Leading Forward

Leveraging generational differences in the workplace provides one of the biggest opportunities for companies to differentiate themselves yet most don’t understand how to capitalize on this organizational strength.  Organizational success lies not in getting everyone to play the same song but instead in getting everyone to bring his or her individual sound, their gifts and talents, to the team to create the greatest melody, unique competitive plan for organizational success. 

The ability to collaborate and communicate with peers, thought leaders, emerging leaders, social networks, etc... on a regular basis has become more important for developing effective leadership skills.  Connected leaders know that they already have access to people, information and thinking that if used, will challenge and stretch them as leaders and, in the process, provide them with leadership development opportunities.

One of the most important messages to take from this article can be summed up in one word, "habit".  Being a high performer is not about doing what it takes to be successful some of the time, it's about doing what it takes to be successful all the time.

This article is right on target when it comes to understanding the importance of communicating a vision as a leader to enable others to see the outcome you want them to achieve.  I’ve actually used Legos to teach my leadership teams this lesson.   Splitting the team up into small groups of 2 - 3 leaders each, I gave each group the same set of Legos but minus the box and any instructions.  I then asked each group to build what they think they should with their set of Legos.  As you can imagine, even though each group had the exact same set of Legos, without the picture on the box and the set of instructions, each group built a totally different structure in the end.  Next, I handed each group the box with the picture of what the Legos put together should look like with the instructions, and this time each group was able to complete the task of building the exact same structure.  This was a great way to illustrate to my leadership teams that without a clear vision of where you are going and a plan to get there, even though you may have very capable and well-intended employees, your chances of getting everyone to the same place for business success may be “slim to none”.   

It’s not easy leading during uncertain times but it’s necessary for success.  Leading forward during uncertain times means staying visibly engaged with your organization, never feeding them “fluff” but instead giving them the “stuff” they need to carry on.  It’s about creating a sense of hope and optimism in the hearts of your employees to enable them to persevere through the highs and lows of uncertainty. 

What a great infographics, giving us a visual peek into the leadership mind of some of the top CEOs in business today. I am especially pleased to see that 59% of CEOs characterize their leadership style as "Visionary" where seeing the big picture and inspiring others is most important to them.  It reminds me of one of my favorite verses "without a vision the people perish" and why as a leader I too believe and recognize that one of the most important jobs I have as leader is to stay open to new information and seek to see things in ways that most others are not yet able to perceive them.  To see tomorrow based on an understanding of the past and the present while dreaming and imagining the possibilities of a different more prosperous future.  To find delight, as a leader in the opportunity to envision and create new models of what could be while leading and inspiring others to move down the path towards a better future.   

Spending time with yourself can be one of the most valuable gifts you give to yourself.  In today's world, having the chance to carve out "think time" has not only become a rarity for most but non-existent for many.  Realizing that nothing new, innovative, or cutting edge has ever been created without someone first taking the time to "think it out" should be enough to motivate us all to want to be an "introvert" some of the time. 

A vision can be defined as something that is not yet perceivable by most. When a leader shares his or her vision with others, they invite them to see what they see to enable them to join them on the journey to a new place. They let people know that they matter.

I watched the live TV broadcast of Nik Wallenda walking across the Little Colorado River Gorge.  What an amazing feat.  One thing he mentioned after he completed the walk was he really hadn't anticipated how strong the winds would be nor the amount of swaying in the cable as he walked the wire. He actually stopped along the walk and crouched down, twice, due to the swaying of the cable and the strength of the wind.  "It took every bit of me to stay focused that entire time," Wallenda said.  

What a great message and example of the strength of a leader.    When challenges come that can knock you off track, potentially keeping you from achieving your goals, don’t hesitate to stop, think and regain your focus.  For it is in those moments, when you are able to refocus and regain your foothold, that you demonstrate unwavering leadership and the spirit to win no matter what challenges you encounter along the way.

The ability to create an environment that puts employees in a "meaningful state of mine" is the mark of a great leader. 

The brain is one of the most important muscles a leader uses.  That's why I am very passionate about the importance of engaging in the right behaviors and activities that provide the opportunity to continually improve brain functioning all through life.  Great article that provides a quick and  easy way to start today, improving the health and functioning of your brain through exercising and planning ahead what you eat to be healthy.  

In reading this article I am reminded that it is also important to remember that there can be no empowerment without trust.  As leaders we must first trust that people will make the best decisions, take the appropriate actions and focus their energies on accomplishing the goal at hand which leads to an empowered and purposeful organization.  Empowerment and trust go hand in hand as the winning combination for creating a culture of excellence.

Great article on how our digital world is changing the role of a leader from one who predicts the future to one who provokes in others new insights to what the future can hold.  I especially love the insight provided that states companies that find themselves behind in the game compared to their competitors are actually at an advantage because they are in a much better position to "leapfrog" over the competition.  I've always believed that if you can stand on the shoulders of others that have already been there and/or done that you are in a much better place to innovate and ultimately create something new.

As a leader, I have always loved the verse “where there is no vision the people perish” and believe it speaks to a fundamental requirement for being a great visionary leader.  The leader, who has and speaks positively about a vision of what can be, gives hope and inspiration to others who cannot yet perceive that which is possible.  It is through the sharing of a positive vision that leaders enable employees to do what they previously thought was impossible. 

Engaged leaders know that the surest road to business success always goes through the hearts, minds and spirits of those that they lead.  By acknowledging and engaging with the people around them from the inside out, engaged leaders create a strong sense of community and common purpose, which is necessary when inspiring others to achieve a shared goal.

The pursuit of greatness as a leader is not about what you get as a leader but more about what you give as a leader.  Leaders are leaders because of the "seeds of greatness" that reside within them.  As a leader, your seeds of greatness consist of your talents, your time, your thoughts, your heart, your caring, your sharing, your love, your passion, your vision, etc... It is all the things you have to give from within you as a leader to enable those you have the honor to lead to be successful.  What leadership seeds of greatness are you freely offering and giving to those you lead today?

The act of leading from the heart with love is core to being a great leader.  It is about caring enough to have other people's best interest at heart.  It not only inspires trust and honesty but also facilitates open-mindedness and communications. All which contribute and lead to business success.  

As leaders it is important that we recognize and encourage the heart in those we lead. We must also be role models willing to set the example in our actions and with our words. We must lead by always keeping our people's best interest at heart.

How would you respond if you were asked to list your top-10 values? How easy or difficult would it be for you to demonstrate how impactful your values are in the way you lead/

Great leaders understand the true meaning of humility.  They are confident, never feeling the need to "impress" others.  They embrace every opportunity to shift the focus away from themselves seeking instead every chance to recognize the contributions of others.

Could it be this easy?  When you're feeling a little "stressed out" during your busy day just S.T.O.P. - Stop what you're doing for a minute - Take a few deep breaths - Observe how you are experiencing the moment - Proceed in a way that serves you best in that moment.  Great way to stay mindful when feeling stressed during the day. 

As partners in business, it is always better to ask than to just assume you know what each other desires or prefers when making major decisions.  After all, that's why it's called a "partnership", in which two or more are willingly travel the journey together.