Doug Dickerson is an award winning columnist and director of Management Moment Leadership Services. He is the author of the new book, Leaders Without Borders: 9 Essentials for Everyday Leaders. Visit www.dougsmanagementmoment.blogspot.com to learn more.
"There are lots of times we have to pinch ourselves and ask, Is this really happening?" – Jeremy Lin
The headline from Sports Illustrated writer Pablo S. Torre sums up one of the most remarkable sports storylines in recent memory, "'From Couch to Clutch', After being cut twice, Jeremy Lin emerged from the end of the Knicks' bench to inspire victories, debunk stereotypes and dazzle the NBA-while living on his brother's sofa."
The story of NBA star Jeremy Lin is nothing short of inspiring. Just five days removed from being cut from yet another NBA team, Lin emerged from obscurity to become a multi-million dollar marketing sensation as his exploits on the court have given new life to weary New York fans. The first Harvard alum in 58-years, Lin has exploded on the NBA scene in ways others only dream of doing.
"Occasionally, a young, twice-cast off NBA player will catch on with a team," writes Torre, "maybe carve out a place in the rotation, even use that foothold to slowly build a career. Not Lin. When finally given a spot in the starting lineup, after playing all of 375 career minutes, he instantly put up numbers worthy of an All-Star."
As Lin continues to dazzle fans in the stadium and opponents on the court, it will be with pride in his accomplishments that many will continue to follow his historic journey. "Think of the singular demographic alloy at play," continues Torre, "Lin, who's worked endlessly on his strength and his jump shot in the past year, is a normal-sized, Christian, first-generation Asian-American. He's excelled academically, faced racism on the court, been cut twice and sent to the D-league four times. Now he's an NBA sensation amid the cultural diversity of hoops-starved New York, Opponents aside, who wouldn't be a fan?"
Lin's success serves to remind us of important leadership characteristics that when developed and applied will be of lasting value. Here are four leadership characteristics that have served him well and will do the same for you.
Prepare yourself well. Despite his average- sized frame for a basketball player and despite stereo-types that caused many scouts to look the other way, Lin never gave up. Considered by many to be an "overnight sensation" we know that there is no such thing. It was years of hard work and dedication that caused him to eventually be on the end of the Knicks' bench. When his number was called, he was ready to play.
In the same way, as you prepare yourself, work hard, and stay true to your calling, your time to shine will come. And like Lin, when your number is called you will step into the role that you were destined for all along.
Play to your strengths. Lin patiently waited his turn. He took to the court with a leadership presence of a seasoned veteran. Torre points out that his 109 total points surpassed Allen Iverson's 101 for the most by any player in the first four starts since the 1976 NBA-ABA merger. Lin did not wait to make an impact, he delivered immediately.
The secret to your star power is to play to your strengths. It's found in discovering and doing that "one thing" that you were born to do. Like Lin, when you play to your strengths you lift everyone around you to a new level.
Share the glory. Noted by many as one of his more endearing qualities, Lin consistently deflects personal attention and acknowledges that whatever contribution he made was because of his teammates. His ability to keep it all in perspective is an uncommon mark of maturity at his young age. His ability to willingly share the spotlight is just another reason to admire him.
Recognition of your talent is one thing; your ability to point to others and give credit for your success is good leadership. Your ability to acknowledge, articulate, and appreciate others is setting the right example. Never forget those who help make you shine.
Enjoy the moment. No one knows how long Lin's notoriety will last and what his impact will be long term. If what we have seen thus far is any indication it will be a pleasure to watch him for many years to come. Of his new found fame Lin says, "There are lots of times we have to pinch ourselves and ask, Is this really happening?" Yes, Jeremy it is, and we celebrate with you.
Your life in leadership is a journey. It's up to you to enjoy each moment.
A good boss makes his men realize that they have more ability than they think they have so that they consistently do better work than they thought they could. - Charles Erwin Wilson
"Undercover Boss" has emerged as one of CBS' top-rated shows on Sunday evenings. As CBS states, "Each week, the show follows a different executive as they leave the comfort of their corner office for an undercover mission to examine the inner workings of their companies."
The cleverly disguised executive will work alongside his or her front line people, learn their jobs, see first- hand the effects of their decisions, and discover what is working, and in some cases what is not. At the show's conclusion the people they worked with are brought in to meet with the boss whose true identity is then revealed.
While many arguments for and against the show have emerged since its debut in the United States, the show continues to do well in the ratings. People like to see a boss who is not afraid to get in the trenches and get his hands dirty. While the show typically ends on a good note, it does lead to questions about leadership and the state of today's workplace.
Last year, Maritz Research, a leader in employee satisfaction research conducted a poll that found that despite a slight improvement in business conditions, "the American workforce remains less engaged with their employees than they did a year ago. Poor communication, lack of perceived caring; inconsistent behavior and perceptions of favoritism were cited by respondents as the largest contributors to their lack of trust in senior leaders."
So what lessons can we learn from "Undercover Boss" and other emerging leadership trends going forward? How can a leader best engage his employees and reverse negative perceptions? Let's begin the conversation with these two ideas.
Relationships matter. Leaders in the 21st century are those who connect with their people and build relationships. The passé vertical flowcharts are trending more toward horizontal ones. Writing for Trainingmag.com Deb Busser states, "The leader as an expert with a style of command and control is out. The leader as a visionary who facilitates creativity, collaboration, true empowerment, and shared purpose is in. Leaders in the evolving workplace seek to engage not only their employees' minds but their hearts."
When a leader builds relationships with his people he is building trust, engaging hearts, and setting in motion the core principles of a successful organization based on shared values. John Maxwell is right when he says, "Any message you try to convey must contain a piece of you. You can't just deliver words. You can't merely convey information. You need to be more than just a messenger. You must be the message you want to deliver. Otherwise, you won't have credibility and you won't connect." Values are best shared and embraced through a leader who is connected to his people.
Collaboration is powerful. A recent study ranked "resistance to change" as number 4 in a list of the most common career-limiting habits. While a person's inability to change will hold him back, a company's inability to change can be crippling. Resistance to change is most closely associated with those who have little input in determining change but have high responsibility in carrying it out. And this is where most leaders drop the ball.
As "Undercover Boss" portrays, employees desire to contribute in meaningful ways, appreciate their voice being heard, and will go the extra mile on behalf of their company and serve their customers. Before implementing strategic change a smart leader will pull together those who will most directly be affected by the change to get their input and give them ownership.
Again, the model is not top-down, but horizontal. Of less importance is your title or position. Value is found in what you know and how employees contribute as team players. When leaders collaborate and build relationships it generates good will, unleashes potential, and causes everyone to rise to a new level.
The leadership landscape in the workplace is changing. Are you adapting? Are you engaged? You can't be "undercover" in your approach and application. You can, however, be relational and collaborative.
No man, who continues to add something material, intellectual and moral well-being of the place in which he lives, is left long without proper reward. – Booker T. Washington
John Maxwell shares a story about a man who was enjoying an afternoon in a small boat on a peaceful lake. He fished as he munched on a chocolate bar. The weather was perfect, his cell phone was turned off, and all he could think about was how happy he was.
Just then he spotted a snake in the water with a frog in its mouth. He felt sorry for the frog, so he scooped up the snake with his landing net, took the frog out of its mouth, and tossed it to safety. Then he felt sorry for the snake. He broke off a piece of his chocolate bar, gave it to the snake, and placed the snake back in the water, where it swam away.
There he thought. The frog is happy, the snake is happy, and now I'm happy again. This is great. He cast his line back into the water and then settled back again.
A few minutes later, he heard a bump on the side of the boat. He looked over the side, and there was the snake again. This time it had two frogs in his mouth!
The moral of the story is this: Be careful what you reward, because whatever gets rewarded gets done.
It's no secret that people like to be appreciated and rewarded. A recent survey by Cornerstone OnDemand reveals that most employees don't feel they're very valued, which might make them want to walk when given the opportunity.
The survey reported that employers need to understand that loyalty goes both ways. Nearly three in five (56%) employed Americans say that aside from compensation and benefits, being appreciated would motivate them to stay in their current positions – even more so than an opportunity to advance their career.
Essential to your leadership is to recognize and reward people in your organization who are the heavy-lifters, the front line people in the trenches who selflessly give of themselves for the good of the team. You overlook your people at your peril. You can however, make appreciation a powerful tool to boost morale and increase performance. Here are three ways to make it work for you.
Make it intentional. The practice of appreciation should be a priority of leadership. While the practice should not revolve around the Little League mentality of passing out trophies simply because you showed up, there are tangible ways of recognizing and appreciating those who have demonstrated loyalty, hard work, and a commitment to fulfilling the goals of your organization. Be intentional with your appreciation; it communicates to everyone that you not only value the work that your people deliver but more importantly, you value them.
Make it personal. Understanding the importance of appreciation is a positive first step. You make appreciation meaningful by making it personal. Faced with a pending deadline for an important presentation, Susan worked extra hours to make it happen. Why not show your appreciation with a gift certificate to her favorite restaurant that she and her husband can enjoy?
David was the top producer for the quarter and just landed your company a large new account. Why not make him reservations on a Friday for a round of golf at his favorite course? Acts of appreciation that are personal go a long way in demonstrating that you not just appreciate them for what they do, but in who they are. Take pride in the fact that you know them.
Make it desirable. Excellence is a motivator. So is success. And when the employees in your organization see the rewards on display through acts of appreciation it motivates and causes everyone to aim higher.
Do your employees know they are appreciated? How is it being communicated? Have you spoken words of appreciation? In what ways can you improve? You win your people over when you make your appreciation known.
By prevailing over all obstacles and distractions, one may unfailingly arrive at hos chosen goal or destination. – Christopher Columbus
There is a story that I came across involving Yogi Berra, the well-known catcher for the New York Yankees, and Hank Aaron, who at the time was the chief power hitter for the Milwaukee Braves.
The teams were playing in the World Series, and as usual Yogi was keeping up his ceaseless chatter, intended to pep up his teammates on the one hand, and distract the Milwaukee batters on the other.
As Aaron came to the plate, Yogi tried to distract him by saying, "Henry, you're holding the bat wrong. You're supposed to hold it so you can read the trademark." Aaron didn't say anything, but when the next pitch came he hit it into the left-field bleachers. After running the bases and tagging up at home plate, Aaron looked at Yogi and said, "I didn't come up here to read."
Office distractions are all around us. In An American Express Open Forum column, Mike Michalowicz identifies the six biggest office distractions as: the talker, the e-mail cc, noise with names, temperature troubles, sitting setbacks (not having a comfortable chair), and hunger issues. What distractions are on your list?
The truth is, unless you manage your distractions they are going to manage you. Distractions will cost you time, productivity, and if they abound, the performance of your team will falter. A good leader understands the negative consequences of distractions. A good leader will also promote good practices to create a healthy work environment. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Protect your space. Your office, cubicle, or designated work area is just that- yours. Your level of productivity is best determined by fostering an environment in which you can thrive. When you govern this space wisely it can be a place that allows you not to be busy, but productive. A little organization goes a long way in producing great outcomes.
Purge and prune. Overwhelmed by your inbox? A few minutes each day purging and responding to e-mails will not only keep you on task, but will keep you in the loop. What about all those old files and outdated folders? Toss 'em.
Schedule and screen. Jim Rohn said, "Either you run the say or the day runs you." He's right. Unless you want the day to run you then take control of your schedule and stick to it. A well scheduled day will go a long way in preventing distractions that would otherwise rob you of your productivity. The best call-screener or "drop-in" visitor deterrent you have is a well maintained schedule. It will keep you from succumbing to the "tyranny of the urgent" and focused on your goals.
Flex and bend. Now for some reality-- you will have distractions. How you handle distractions that come your way is up to you. Depending on what the distraction is you can choose to see it in one of three ways: a setback, an interruption, or as an opportunity.
When Thomas Edison was at a breakthrough point in his career a tragic event took place that under any other circumstance and with any other person would have been career ending. A devastating fire tore through his lab and destroyed his work. The next morning Edison surveyed the remains of the destructive fire and said, "There is great value in disaster. All our mistakes are burned up. Thank God we can start anew." Three weeks after the fire, Edison managed to deliver his first phonograph.
Not every distraction is useful, and often they come at inconvenient times. Smart leaders have learned that there is wisdom in being flexible and can see opportunities when all that others see are setbacks.
Managing distractions is a matter or priority while flexibility is a matter of practicality. Be smart in your planning and practical in your application. Before long you will notice a profound difference and your leadership will rise.
phi•los•o•phy [fi-los-uh-fee noun, plural -phies. -The rational investigation of the truths and principles of being, knowledge, or conduct.
The setting is taken from the 2009 hit movie Invictus starring Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon. Freeman plays the role of South African President Nelson Mandela. Damon plays the role of Francois Pienaar, the captain of the Springboks rugby team.
In the scene, Mandela has invited Pienaar to tea. The World Cup is a year away and the fledgling Springbok need motivation. As they talk, Mandela sits back in his chair and says, "Tell me Francois, what is your philosophy on leadership?" It is a pointed question that each leader must answer.
The answers the two men flesh out will shape the destiny of a nation. That philosophy propels them to make hard but necessary decisions that ultimately leads to a Springbok victory a year later. Much greater than the World Cup victory was the reconciliation of a nation.
Your leadership philosophy is the blueprint for how you live your life, how you run your company, and how you treat others. John Maxwell is correct when he says, "everything rises and falls on leadership." We see it lived out every day in companies that succeed and with those that go under; we see it in the rise and fall of politicians, we see it in the daily charitable acts of thousands of people who give of themselves to make the world a better place.
From the movie narrative came three philosophical ideas that were adapted as they met the challenge of motivating the Springbok to victory. Where will your leadership philosophy take you and how will you define it? Here are the three from the film. Let's observe.
By example. Pienaar believed the best way to inspire his team to do their best was by example. This has always been one of the underlying fundamentals of leadership. It was Thomas Morell who said, "The first great gift we can bestow in others is a good example."
If you incorporate leadership by example as a core component of your leadership philosophy will you need to change any current behaviors? When you lead by example you do not set yourself above everyone else, but place yourself among everyone else. Now your every move is observed, not from afar, but up close and personal. Leadership by example is a risk, but is the most effective.
Inspiration. Mandela asks of Pienaar, "How do we inspire ourselves to greatness when nothing less will do? How do we inspire everyone around us?" The only thing more inspiring than the question was the goal before them – to win the World Cup. But they knew they had their work cut out for them and attaining the goal would not come easy. The way forward would be long, riddled with objections, and rooted in an ugly past that if allowed to remain would cause further division.
The Springbok needed inspiration to play better and to do what many considered impossible. But they found that inspiration. You too will find it when you attach it to a dream or goal that demands nothing less than greatness. Douglas Lurton said, "When you determine what you want, you have made the most important decision of your life. You have to know what you want in order to attain it." Inspiration is the fuel you need to reach your goals.
Using the works of others. Mandela tells Pienaar that while on Robben Island he found inspiration in the poem "Invictus" and how it encouraged him in his darkest times. From the closing lines of the poem one can understand how the words inspired Mandela to keep faith: "It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll. I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul."
As you consider your leadership philosophy, consider also your source(s) of inspiration. Whether it is the inspiring words from a poet, a mentor, music, or some other source, find it and be inspired. Lead by example, inspire others, and use the works of others as an encouragement to become leaders of destiny.
Be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them. – William Shakespeare
Tim Tebow earned my respect back in 2009 when he played his senior year at the University of Florida. When other college athletes with lesser talent opted to enter the NFL draft, Tebow stayed put and graduated. That choice alone is worth respecting. During his time at Florida, the Gator's won two national championships and Tebow picked up a Heisman Trophy.
And unless you are living under a rock, the world has a greater glimpse into the football exploits of the Denver Broncos quarterback. In a recent feature, ESPN columnist Rick Reilly profiled some true heroics of Tim Tebow that have nothing to do with what takes place on the field.
Reilly writes, "Each week, Tebow seeks out someone who is suffering, or dying, or who is injured. He flies these people and their families to the Broncos game, rents them a car, puts them up in a nice hotel, buys them dinner (usually at a Dave & Buster's), gets them and their families pregame passes, visits with them before kickoff, gets them 30-yeard-line tickets down low, visits with them after the game sometimes for an hour, has them walk him to his car, and sends them off with a gift basket."
In the interest of full disclosure, I was never a Florida Gator fan nor am I a Broncos fan. But I am sold on Tim Tebow. While some choose to argue the appropriateness of Tebow's faith on and off the field, he quietly goes about living it in such an authentic way that it is hard to ignore. I, for one, find it refreshing.
Reilly continues, "This whole thing makes no football sense. Most NFL players hardly talk to teammates before a game, much less visit with the sick and dying. Isn't that a distraction? "Just the opposite," Tebow says, "It's by far the best thing I do to get myself ready. Here you are, about to play a game that the world says is the most important thing in the world. Win they praise you. Lose they crush you. And here I have a chance to talk to the coolest, most courageous people. The game doesn't really matter. I mean, I'll give 100 percent of my heart to win it, but in the end, the thing I want to do is not win championships or make money, it's to invest in people's lives, to make a difference."
Legendary coach John Wooden said, "Don't measure yourself by what you have accomplished, but by what you should have accomplished with your ability." Only time will tell what the future has in store for Tim Tebow as an NFL quarterback. But here are three leadership lessons we can learn from him today.
A strong work ethic. He was ranked among the top quarterback prospects in high school. He won the Heisman Trophy in college in addition to being named the MVP in the national championship game in 2008. He is now the starting quarterback with the Denver Broncos.
A strong work ethic is an essential leadership trait. Tabor's success was attained by hard work and overcoming innumerable odds. Any goal worth achieving is worth the hard work it takes to get there.
Life perspective. Even at his relatively young age; Tim Tebow gets it. "It" is the proper balance between the value and rewards of hard work, and understanding his greater purpose in life. It's a given that Tebow is thoroughly prepared for each game. But at the end of the day he also understands—it's just a game.
His perspective about life comes not in the X's and O's of the football game, but in the eyes of children he has flown in the watch the game who are dying. Leaders with perspective understand that it's not just about the bottom line on your balance sheet; no, it's much more important.
Serving causes greater than yourself. It has been exciting to watch his exploits on the football field and to watch him orchestrate some amazing comeback wins for his team. But by far his greatest accomplishments, those with lasting value, have come through his foundation and his ability to inspire and give hope to those he meets.
Sadly, many people twice his age have a hard time understanding what Tim Tebow lives out on a regular basis. The secret to great leadership is found in a strong work ethic, having the right perspective about life, and serving causes greater than yourself. Thanks to Tim Tebow, many are receiving an invaluable lesson in servant leadership.
Be kind to people on the way up- you'll meet them again on your way down. – Jimmy Durante
It was recently reported in USA Today that 48 percent of employees believe that being courteous leads to advancement at work. And in a recent AOL article, business writer David Schepp writes, "with five applicants for every job opening in the current labor market, it's not surprising that employers have focused more on employees' soft skills. After all, in trying times, such as those experienced during the recent recession—being able to handle stress with aplomb can go a long way toward maintaining harmony in the workplace."
These statistics speak to what we all value in a work environment – respect and appreciation. What manager or CEO doesn't want a healthier and more functional relationship with their staff? In our more than forty combined years of service we have observed a few things that we believe if practiced can make a positive difference in your organization and build morale, especially in today's highly pressured workplace. Let's begin with these four.
Getting to know you. How well do you know your staff? Taking the time to sit down one-on-one with your staff can build bridges and respect that transcends titles. When you understand what makes them tick and they get to know you; you are sending signals that you are interested in them as a person, not just the job they perform.
Make it a practice to know birthdays and other important events in the life of your staff. Even if you can't offer a monetary incentive, a few hours off to attend a special family event or a child's baseball game might even be better. Take the time to find out who is on your team and why.
Listen up. Your front line staff is an invaluable resource. The benefits in building relationships with your staff are numerous. Your front line staff serves everyone well as the face and voice of your organization, the first point of contact with many of your present or future clients, and can trouble-shoot many problems before they reach you.
The hallmark of your leadership is found not when you ignore your assistants but when you respect them as the valuable team players they are. Engage your team by frequently asking, "What do you think?" and encourage honest response. Discuss your decisions. Staffers who have a voice feel ownership and strongly connected to the successes of their managers. Reward this kind of initiative and the rewards will come right back to you.
The value of undivided attention. In a time of text messages, smartphone emails, custom ringtones, and 24/7 accessibility, the concept of giving another person one's undivided attention has become a rare commodity.
Author Jim Rohn said, "Give whatever you are doing and whoever you are with the gift of your attention." What a great piece of advice. Look your staff in the eye while speaking to them and try to avoid answering with email or texts when possible. The smart managers know how to multitask and seek out face time as a team building tool.
High praise. It's a fact- sincere praise motivates staff to produce excellent work far more than humiliation, intimidation, and yelling. Praise is powerful in every form – written and verbal. To publically praise a staffer inspires every team member to seek excellence in order to garner similar praise.
John Maxwell said, "The disposition of the leader is important because it will influence the way the followers think and feel. Great leaders understand that the right attitude will set the right atmosphere, which enables the right responses from others." Sharing the credit and spotlight elevates the whole team. The rise in your leadership begins when you take the spotlight off yourself and place it on your team. When you sing their praises be assured, they will sing yours.
Becoming the ultimate manager is possible but it takes hard work and careful choices based on respect and appreciation for the staff. We are interested in your feedback and what you suggest would improve the relationships between managers and staff in 2012.
Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome – Booker T. Washington
In a recent Sports Illustrated story honoring Pat Summit and Mike Krzyzewski as Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year, a fascinating story of hope and encouragement is shared about Pat Summit.
In 2008 as the team boarded a chartered jet for a game Coach Summit took her accustomed seat in the first row. The flight attendant, settled into the seat next to her, begins to sob. "What is it?" Summit leans forward, "Tell me, what's the matter?"
Nothing's the matter. It's just that, years ago, Pat Summit left the floor after coaching a game against Louisiana Tech; she spotted a girl in a wheelchair at the mouth of the tunnel. She dropped to one knee and told her, "Don't let the way you are now define who you will be. You can overcome anything if you work at it."
In a moment, that woman will get out of her jump seat and work this flight, serving the person who had prophesied it, and right now she's emotionally overcome by this opportunity to thank her. "Everybody else was 'Oh, poor you.' You told me I could do it. And here I am."
Jim Rohn said, "A good objective of leadership is to help those who are doing poorly to do well and to help those who are doing well to do even better." As you embark on the year ahead, consider these three characteristics of leadership and how you can instantly add value to any organization.
Take a knee. When Summit spotted that girl in the wheelchair, she went to her, took a knee, and spoke those inspiring words into her life. While some still hold to archaic views of position and power, great leaders are servant leaders and always will be.
Great leaders see what other refuse to see, approach the ignored, and give hope not pity. Harold S. Geneen said, "Leadership is practiced not so much in words as in attitude and in actions." What is the defining characteristic of your leadership? The path to exceptional leadership is not found in pride or arrogance but in taking a knee in humility.
Lift up. In that brief encounter filled with destiny, Pat Summit spoke words of life to that girl in the wheelchair. It's likely that no one would have remembered much less not have faulted her if she walked past her. After all, she has a schedule to keep, a team she is responsible for, so keep on walking.
It was Thomas Morell who said, "The first great gift we can bestow on others is a good example." And this is a time-tested trait of leadership still worth practicing. All leaders make decisions, but not all leaders touch people. Make it your practice to never miss an opportunity to encourage someone in their moment of struggle. You never know the impact or difference it can make.
Speak hope. Although not revealed, it is likely the journey out of the wheelchair for the girl had its challenging moments. By her own admission, everyone who spoke to her took the "oh poor you" approach. Summit on the other hand, gave have her hope. Summit spoke words of faith that "you can overcome anything if you work at it." The girl took those words and made them her reality.
What is your message to your team? What words are you projecting into your organization? And based upon those words, what outcomes do you anticipate? Clearly hard work is part of any formula for success, but the words and attitude by which it is approached goes a long way in determining that success.
Dwight D. Eisenhower said, "You do not lead by hitting people over the head-that's assault, not leadership." And he was right. When you learn to take a knee, lift up, and speak hope, there is no limit to where your leadership can take you.
Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties. – Helen Keller
A story is told of a young Greek artist named Timanthes studied who under a respected tutor some 2,000 years ago. After several years the teacher's efforts seemed to have paid off when Timanthes painted an exquisite work of art. Unfortunately, he became so enraptured with the painting that he spent days gazing at it.
One morning when he arrived to admire his work, he was shocked to find it blotted out with paint. Angry, Timanthes ran to his teacher, who admitted he had destroyed the painting. "I did it for your own good. That painting was retarding your progress. Start again and see if you can do better," he told him. Timanthes took his teacher's advice and produced Sacrifice of Iphigenia, which is regarded as one of the finest paintings of antiquity.
It's been said that life is a continuous process of getting used to things we hadn't expected. There is no denying that we are living in challenging times. 2012 will be an interesting year on many levels. As you prepare for the New Year, here are three lessons we learn from the story of Timanthes that can help you get off to a good start.
You can't live in the past so reset your priorities. Timanthes spent days admiring his work to the point where it ultimately became a distraction. The economic downturn and recession has taken an unprecedented toll on many fronts. The far-reaching effects have dramatically altered not only the way in which corporations operate but households as well.
Harry Truman once said, "Men who live in the past remind me of a toy I am sure all of you have seen. The toy is a small wooden bird called the "Floogie Bird." Around the Floogie Bird's neck is a label reading, "I fly backwards, I don't care where I am going. I just want to see where I've been." Flying backwards is not an option for moving forward in today's economy. Priorities today must be honest, realistic, transparent, and flexible.
You have to embrace challenges so reset your attitude. Timanthes was upset when he discovered that his work was blotted out with paint. Faced with the challenge his tutor presented him, he turned his disappointment into a masterpiece. How you respond in the face of adversity will determine your path forward.
The noted English architect Sir Christopher Wren was supervising the construction of a magnificent cathedral in London. A journalist thought it would be interesting to interview some of the workers, so he chose three and asked them this question, "What are you doing?" The first replied, "I'm cutting stone for 10 shillings a day." The next answered, "I'm putting in 10 hours a day on this job." But the third said, "I'm helping Sir Christopher Wren construct one of London's greatest cathedrals."
The first step in your recovery begins with a change of heart; a change in attitude. Resilient leaders embrace challenges and overcome obstacles with the big picture always in view.
You have a fresh slate so reset your vision. Timanthes embraced the challenge from his tutor and painted his finest work. He reset his priorities by not living in the past. He reset his attitude by overcoming great disappointment to paint at a new level of perfection he had not previously known.
T.E. Lawrence once said, "All men dream but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds awake to the day to find it was all vanity. But the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for the many act out their dreams with open eyes, to make it possible..."
We may not have chosen the challenges that we face today but creating a masterpiece is our choice. The opportunity of today is to be what Lawrence described as "dangerous men" dreaming with open eyes to create something they never would have imagined in better times.
If you find yourself living in the past, with a bad attitude, take heart. You can turn your crisis into an opportunity and begin with a clean slate. With a clean slate your finest work may now be in the making.
Words do two major things: They provide food for the mind and create light for understanding and awareness. – Jim Rohn
Listed on the Merriam-Webster website is the 2011: The Year in Words. The list reveals defining moments in politics, culture, sports and more that spiked lookups in words because of events in news.
A few examples include the words "prefecture" and "haboob." "Prefecture" gained notoriety as a word back in March when reports from Japan about the devastating earthquake and tsunami focused on the prefectures that were most affected; an official term for a region or district.
"Haboob" was introduced into our vernacular back in July when a massive dust storm rolled through Phoenix, Az. In describing the mile-high billowing wave, many media reports referred to the storm as a "haboob". The word comes from the Arabic habūb which means "violent storm."
Confucius said, "Words are the voice of the heart." In leadership, the words we use can either be instruments of good or instruments of bad and we must choose them wisely. If you were to have an inventory taken on the words you use in your business or organization, how do you think you would rate?
As you look to 2012 and the leadership vocabulary you will choose, allow me to make these following suggestions to help you set the tone for your organization. By using these three styles you can set the stage for an uplifting year.
Choose words that encourage. Elizabeth Harrison said, "Those who are lifting the world upward and onward are those who encourage more than criticize." As a leader, the words you employ are either going to push your team onward and upward or at the very least is going to stall them.
By embracing a steady diet of encouraging words with your team you are setting the bar in how they communicate among themselves. Encouraging words will get you through a down economy, give you the energy to meet a challenging deadline, and the confidence needed to meet your goals. The difference maker can simply be the right word spoken at the right time. It takes no more energy to speak an encouraging word than it does to go negative. Be an encourager.
Choose words that engage. Words that encourage will get the attention of your team and endear you to them as a leader. Encouraging words touch their heart. Words that engage will challenge their minds.
Tom Kasten said, "You have to let people challenge your ideas." And this is what good leaders do. While encouraging words motivate, engaging words create. They create new ideas, fresh thinking, and foster a culture of inclusion in the process. Reflect back on the use of your words with your team this past year. Have they brought about the desired change you intended?
Engaging your team with the right vocabulary can be one of the best moves you make in 2012. When given the chance, engage your team by invoking words that causes them to shake off the comforts of the past, and challenges them to a new level of excellence today. When your team is engaged they take ownership. Are you engaging them?
Choose words that equip. When team members in your organization are empowered to excel, they are empowered for success. In as much as they need to hear words that encourage and engage them, they need to hear words that equip them for the job.
John Maxwell wisely said, "It's wonderful when the people believe in their leader; it's more wonderful when the leader believes in the people." And this is the secret to your leadership vocabulary – words that equip. When your people know that you believe in them and know they are empowered to do their job, the level of success they can achieve is limitless.
How about some honest assessment of your leadership vocabulary: Are your words encouraging? Are they engaging? Do they equip? At the heart of your leadership are your words. Speak wisely.
