Run, Grow, Transform

What leadership skills do you possess? Over the past several years, businesses have had to take a hard look in the mirror to determine who they are and where they are headed. Large companies with multiple lines of business will surely have diverse businesses in different stages of development. In a recent conversation with a client, we were discussing the skills it takes for a leader to grow, run, or transform a business. While I believe, it is possible to be a triple threat, a term alluding to a person who is adept in three fields/skills, I’ve witnessed many a leader build their career with a singular focus.

Look at your skills. Do you have the ability and vision to embrace ambiguity, disrupt and work through change? Transformers thrive in this environment. Do you get energy from ensuring that the day-to-day operations run smoothly and efficiently? On the other hand, do you embrace the challenge of taking your business to the next level, growing your opportunities?

When I look at the world of sports, some coaches are challenged and skillful around rebuilding teams. Take Larry Brown, current coach of the Charlotte Bobcats professional basketball team, as one example. Recently he rebuilt a Detroit franchise into a champion, failed in an attempt to rebuild a New York team and is now successfully turning around his Bobcats. These leaders thrive on transforming and usually move to a different opportunity when they have reached their goal. Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson’s skills are in maintaining a high performing organization. While both these situations take different leadership skills, each leader is extremely valuable to their organization during that business cycle.

What do you want to be known for? Take stock of your experiences and capabilities. Determine what brings you joy and energy. Showcase your talent.

Shine a light in the darkness

Many are celebrating Martin Luther King's birthday as I write this post. When I think of Dr. King's body of work, I'm amazed at what he was able to accomplish during his short time with us. While Dr. King is certainly an African American icon, what he stood for touches all. It is ageless and colorless. While he struggled with life’s challenges as many of us do, he is a reminder of what we should be in our lives. A reminder of what we can be to others. Injustice and inequities exist in all aspects of our lives. It could be a neighbor being treated unfairly, a child being neglected, or someone being disrespected. What you do when you witness an inequity or injustice says something about you as a person. Do you stand up and shed light on what is happening or do you pretend not to see. Do you speak out when you witness unfairness or do you stay quiet?

King shined a light in the darkness. He put a spotlight on inequities and injustices and made them visible for all to see. He helped a people move forward, which helped all move forward. Where are you shining a light?

Is this item in your resolution?

If you've made any type of resolution for 2010, you absolutely need to be certain that your plan includes regular checkpoints. When I say checkpoint, I am talking about a moment where you stop and review what's happen to date or review the last period. It's simply a progress to goal review.

I'm telling you a checkpoint is critical because it can protect you from failure! When your resolve starts to go south, a checkpoint can be there to stop the slide. It forces you to look at the situation and ask yourself questions such as: What actions moved me toward or away from my goal? Where those things within my control or outside my control? What positive activity do I need to continue or what negative activity do I need to stop? ... and ... What do I need to do to get back on track?

The period between checkpoints should be long enough that they don't seem like work, but short enough so that you can correct the behavior without digging yourself too big of a hole. I do my checkpoints every Sunday. Even if it lasts just a few moments, it helps me to refocus and redirect if needed.

If you haven't already, plan regular checkpoints ... they will help you reinforce your resolve.

Blame is easy ...

Ownership is hard. It's hard because it requires the you take some measure of responsibility. Make an acknowledgment that it was in someway your fault. Yes, you faltered and rumor has it that you may not even be perfect. If you've watched the downfall of the most recent celebrity du jour, they've likely given their "mea culpa" speech where they shouldered the blame. It would be great if it wasn't done on the advice of their publicist, but at least it was done. While we'll rarely know someone's intent, all we can do is take them at their word and then see if they back it up with actions.

The same holds true for you. While your words important your actions take it to the next level. If you need advice on your next mistake, and there will one, I'll be your publicist with this free advice. Fall on your sword. A mentor once told me that if you can find 10% that's your fault, keep looking because there is probably more. People distrust folks with all the answers and seldom take the blame. It's possible to take the blame and keep your power, in fact, you could even gain credibility and respect. The key is that you have be sincere. We can all spot a fake, and if you are spotted you could lose credibility.

Remember, before you blame, point the finger at yourself first.

Tough Conversations: Leave "you" out of it

Tough conversations are just that because we are trying to express an important issue that we've tied to an emotion. When we try to express a "fact" through our emotional lens, many times it comes out as an opinion. We heap gasoline onto the fire when we add the word "you". We've all said it ..."You did this or that". Once you have uttered the accusatory "you", your chances of getting through to the person have now decreased. Even if your intent was honorable, the impact could be devastating. The last thing that you want to do is have them defend themselves, and this is exactly what you have done.

Replace the "you" with an "I" statement. An example would sound like "I felt bored" rather than "you were boring". Using "I" statements is the first step. It puts the onus on you because it's what you felt, you are simply telling them your experience. The second step is to be more specific. "I felt bored when your voice was monotone (or lacking inflection)”. Telling your experience and specifically what may have caused it, helps them listen to your point of view. Sharing the cause gives them something to work on. Saying you were bored gives them absolutely nothing to improve. They just get frustrated because they don't know what to do with the comment.

The next time you are having a tough conversation, be mindful of the way your words frame your message.

If you could not fail

You've no doubt heard the cliche question that goes like this: "If you knew the date certain of your death, how would it change the way you live your life?“ While that question generates the desired "change now" responses, it's conjures a rather fatalistic view of getting the important things in before you die ... because it could happen tomorrow.

While I don't like the question, the intent there is good. Here is a question that gets to the issue: "What great thing would you attempt if you knew you could not fail?” No, this is not a Miss Universe Pageant question. I’m putting this question to you. Take a moment to catalog your first thoughts. Were your thoughts positive or negative? Were they anticipating or regretful? This question, by Robert Schuller, famous minister and author, speaks to the very heart what we expect from ourselves.

The key word is expect. Our expectations of ourselves rule our actions. It's the thermostat in our lives. We rise or fall back to that level that we set. What have you not attempted for fear of failing? Do you expect great things of yourself? ... and if not, why not?

Scheduling Kindness

As a person who is "naturally" more impulsive and less organized, a "P" for you Myers Briggs folks, I found it necessary to create more structure in my life. I made this decision years ago mostly based on the PAIN that being disorganized caused and partly based on living with my wife who is a straight up "J". It's a daily struggle for a person with a wing it attitude. Now I've got folders, goal lists, calendars and a to-do list on my iPhone that helps me daily with tasks such as daily reflection, changing the HVAC filter, weekly goal review and writing a blog post!

Obviously, I believe in the adage that if it doesn't get scheduled, it doesn't get done. On a weekly basis, I review my world, adjust my lists and get it done. (Yes, I'm a David Allen fan). One item that I added to my weekly goal and task list last year was "perform an act of kindness". If you know me you won't find this unusual because I forget everything if I don't write it down.

Including "kindness" in my weekly goals serves just one purpose. It forces me to think about what my actions have been and what kind of person I am. It's a friendly reminder that IT'S NOT ALL ABOUT ME. I'm reminded to really listen, share a laugh, say a kind word, write a note or show some affection.

How do you remind yourself?