mediocrity

May 23 2012

Great leaders serve

I was recently reminded of an experience with an executive of a large organization who was faced with a challenging decision – a decision that eventually cost the organization a lot of money.

This post is part of the series – What Ever Happened to Personal Responsibility?
Would You Return to Your Organization?
If You’re Not Growing, You’re Dying…Really?
Leaders are the Most Creative People on the Planet
Great Leaders Serve
Is Fear Taking Over?

During discussions about the decision the executive made this revealing off-the-cuff statement – My goal is to survive a presidency.

These few words uttered in a moment of vulnerability informed the entire group that he was most interested in self-preservation.

May 04 2012

If you’re not growing, you’re dying…really?

You’ve heard it a hundred times – if you’re not growing, you’re dying. And if this statement ever was true, it is simply no longer reality. Life IS about growth, but it’s not ALL about growth.

I’m passionate about growth. I’ve written much about planning, vision, and growth. For much of my life, anything that isn’t growing I considered failure…until few weeks ago.

Apr 02 2012

That Was Awkward – Leading

This post is part of the series – That Was Awkward
That Was Awkward – Decision-Making
That Was Awkward – Leading

Our culture is all about image. Many employees value recognition and affirmation. Others are content to “fly under the radar” to avoid any chance of negative attention from a supervisor.

And this approach is quite logical for some…

…unless you want to lead.

At the very core of leadership is change – after all, what are you leading people to do? To be?

Mar 30 2012

That Was Awkward – Decision-Making

This post is part of the series – That Was Awkward
That Was Awkward – Decision-Making
That Was Awkward – Leading

If you’re ever going to accomplish anything worthwhile, you’ll have to be willing to feel awkward. What you’re doing will seem foolish at times – to yourself and to others. The truth is – you’re never going to be more than 80% sure. So the awkward feeling is natural.

You might as well go ahead and decide. Don’t put it off any longer. Make the decision.

Great leaders start by clarifying their bold, compelling vision. First for themselves, then together with others. And they don’t expect everyone to get excited about their excitement.

Why? Your intensity often confronts the passivity of others.

Mar 23 2012

Is fear taking over?

You’ll probably have to make some fairly significant decisions today – in your work, with your team, for your boss, at home, financially. It really doesn’t matter who you are or what you do – sooner than later you’re going to have to make a decision, take a stand, or lead the charge.

The thought of challenging the status quo or stepping outside of your comfort zone can be paralyzing. And, it’s usually because of fear.