LEADERSHIP QUOTE:

"If you could get all the people in an organization rowing in the same direction, you could dominate any industry, in any market, against any competition, at any time." Patrick Lencioni

I read this quote today after watching a couple of rowing events in the Olympics in Tokyo. I was amazed at the speed, timing, and teamwork that was demonstrated by these paddlers in a variety of events, and his quote just jumped out at me.

I've done some rowing, and I've learned that sometimes it's easier to just row by myself than to try to coordinate with someone else. However, by myself, I can only go as far as I can push myself. When I work with other people, and we are working well together, we can do so much more!

Don't take the easy route. Getting my team and organization moving together in the same direction is worth the work it takes.

What does this stir up? Either write me HERE or comment at the end of the blog post HERE.

LEADERSHIP QUOTE:

"If you can't state your position in eight words, you don't have a position." Seth Godin

I like reading Seth Godin's blog because he has the ability to say really good things in very few words.

When I saw the quote above from him, it caused me to stop and think.

How many times, instead of sharing a clear mission, vision, or position, I instead go to a "menu" of things I do, things I care about, and stories that back that up. I try to talk my way into and out of a simple question:

What is your Mission?

Can I say it in 8 words?

Tesla says it in 8 words: "To accelerate the worlds transition to sustainable energy."

Starbucks takes a few more words: "To inspire and nurture the human spirit - one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time."

Google says: "To organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful."

Apple says it like this: "To bringing the best user experience to its customers through its innovative hardware, software, and services."

Coca-Cola: "To Refresh the world. Make a difference."

What does this stir up? Either write me HERE or comment at the end of the blog post HERE.

LEADERSHIP QUOTE:

"You can learn great things from your mistakes when you aren't busy denying them." Stephen R. Covey

What does this stir up? Either write me HERE or comment at the end of the blog post HERE.

A LITTLE BIT DEEPER:

Covey wrote The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People many years ago, and the 7 Habits have helped leaders around the world to think differently, me included.

This quote is so classic Covey because he challenges us to learn from all that is within us, and to use that to help shape a better future.

I've made some mistakes in my life. I know some of you are really surprised by this, while most of you can attest or tell great stories of my failures in leadership, however, I have learned over the years to do 3 things, once I realize I've made a mistake:

#1) Own It: I admit it to myself and to others

#2) Study It: I look at it from all angles

#3) Learn From It: I learn from it so I don't repeat it

This doesn't always keep me from making the same mistake twice, but this simple process helps me turn the corner and helps me avoid being stuck in a cycle of paralysis.

What do you do when you realize you've made a mistake? Do you try to figure out who to blame it on? Do you deflect? Do you deny? Or... do you own it?

LEADERSHIP QUOTE:

"It is only by being bold that you get anywhere. If you are a risk-taker, then the art is to protect the downside." Richard Branson

What does this stir up? Either write me HERE or comment at the end of the blog post HERE.

A LITTLE BIT DEEPER:

This past week, Sir Richard Branson was in the news as he became the first person to ride into space aboard a rocket he helped fund. Bransons dream is for "suborbital space tourism" as a viable business venture, so Branson put himself on the flight to show people the opportunity.

If we're talking about risk, there's not much more than putting your life on the line.

Branson records a short message HERE from space, for the world.

When I think about MY leadership, while it's a little different than Virgin Galactic, am I willing to be BOLD? Am I willing to take risks?

Do you look at Branson as a risk-taker and a pioneer or do you see him as someone taking unnecessary risks? How far are you willing to go to convince people that you are a BOLD LEADER?

LEADERSHIP QUOTE:

"You will either step forward into growth, or you will step backward into safety." Abraham Maslow

What does this stir up? Either write me HERE or comment at the end of the blog post HERE.

A LITTLE BIT DEEPER:

So many thoughts have come to my mind over the past week as I've been contemplating this thought from Maslow.

"I'm 57 years old. Do I really need more growth? I like where I'm at. I'm pretty comfortable. I know what I'm doing. I'm happy. I feel like I'm in the right place. I'm too tired to take on something new.

Basically, I'm good where I'm at.

It's so easy for these responses to come out of my mind and mouth so automatically, that I naturally lean towards the "safe side".

Don't mess it up! I'm good.

What does this stir up for you? Some of the same thoughts or do you pursue the growth? Do you run from the safety into the world of opportunity? What are the first things you think of when you read this statement?

LEADERSHIP QUOTE:

"Do not be afraid of work that has no end." Avot de Rabbi Natan

A LITTLE BIT DEEPER:

I was on a walk this week, finishing an audio book by Scott Harrison called THIRST. He shared this quote from Avot de Rabbi Natan, and I stopped in the road to write it down.

As I've been thinking about it over the past few days, its stirred some interesting thoughts.

Harrison used it in referring to his work with Charity:Water, and the idea that there would always be a water crisis, so his work would never be finished.

For me, I work in the Leadership Coaching space, and as long as there are leaders, there is a demand for the work I do and for the communities I create.

While this is great in from a "job security" perspective, it brings up some questions around purpose, sustainability, and focus.

Here's my question for you: The work that you have been called to, is there an end? Are you working towards a "magic number"? Will you work until you hit a certain age then step out? How are you motivated when your job seems endless?

LEADERSHIP QUOTE:

"Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower." Steve Jobs

What does this stir up? Either write me HERE or comment at the end of the blog post HERE.

A LITTLE BIT DEEPER:

I purchased a new iPad this past week, and have been enjoying setting things up on it, getting it synced with my computer and cloud, and using it.

The amazing thing is that the "joy" began with the packaging. The quality, design and efficiency was over the top. It made this set-up process so much more enjoyable because everything was designed with me in mind.

I realize that many times, I cut the corners of innovation because I don't have the time to think it through, I don't want to spend the money to create a higher quality, and I choose to do things the easiest and quickest way.

Steve Jobs drove people crazy with his pursuit of innovation and to do things in a way that no one else had ever done before.

LEADERSHIP QUOTE:

"My life is my message." Mohandas Gandhi

What does this stir up? Either write me HERE or comment at the end of the blog post HERE.

A LITTLE BIT DEEPER:

What MESSAGE is my life sending? Gandhi gave his life to fighting for civil rights, and his message was clear in that everything he did supported his message.

When people look at your life or at my life, what MESSAGE are they getting?

Leadership is about INFLUENCE.

Here's an interesting question to ask: When you die, what do you want people to say about you? What do you want people to associate with you and your life? Does this align with your MESSAGE?

DEEPER STILL:

It was said of Gandhi: "The simple principles by which he lived - nonviolence and truth - were as old as the hills, and the only way to spread them was to live them. He never expected his followers to do anything that he would not do himself."