Morning Motivator - A Good Lesson in Bad Leadership Strategy

"So let me start the discussion of government spending by setting the record straight. At the beginning of the last decade, America had a budget surplus of over $200 billion. By the time I took office, we had a one year deficit of over $1 trillion and projected deficits of $8 trillion over the next decade. Most of this was the result of not paying for two wars, two tax cuts, and an expensive prescription drug program. On top of that, the effects of the recession put a $3 trillion hole in our budget. That was before I walked in the door.  Just stating the facts."
- President Barack Obama 

I was SURPRISED (mildly) last night to see the LEADER of most powerful country in the world – "pass the buck."  All politics aside, there is a GREAT lesson in leadership that can be derived from this simple statement.  

Assume you are at work and your boss is FURIOUS that you have failed to meet your quarterly goal.  You have a few options here: 

1. RATIONALIZE why you couldn't attain your goal (poor economy, bad leads, and lacking support.) 

2. COMPARE yourself to the others in your group ("Why so mad at me?  Steve didn't hit his goals either!")

3. OWN the shortcoming and move forward (Yes, ma'am.  I did miss my target.  I have ideas on why and will take corrective actions immediately.) 

Now, consider yourself to be the BOSS. 

Of the three, which two do you EXCUSE from their role? 

2 DEGREE SUCCESS STEP:
As LEADERS, we are all placed in CHALLENGING environments and are expected to overcome.  That is WHY we are leaders. 

The people we lead do NOT want to hear excuses or rationalizations regarding our inability to CREATE prosperity.  They want to SEE action and FEEL results.  They want less talk and more WALK… 

I sincerely hope that Mr. Obama is able to lead us in the right direction and achieve what is BEST for the people of the United States.  I hope that we are able to push personal PRIDE and agendas aside in lieu of a better community where people are allowed to prosper, while BETTERING the future for their children.  I hope you will STAND for what you believe… and should you miss the mark… 

I hope you will TAKE ownership and lead accordingly. 

Skip all the BLAME GAME stuff…

Cheers,
Zach

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