When does information become the leader’s enemy?
When the sifting and sorting of data overwhelms the timely decisions that need to result.
In this week’s podcast interview with software developer, Jorge Rosas, we look at database hell. Have you ever wondered how so many leaders get trapped in the quicksand of endless information and reports grasping for the perfect decision?
Sound decision-making need not be such a perilous and overwhelming process.
Listen in.
Greg Ogden. Intervarsity Press. Downers Grove, IL 2007.
If I could trace the most significant influences in my personal and professional journey, Greg Ogden would be at the top of the list.
And so I am especially excited that he is back with another formation tool, Leadership Essentials. Focused on developing emerging leaders in character, influence and vision, this new tool provides a simple structure for anyone wanting to build into the life of another.
Instead of imposing an ideal (read unattainable) model of leadership on us, he lays out a process which engages our individual formation stories.
The process provides structure and content for the personal and relational dynamics to take on a power all of their own. The benefits to each person’s leadership maturity increase directly and exponentially with the level of energy and love invested.
Designed for those who share a Christian spirituality and find the Bible a vital resource for life direction, personal health and vocational reflection.
If you find yourself resorting to the “over commit the good-hearted” method of leadership development, here is your ticket to change.
It was precisely such a personal and dynamic investment that transformed my own life. I recommend you find another leader or two and accompany each other on this experience.
What one change to your leadership style will you experiment with in 2008?
What would happen if you made additional tools and support available to your employees without dictating to them how or for what to use them?
See what IBM experienced when it made various publishing and broadcasting tools available to its employees and trusted them with the uses. Read Eric Eggertson’s insights into how building a corporate “culture of trust and authenticity” will result in unanticipated creativity and buy-in.
People are not an interchangeable commodity whose energies we exploit as long as we can get away with it. They are our primary asset, a source of infinite energy and creativity, IF we come to terms with the reality that core to their (our) motivation is the opportunity to contribute and make a difference.
Try an experiment of your own and see what amazing new improvements, initiatives and/or innovations emerge from your team.
On your side.
It was the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, except that I was lying awake thinking about my unmet goals for the year.
Tomorrow morning, the kids will revel in the gifts and delights of the a holiday key to our family’s faith. I will muster my focus to participate fully and set aside the concerns that I did not accomplish all I set out to in 2007.
What does the coming of the Christ Child represent if not the abrupt intrusion of the unexpected gift we need most? We learn that we are not alone and because we are not alone there is always hope.
And so, I do not beat myself up over missed targets. I learn. I get help. I look forward. I keep moving forward.
There is always a way forward. Even if it is not the path I had originally planned. I adjust. I try again. I stay in the game.
I find my energies and efforts renewed by knowing that I am not alone and that there is always hope.
I think I will have no problem being fully present with my family tomorrow morning. I hope you will learn from your 2007 as well, so we can all show up for a more vital 2008.
Merry Christmas.
Looking for a pithy pick-me-up this morning?
Check out 10 Inspiring Thoughts on Leadership. Anna Farmery has a down to earth style and sound approach I think you’ll enjoy.
For those of you who have been working with me on either career or leadership style adjustments, Inspiring Thought #7 is particularly powerful.
When you learn how to stick to your vision and values but evolve the journey you take – then you increase the chance of success.
On your side,
– Karl
More than mastering any particular skill, our leadership journeys consist of learning to function with poise.
Poise is being comfortable and secure, balanced and free. Poise derives its strength, not from the trappings of positional power, but from the beauty of one’s professional integrity. (i.e. being whole and consistent in both character and competencies.)
Poise is being free to enjoy work and working hard. Poise is prepared to confront crisis, work through problems, and face down difficulties without losing one’s footing. Poise is being able to learn from everyone, even our worst critics, without fear.
Poise in leadership is a form of being fully alive and totally available for the task we have set for ourselves. Poise in leadership is a magnificently beautiful and deeply fulfilling stance.
When do you feel most alive and secure at work?
On your side,
– Karl
“Thank you. Thank you for being who you are. Thank you for showing up fully and bringing yourself to our shared mission. We wouldn’t be where we are today without you.”
Its value seems obvious, but appreciation of one’s volunteers too often gets overlooked in the busyness of our non-profit efforts. Make yourself one promise today. Promise yourself never to let another day go by without finding a way to express thanks to those who work alongside you.
Remember from our latest podcast with Rodney Walker, that a core source of motivation for volunteers is the opportunity to contribute and make a difference. Expressing gratitude is a way to communicate the specifics of how someone does just that.
For simple guidelines on the what’s and how’s of a meaningful “Thank You,” download my Say Thank You and Mean It worksheet.
On your side,
– Karl
How might you better direct your anger at the unacceptable as a proactive leadership strategy rather than a reactive emotional explosion?