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I’ve noticed that our culture seems to celebrate being on the very edge of overwhelm.
When someone asks you how things are going, the safe reply is to declare that you’re SOOOO busy, things are just crazy right now. The other person responds with a wise nod, also declaring that they have SOOOO many things going on.
It’s gotten so normal that it’s become the new “How are you?” … “I’m fine” exchange. It doesn’t really mean anything except that you’re acknowledging the other’s existence.
Except that for being overwhelmed, there’s way too much truth embedded in it.
Read the rest of this entry »This weekend, I had the opportunity to celebrate the life of my dear sister-in-law. Her talent was amazing.
That got me to pondering whether I’m keeping my gifts hidden inside me, versus sharing them with everyone around me.
The world needs more shared gifts.
Read the rest of this entry »You might get frustrated because it seems your employees don’t care as much about the business as you do.
If you’re a founder, this is especially true. You’ve poured your heart and soul into this work for so many years!
But let’s take a moment to think through this. Why should they care as deeply about it as you do?
Read the rest of this entry »We often go through life and work just feeling the way we do, responding with whatever emotion hits us at the moment.
That means we’re just responding to whatever the world hands us. Then we let the primitive part of our brains suggest something.
There’s a different way.
Read the rest of this entry »Some years back, I observed that a surprising number of decisions are based on emotions more than logic.
Which is unusual for me, as I’ve always thought of myself as a pretty left-brained guy.
The truth is that humans are remarkably driven by stuff we think of as “illogical”. But emotions aren’t opposed to rational thinking – in fact they are what have helped the human race survive for millennia in a challenging world. We just don’t like to admit it.
Read the rest of this entry »The verb “inspire” is drawn from the Latin to breathe into, often meaning to breathe life into something.
What are you doing to breathe life into your organization and team? Even if you don’t think it’s in your job description, it’s what moves people to follow a leader.
So it IS your job. The challenge is to figure out what works with you personally, for each person on your team, and within the culture of the larger organization.
Read the rest of this entry »Ever made a big mistake? Nah, me neither.
Of course, the hard part is admitting it to others. Because you’re supposed to be the one with the answers and solid judgment, right?
The truth is that you can admit your weakness. It’s OK to be human.
Read the rest of this entry »As the leader, you’re supposed to have all the answers. Set direction, keep things moving.
But what happens when you yourself need some help? Well, one tool is delegation, but that’s mostly appropriate when the work can be made somebody else’s job. And it’s OK that they’re held accountable for those results.
In other situations, it can be appropriate to look outside the group. You can seek out a mentor, a coach, a mastermind group, whatever. Or hire a consultant, but then you have to give them clear direction.
Read the rest of this entry »I’ve found that I get motivated by the things I’m able to learn.
And it doesn’t have to be a domain that I know anything about, either. In fact, it seems to help when I don’t have high expecations.
Just some energy.
Read the rest of this entry »You are not the results you produce.
That’s something we tend to forget, as we work so hard to accomplish things and make a difference. Which is all well and good, but it’s not the same as who you are as a wonderful human on this earth.
Think of it: You don’t change that quickly. You change slowly over the course of a lifetime, with spurts here and there, but generally it’s slow and steady.
Read the rest of this entry »
