound like a sales pitch? Actually I’m calling out those leaders who are ready to ditch the excuses that they “just don’t feel it anymore” and help them kick their career back into overdrive.

I don’t follow traditional coaching methodologies telling you what type of person you are. I’m pretty sure you know that already. I also don’t want to force fit you into some model that you have to follow.

We’ll have real conversations…challenging ones at times…that will push you forward. We will work on what’s happening in your world today. We’ll address your headaches, help you see new opportunities, and force you to think bigger. 

You can never think big enough! Not today, or tomorrow, or ever. So I’m going to push you.

If that sounds like too much, that’s okay. When you’re ready to take things to the next level I’ll be here. However, if your time is now, let’s connect and figure it out.

I’m ready to go.

Thanks for being here.

Jay

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Downshift

This week is a rarity for me. I’m actually taking some time away. Like you, I have a long list of reasons why I should be working: my regular job is going full speed; my book just came out; my side company just launched; there is more volunteering to do…

And, I’m finally practicing what I’ve been preaching for years. If you don’t rest and recharge you will never be truly effective.

So, as you consider how to spend your time in 2023, my hope is that you will be able to find a few days to allow yourself the opportunity to downshift and reset.

Thanks for being here.

Jay

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