Michael Nichols | Leadership Made Simple

Leadership Made Simple

purpose

How Taking A Break Affects the Rest of Life

We all know we need to take a break occasionally – to unplug and recharge. (Those two don’t usually go together.) Life and work just get in the way. And before we know it, another month is gone. Another year is gone. Time gets away from us. And we continue pushing ourselves and our teams to the point of burn out.

Several weeks ago, I was leaving town for a week-long vacation with my wife, Sarah, and our 7-year-old daughter, Madison.

On the way out of town, I stopped briefly to meet a client. We spoke for a few minutes, and as I turned to leave, I promised to email some information later that day.

Sitting in the car, Madison overheard my promise and said to her mom as I opened the car door, “Mom, Dad is NOT allowed to send any emails this week!”

It’s interesting that a 7-year-old understands the importance of taking a break when so many leaders struggle with maintaining energy and focus.

BONUS: I’ve created a NEW Guide that will walk you step-by-step through writing your own Personal Life Plan. You can find out how to get a copy of this life-changing tool at the end of this post.

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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?

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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.

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Grow on Purpose

It’s the one piece of advice we all know is true, but don’t necessarily want to hear. If I could say one thing to my generation it would be this – Grow on purpose!

This post is part of the series – Personal Life Planning that Works
Your Life Matters
Grow on Purpose
3 Reasons Everyone Should Have a Personal Life Plan
The #1 Way to Get Better Results with Your Personal Life Plan
3 Personal Life Plan Tips Most People Miss

Over the past few weeks, I’ve received scores of email with questions and comments about self-development and leadership. And the resulting conversations often involve how to improve priority management and make better decisions.

Leaders and team members are looking for solutions to complex challenges in their life and work. And our conversations inevitably lead back to the same solution – grow on purpose.

BONUS: I’ve created a NEW Guide that will walk you step-by-step through writing your own Personal Life Plan. You can get a copy of this life-changing tool at the end of this post.

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Success – When Your Successor Is More Successful Than You

If you’re really honest, you’ve got to admit – you will eventually leave your current job. One way or another – on your own or with help of a supervisor. (Let’s hope it’s the former.)

Whether it’s this year or next year – or five years from now – it’s only a matter of time.

The real question is – HOW will you leave?

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