If the name of the game is influence. . .if the object is to make an impact. . .then we really have to think about how we get there.
If we alienate individuals, or entire groups of people with our actions and words. . .there are less people around us. We get smaller.
If we believe that by "yelling louder" we are more powerful - we are wrong. We are just exercising the vocal power of one vs. many.
It may seem that we become more powerful by surrounding ourselves with those who totally agree with us and cheer us on no matter what - but all we are do is looking in a warped mirror that shows us what we wish to see.
If we persist that ours is the only way. . .and we refuse to listen all else, including factual information, our power gradually wilts and any influence we once had becomes a faded memory. We become smaller and smaller.
But. . .
If we genuinely include others - logically our sphere of influence grows.
If we listen more than we speak, then when we do speak we are better informed and others will listen. . .and our circle expands exponentially.
If our criteria for those who surrounds us includes those who genuinely care, who have a heart for the enterprise and the team. . .those who are smart and have integrity. . .then we become not only a reflection of the world around us but a beacon.
If we are selfless. . .we become bigger.
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My book "Courageous Questions, Confident Leaders" is available on Amazon Kindle
Friday, July 26, 2019
Friday, July 19, 2019
What Gets in the Way. . .
Amid the ferns on the front walk to our house, we have a decorative water fountain. The sight and sound of the water cheers me as I walk by.
Recently, however, the flow of water greatly diminished. At first we thought we needed to add more water - but to no avail. Eventually, the water flow just stopped and the foremost thought was that the water pump needed replacement. No big deal - we have an extra.
But it wasn't that. . .
This weekend I spent not an inordinate amount of time examining the problem. I took the water pump out and started poking (literally, with a paper clip) around. At the water intake, there was a significant amount of gunk (is there a better word?) that wasn't letting water in - so water couldn't be pumped out. Cleaned it out, plugged it in. . .and it is operating like new. . .once again offering a visual and aural respite.
This happens at work . . and in life. What was once working may not be working as well, or working at all. We are tempted to toss it out for that which is totally new. Sometimes, however, all it takes is a little time of examination. . .a little cleaning out. . .a readjustment. . .a focus on what the real problem is. . .and things are working like new.
It is not only a lesson in how to be effective - it is also a lesson in sustainability; using that which still has resources. If I had just thrown out the old pump - I would have been wasting all of that plastic and metal and electrical cord; only to replace it with a new pump which in all likelihood would have encountered the same problem within months. By using that which was existent, I found a great solution that used no additional resources.
At work if we can utilize that which we have by examining it and making it truly efficient again, we are truly good stewards of that which is given to us.
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My book "Courageous Questions, Confident Leaders" is available on Amazon Kindle.
Recently, however, the flow of water greatly diminished. At first we thought we needed to add more water - but to no avail. Eventually, the water flow just stopped and the foremost thought was that the water pump needed replacement. No big deal - we have an extra.
But it wasn't that. . .
This weekend I spent not an inordinate amount of time examining the problem. I took the water pump out and started poking (literally, with a paper clip) around. At the water intake, there was a significant amount of gunk (is there a better word?) that wasn't letting water in - so water couldn't be pumped out. Cleaned it out, plugged it in. . .and it is operating like new. . .once again offering a visual and aural respite.
This happens at work . . and in life. What was once working may not be working as well, or working at all. We are tempted to toss it out for that which is totally new. Sometimes, however, all it takes is a little time of examination. . .a little cleaning out. . .a readjustment. . .a focus on what the real problem is. . .and things are working like new.
It is not only a lesson in how to be effective - it is also a lesson in sustainability; using that which still has resources. If I had just thrown out the old pump - I would have been wasting all of that plastic and metal and electrical cord; only to replace it with a new pump which in all likelihood would have encountered the same problem within months. By using that which was existent, I found a great solution that used no additional resources.
At work if we can utilize that which we have by examining it and making it truly efficient again, we are truly good stewards of that which is given to us.
Like it? Share it!
My book "Courageous Questions, Confident Leaders" is available on Amazon Kindle.
Friday, July 12, 2019
How to Get (In) Your Own Way. . .
It is a big difference: that of getting your way vs that of getting in your own way. So often we may employ tactics that we think will assure victory - but long term, these tactics lose the war.
You may think that the path to getting your way is to be a bully. Don't be a bully. Period. Bullies don't unite, they violate.
If you believe your way is the only way to success, you are running against the way of the world. If what you really want is worthwhile, there are probably several ways (if not hundreds) to get there.
If you believe you can't a mistake, you've just made one. If you perpetuate the myth to others that you are always right - you've just made your second mistake.
Yes you can argue your point. But, argue vigorously and honestly. Don't take the shortcut of self-righteousness and smug sanctimony. If you win by being holier than thou - consider that you are now lesser than the competition.
Even before you start out on the path to success - determine the highest value or level of success. What is the definition? Too often we believe that success involves specific criteria and actions - and then we get lost in the battle of the tactics. Focus on what is really wanted, zero in on the high level strategy.
Be open to others.
Be creative.
Be humble.
Be honest and inspirational.
That's how we really make a lasting difference in the world. And that's what we really want.
Like it? Share it!
My book "Courageous Questions, Confident Leaders" is available on Amazon Kindle.
You may think that the path to getting your way is to be a bully. Don't be a bully. Period. Bullies don't unite, they violate.
If you believe your way is the only way to success, you are running against the way of the world. If what you really want is worthwhile, there are probably several ways (if not hundreds) to get there.
If you believe you can't a mistake, you've just made one. If you perpetuate the myth to others that you are always right - you've just made your second mistake.
Yes you can argue your point. But, argue vigorously and honestly. Don't take the shortcut of self-righteousness and smug sanctimony. If you win by being holier than thou - consider that you are now lesser than the competition.
Even before you start out on the path to success - determine the highest value or level of success. What is the definition? Too often we believe that success involves specific criteria and actions - and then we get lost in the battle of the tactics. Focus on what is really wanted, zero in on the high level strategy.
Be open to others.
Be creative.
Be humble.
Be honest and inspirational.
That's how we really make a lasting difference in the world. And that's what we really want.
Like it? Share it!
My book "Courageous Questions, Confident Leaders" is available on Amazon Kindle.
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