During the past few months, I have been "up in the air" almost every other week. I've been in airports, on airplanes and interacting with fellow airline passengers and airline employees due to business and personal travel. It's amazing what being "up in the air" teaches me about life and leadership. Rather than tuning out familiar phrases I heard on a recent flight, I wrote them down.
1) There are rear and window exits, during an emergency, lights will illuminate to show you the way out.
There can be many solutions to a problem but usually one or two good answers will rise to the top. Don't over-analyze people, processes or plans. Sometimes the answers are simple. When the lights illuminate let go and let God.
2) Fasten your seatbelt...especially during take-off and landing.
Take-off and landing are calculated risks. So plan and prepare for emergencies by doing your part. Just buckle your seatbelt tight and low. Things sometimes go wrong, the unexpected may happen. There's no need to panic if the take-off or landing is a little bumpy. Believe that you are buckled in and ready for turbulence should it occur. Once you're airborne, trust and enjoy the journey.
3) In case of a water landing, use the seat cushion. It's a flotation device.
Many times the resources we need are already around us, we just have to know where to look and understand how to use them. Make sure you have a strong support system. Don't be afraid to ask others for help when you need it. Talk out solutions with a few trusted advisors or a mentor. If you remain without the answers or clarity, maybe you just need to float awhile by giving it to God. Don't let pride or ego get in the way. Go ahead float awhile.
4) Put on your own oxygen mask before trying to help others.
Exercise, rest, eat right and be present. It's tough to lead when your body is tired, you have poor eating habits and your mind is overloaded. If you do not take care of your body, it is difficult, if not impossible for you to have a meaninigful impact in your work or in someone else's life. Balance your drive and intensity with self-care. Practice self-care relentlessly. Just move your body daily and breathe intentionally.
5) Be careful when opening the overhead bin. Items placed in the overhead bin may have shifted during flight.
During the journey, change happens. People change. Situations shift. Our responsibilities and priorities change or may be changed by others around us. When things tumble out from the overhead bin, remain calm, use discernment and catch them. Sometimes a good bump on the head wakes us up.
6) You never know who will sit next to you on the flight.
Whether it's people on your team or life circumstances, you cannot control what goes on around you but you can control how you react to it. Don't judge people by external characteristics such as attire or ethnicity. God puts us in certain situations for a reason, we may not always understand the reason. Make every effort to learn all you can from the individual or the situation.
Stephen Covey says, "Every human being has four endowments: self awareness, conscience, independent will and creative imagination." I hope you use them all in your travels through life. How do these familiar phrases apply to you? Do you have others to share? I'd love your comments below...
Showing posts with label Authentic Leadership Series. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Authentic Leadership Series. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Friday, May 7, 2010
5 Traits of Authentic Leaders
Throughout my career, I have been in roles where I've been asked to implement change and lead teams of people who don't report to me on the organizational chart. I've had to create, motivate and implement plans without having the direct power to hold individuals accountable for the lack of measurable results or for resisting change that would benefit the organizational mission. From financial services to academia, implementing change is not easy and requires an authentic style of leadership. Being able to motivate is important, but the ability to affect change and see measurable results without the power a title sometimes holds requires clarity, alignment and inspiration.
The authentic leader finds a way to connect the mission, vision and project to the hearts and minds of individuals at every level in the organization. In corporations and academic institutions, I believe people are starving for authentic leaders. I've given some thought to the top five traits of authentic leaders that I've observed and seek to model:
1) Dream big dreams. Authentic leaders are typically visionaries. They see beyond the current predicament or situation. They believe that greater things have yet to be done and positive change is possible through hard work. They are realistic enough to see data, cultures and behaviors as influencers, but these are not roadblocks. They have hope for a the future and try to inspire that hope in others. They seek to methodically implement positive change with a view toward what is possible using data, strategic plannign and calculated risk taking.
2) Have strong values. Authentic leaders tend to demonstrate high moral character, integrity and belief in something greater than themselves. The authentic leader's core values are mainly seen, and sometimes heard. They are noble, trustworthy, fair and compassionate in decision-making. They may have motivational sayings or quotes displayed in their office. The authentic leader may attend church regularly or is part of a strong faith /spiritual community.
3) Seek to improve self first. An authentic leader knows they have weaknesses. They may read books on leadership or attend workshops for continuous learning in their area of expertise. They tend to work hard but exercise and try to make time to take care of themselves. They rest when they are tired and encourage others to do the same. They try to eat right, maintain a healthy appearance and connect to a strong support system. They recognize they are not perfect but accept it as an opportunity to grow.
4) Show courage. Being an authentic leader requires courage. Sometimes the authentic leader must speak the truth in a change resistant environment. They are often good communicators and presenters. The authentic leader knows how to address problems through honest, direct, consistent communication. They are not hurtful, just honest. And not everyone is ready for that, so the authentic leader may not be the most popular or well-liked, but they speak their truth in love anyway. The authentic leader even has colleagues or mentors who don't always agree with them but will encourage the disagreement and healthy resolution to it. The authentic leader will always try do what is right, even when it is unpopular.
5) Seek to leave a legacy. The authentic leader sees their work as bigger than themselves. Their work may be viewed as a calling rather than a just a career. They want to touch lives of people they haven't met. They want to leave a place better than they found it. They embrace changing times and trends but hold on to enduring core values. Authentic leaders have no doubt that they want others want to catch the spark and light the flame for years to come. They want the future to be more streamlined, simplified but always better for the next generation.
Emily Dickinson describes the authentic leader best:I dwell in possibility, a fairer house than prose. More numerous of windows, superior for doors. Of chambers as the cedars, impregnable of eye. And for an everlasting roof, the gambrels of the sky. Of visitors the fairest. For occupation this: the spreading wide my narrow hands to gather paradise.
Finally, Kierkegaard, describes the passion of the authentic leader:
If I were to wish for anything I should not wish for wealth and power, but for passionate sense of what can be, for the eye which ever young and ardent, sees the possible. Pleasure disappoints, possibility never. And what wine is so sparkling, what so fragrant, what so intoxicating...as possibility?
Do you know an authentic leader? What traits have you observed in an authentic leader? Leave your comments below...
The authentic leader finds a way to connect the mission, vision and project to the hearts and minds of individuals at every level in the organization. In corporations and academic institutions, I believe people are starving for authentic leaders. I've given some thought to the top five traits of authentic leaders that I've observed and seek to model:
1) Dream big dreams. Authentic leaders are typically visionaries. They see beyond the current predicament or situation. They believe that greater things have yet to be done and positive change is possible through hard work. They are realistic enough to see data, cultures and behaviors as influencers, but these are not roadblocks. They have hope for a the future and try to inspire that hope in others. They seek to methodically implement positive change with a view toward what is possible using data, strategic plannign and calculated risk taking.
2) Have strong values. Authentic leaders tend to demonstrate high moral character, integrity and belief in something greater than themselves. The authentic leader's core values are mainly seen, and sometimes heard. They are noble, trustworthy, fair and compassionate in decision-making. They may have motivational sayings or quotes displayed in their office. The authentic leader may attend church regularly or is part of a strong faith /spiritual community.
3) Seek to improve self first. An authentic leader knows they have weaknesses. They may read books on leadership or attend workshops for continuous learning in their area of expertise. They tend to work hard but exercise and try to make time to take care of themselves. They rest when they are tired and encourage others to do the same. They try to eat right, maintain a healthy appearance and connect to a strong support system. They recognize they are not perfect but accept it as an opportunity to grow.
4) Show courage. Being an authentic leader requires courage. Sometimes the authentic leader must speak the truth in a change resistant environment. They are often good communicators and presenters. The authentic leader knows how to address problems through honest, direct, consistent communication. They are not hurtful, just honest. And not everyone is ready for that, so the authentic leader may not be the most popular or well-liked, but they speak their truth in love anyway. The authentic leader even has colleagues or mentors who don't always agree with them but will encourage the disagreement and healthy resolution to it. The authentic leader will always try do what is right, even when it is unpopular.
5) Seek to leave a legacy. The authentic leader sees their work as bigger than themselves. Their work may be viewed as a calling rather than a just a career. They want to touch lives of people they haven't met. They want to leave a place better than they found it. They embrace changing times and trends but hold on to enduring core values. Authentic leaders have no doubt that they want others want to catch the spark and light the flame for years to come. They want the future to be more streamlined, simplified but always better for the next generation.
Emily Dickinson describes the authentic leader best:I dwell in possibility, a fairer house than prose. More numerous of windows, superior for doors. Of chambers as the cedars, impregnable of eye. And for an everlasting roof, the gambrels of the sky. Of visitors the fairest. For occupation this: the spreading wide my narrow hands to gather paradise.
Finally, Kierkegaard, describes the passion of the authentic leader:
If I were to wish for anything I should not wish for wealth and power, but for passionate sense of what can be, for the eye which ever young and ardent, sees the possible. Pleasure disappoints, possibility never. And what wine is so sparkling, what so fragrant, what so intoxicating...as possibility?
Do you know an authentic leader? What traits have you observed in an authentic leader? Leave your comments below...
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
3E's to keep it simple at work
Whether you work in a small non-profit or a large complex corporation most organizations can benefit from increasing simplicity. Keep in mind, simplicity is not equal to slow, boring or easy. Most leaders want to find ways to simplify their processes and day-to-day tasks so they can do more, faster, better and cheaper. If you are seeking to simplify your organization or work, try my 3E philosophy:
Excellence. Work within your team and across the organization to identify improvement opportunities. Be sure the improvements align with the mission, vision and goals of your organization. Work with others to deliver the critical services and complete assignments on time and within budget. Excellence also involves looking for ways to innovate. Create and deliver innovative solutions to old problems. Look for alignments. Seek to eliminate duplicative processes. Try to avoid doing things the same way every time. Templates are typically the the enemy of innovation. Ask good questions about why things are done a certain way. Anthony Jay puts it this way, "The uncreative mind can spot wrong answers but it takes a very creative mind to spot wrong questions."
Efficiency. Learn to manage your time wisely. What deadlines are looming? Who can help? What is expected? Does someone need what you have to get their job done? Do you need what someone else has to get your job done? Have you communicated to customers, peers and your boss in a timely manner? Honest, open vertical and lateral communication is critical to completing tasks efficiently. Use the ideas, thoughts and talents of everyone on your team to solve problems, complete tasks and increase efficiencies. Even if you are assigned to lead a task, you need to use the talents of others to help you get your work done in a timmely manner. Talk about projects and successes in terms of "we", rather than "I." My favorite cliche' from old school management? Teamwork makes the dream work!
Encouragement. Be sure to take the time to verbally compliment and encourage others within your team or in another area of your organization. Whether you are the boss or a team member, someone needs to hear a sincere "thank you" or "good job" for their efforts. Maintain and build trust with your team and your boss, how? Avoid being defensive and try to understand where the other person is coming from even if you don't enjoy their behavior or your interactions with them. You speak volumes about yourself based on how you handle questions about your work or mistakes you've made. Take the focus off of yourself and encourage someone else.
Finally simplicity and peace at work is up to you. Your attitude and outlook always matters. The great Zig Ziglar reminds us,"The most influential person who will talk to you all day is you, so you should be very careful what you say to you!" Keep it positive. Keep it creative. Keep it moving. Then you can, keep it simple.
Excellence. Work within your team and across the organization to identify improvement opportunities. Be sure the improvements align with the mission, vision and goals of your organization. Work with others to deliver the critical services and complete assignments on time and within budget. Excellence also involves looking for ways to innovate. Create and deliver innovative solutions to old problems. Look for alignments. Seek to eliminate duplicative processes. Try to avoid doing things the same way every time. Templates are typically the the enemy of innovation. Ask good questions about why things are done a certain way. Anthony Jay puts it this way, "The uncreative mind can spot wrong answers but it takes a very creative mind to spot wrong questions."
Efficiency. Learn to manage your time wisely. What deadlines are looming? Who can help? What is expected? Does someone need what you have to get their job done? Do you need what someone else has to get your job done? Have you communicated to customers, peers and your boss in a timely manner? Honest, open vertical and lateral communication is critical to completing tasks efficiently. Use the ideas, thoughts and talents of everyone on your team to solve problems, complete tasks and increase efficiencies. Even if you are assigned to lead a task, you need to use the talents of others to help you get your work done in a timmely manner. Talk about projects and successes in terms of "we", rather than "I." My favorite cliche' from old school management? Teamwork makes the dream work!
Encouragement. Be sure to take the time to verbally compliment and encourage others within your team or in another area of your organization. Whether you are the boss or a team member, someone needs to hear a sincere "thank you" or "good job" for their efforts. Maintain and build trust with your team and your boss, how? Avoid being defensive and try to understand where the other person is coming from even if you don't enjoy their behavior or your interactions with them. You speak volumes about yourself based on how you handle questions about your work or mistakes you've made. Take the focus off of yourself and encourage someone else.
Finally simplicity and peace at work is up to you. Your attitude and outlook always matters. The great Zig Ziglar reminds us,"The most influential person who will talk to you all day is you, so you should be very careful what you say to you!" Keep it positive. Keep it creative. Keep it moving. Then you can, keep it simple.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Too many things to do at work? 3 tips to try to make it better
During the month of January we find ourselves excited about goals or resolutions we've set. We typically start the new year with determination, hope and a long list of things to do. There's anticipation in the air for change and making the current year better. But what's that I smell? It's pungent, acidic and burns my nose if I breathe it in too deeply. It is the scent of anxiety.
While making resolutions and setting goals are positive, they can also be a source of anxiety for many. If you are a leader, it is important that you understand this phenomenon. Be sensitive to what others may be experiencing during this post holiday time of year. If you are a high performer, there are a few self management techniques you'll want to try to lessen that unspoken workplace anxiety:
1) Ruthlessly prioritize.
Work smarter not harder, become very strict in your approach to time management; Ask yourself where am I spending the majority of my time? If it's not on the highest priorities of your job, redirect your energy to the highest priorities. If you are unsure of where your priorities should be, ask your boss. Do your part: Cut out unnecessary phone calls, conversations and deliver on what is expected. Better yet, you can more easily exceed expectations when your focus is laser-like. Don't forget to make yourself a priroity. Take care of your body. It is the only one you'll ever have on Earth. If you have resolved to exercise more this year, do it. Researchers continue to tell us that exercise is the number one stress reducer and defense against premature aging.
2) Eliminate time wasters.
Stop working on projects and initiatives that are going nowhere. Ask yourself, which activities or projects are the biggest drains on energy with the least return? Which initiatives continue and clearly have no chance of being successful? Can I make a valid case to propose to my boss that we discontinue some tasks? Examine yourself and be honest. Are you truly spending time on work, or are you checking Facebook or Twitter? Are you having problems meeting deadlines due to too many uneccessary texts or phone conversations with family and friends during your day? If so, its not your workload, it's your work mode!
3) Ask for help.
Be sure to ask for help. Not by whining or complaining. Not by being passive-aggressive. But directly apporach your boss and ask if there is anything that can be taken off your plate. If the task is large, find out if there are others who can assist you in completing smaller elements of the task. If you are unsure of how to complete a task or what resources are available to you, ask. Avoid becoming paralyzed by the amount of work in front of you. It may be difficult if you are a high performer, but it is better to ask for help or discuss reasons why an unnecessary task needs to be eliminated. True leaders will listen and attempt to be reasonable. If you work in a very high pressure, demanding environment, it is important that you know that you are doing your very best everyday.
If after trying these techniques you still feel overwhelmed, it may be time to ask yourself a few other questions: Do I still find joy and passion in my work--even when things are busy or stressful? Can I maintain this pace without negatively affecting my health and family? Do I have a good support system or mentors? Am I willing to start networking to see what other opportunities I need to consider(yes, even in this economy)? If I have have to remain, are there other healthy/positive/relaxing activities I can do to remove my focus from workplace pressures?
Perhaps its my age, perhaps its having been in too many workplaces where high performers tried to deliver and ended up losing their health, confidence, passion and joy for their work or their organization.
There will always be stressful times in the workplace. There will always be a time when deadline pressures are placed upon you. That's to be expected AND accepted. But one thing I know for sure (thanks O) is that life is too short to remain in a negative, non-nurturing work environment.
You can be a high performer, an authentic leader and a joyful human being...mmm...now what's that I smell? Ahhh, yes. The scent of being content and peace while still performing at a high level. Kinda reminds or soft lavender. Try these tips and let me know how it goes as you breathe in the sweet scent of blessings in the New Year!
While making resolutions and setting goals are positive, they can also be a source of anxiety for many. If you are a leader, it is important that you understand this phenomenon. Be sensitive to what others may be experiencing during this post holiday time of year. If you are a high performer, there are a few self management techniques you'll want to try to lessen that unspoken workplace anxiety:
1) Ruthlessly prioritize.
Work smarter not harder, become very strict in your approach to time management; Ask yourself where am I spending the majority of my time? If it's not on the highest priorities of your job, redirect your energy to the highest priorities. If you are unsure of where your priorities should be, ask your boss. Do your part: Cut out unnecessary phone calls, conversations and deliver on what is expected. Better yet, you can more easily exceed expectations when your focus is laser-like. Don't forget to make yourself a priroity. Take care of your body. It is the only one you'll ever have on Earth. If you have resolved to exercise more this year, do it. Researchers continue to tell us that exercise is the number one stress reducer and defense against premature aging.
2) Eliminate time wasters.
Stop working on projects and initiatives that are going nowhere. Ask yourself, which activities or projects are the biggest drains on energy with the least return? Which initiatives continue and clearly have no chance of being successful? Can I make a valid case to propose to my boss that we discontinue some tasks? Examine yourself and be honest. Are you truly spending time on work, or are you checking Facebook or Twitter? Are you having problems meeting deadlines due to too many uneccessary texts or phone conversations with family and friends during your day? If so, its not your workload, it's your work mode!
3) Ask for help.
Be sure to ask for help. Not by whining or complaining. Not by being passive-aggressive. But directly apporach your boss and ask if there is anything that can be taken off your plate. If the task is large, find out if there are others who can assist you in completing smaller elements of the task. If you are unsure of how to complete a task or what resources are available to you, ask. Avoid becoming paralyzed by the amount of work in front of you. It may be difficult if you are a high performer, but it is better to ask for help or discuss reasons why an unnecessary task needs to be eliminated. True leaders will listen and attempt to be reasonable. If you work in a very high pressure, demanding environment, it is important that you know that you are doing your very best everyday.
If after trying these techniques you still feel overwhelmed, it may be time to ask yourself a few other questions: Do I still find joy and passion in my work--even when things are busy or stressful? Can I maintain this pace without negatively affecting my health and family? Do I have a good support system or mentors? Am I willing to start networking to see what other opportunities I need to consider(yes, even in this economy)? If I have have to remain, are there other healthy/positive/relaxing activities I can do to remove my focus from workplace pressures?
Perhaps its my age, perhaps its having been in too many workplaces where high performers tried to deliver and ended up losing their health, confidence, passion and joy for their work or their organization.
There will always be stressful times in the workplace. There will always be a time when deadline pressures are placed upon you. That's to be expected AND accepted. But one thing I know for sure (thanks O) is that life is too short to remain in a negative, non-nurturing work environment.
You can be a high performer, an authentic leader and a joyful human being...mmm...now what's that I smell? Ahhh, yes. The scent of being content and peace while still performing at a high level. Kinda reminds or soft lavender. Try these tips and let me know how it goes as you breathe in the sweet scent of blessings in the New Year!
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