"Your mouth is a lot like toothpaste. If you push too much out, it is very difficult to put it back in without a mess."
- paraphrased from David Byrd of YMCA Middle Tennessee
First, I must thank my good friend, David Byrd for an EXCELLENT analogy, provided via his experiences with his granddaughter. Funny stuff!!
On occasion, the best QUOTES come from unrelated discussions. This morning, at breakfast, I was meeting with a friend and local community leader to chat about ways of doing more business. As with most discussions, we chatted a little about work, personal and faith. Then we talked POLITICS...
It is not hard to see where the above comment FITS into politics.
Leaders come in many different "packages." Some are the STRONG, SILENT type. Other can BOISTEROUS and PASSIONATE in their expressions. And yet others are just "DOER's," leading by example in action only. Rarely does someone possess EXCELLENCE in more than 1 trait.
2 DEGREE SUCCESS STEP:
As a leader, you are CONTINUALLY assessed and judged. Your actions are the real "GUTS" of your ability, and your words have the most POTENTIAL to sting.
As with the toothpaste tube, you must be CAUTIOUS about how much you spew out before you create a mess you cannot clean up.
I would ENCOURAGE all leaders to speak candidly and passionately regarding their positions and concerns. I also encourage that you consider what comments are EMOTIONAL vs. POSITIONAL. Ultimately, we must choose our words and actions that BEST help us meet our goals. If you point is REDUNDANT, INFLAMMATORY or UNNECESSARY, reserve yourself.
You may find that the next time you SPEAK... more people listen. (As for that toothpaste, put the cap back on for heaven's sake!)
Cheers,
Zach
*To enjoy past editions of the Morning Motivator go to – http://grow-learn-lead.blogspot.com
The Morning Motivator is a copyrighted publication. The use of this article is open for print or publication with proper citations.
Morning Motivator - Being a Leader is Tough…
"A leader leads by example, whether he intends to or not."
-Unknown
-Unknown
Whoever said they think being the LEADER is easy; must NOT spend much time in that role. Whether your role is CEO, Manager, Minister, Team Captain, Mom or Dad… Being a LEADER is HARD DANG WORK!
The CHALLENGE of leadership comes in the OVERWHELMING level of responsibility that the role carries. You are CONTINUALLY examined, sought out and mimicked in your actions and opinions. Same or do something BRILLIANT and everyone loves you… Say or do something DUMB and you can expect that you may be the last one standing – alone.
In our society currently, we have observed a TREND of questionable leadership, defined by "deals" to pass unsupported legislation, under handed politics at the local and national levels, as well as the continued failure of TV/Sports figures to provide us any type of "POSITIVE" role model. Some may say we, as a community, are at our LOWEST of days. Maybe so…
2 DEGREE SUCCESS STEP:
I want to CHALLENGE you! I want YOU to take on a leadership role in a very difficult environment. Take on an issue you believe in, and stand for it. REALLY, stand up and lead others.
As I see it, the STAGNATION of leadership comes in the facts that our BEST leaders, simply, do NOT lead. They serve as successful business executives, exceptional parents, or diligent community workers. And yet, when the "issues" are presented and challenged by others, we clam up. WHY?
The only way we WILL change our nation, state, community, households, is through the EMERGENCE of bright, focused and steadfast leadership. Whether young or matured, we NEED great leadership.
Sure, it is a TOUGH gig… but if YOU won't stand up and lead for what you believe in – do you really have an RIGHTS to challenge someone else that does?
Cheers,
Zach
*To enjoy past editions of the Morning Motivator go to – http://grow-learn-lead.blogspot.com
The Morning Motivator is a copyrighted publication. The use of this article is open for print or publication with proper citations.
Morning Motivator - If Not Now...
"If not us - who? If not now - when?"
- Nashville Councilman Sam Coleman
The most DIFFICULT aspect of decision making is the DECISION. Why??
My OPINION is that most leaders are FEARFUL of making a wrong decision that will "label" them going forward.
What if YOU were the person that BANKRUPTED your company with a poor decision? What if YOUR decision caused 200 people to lost their income? How would you ever RECOVER??
2 DEGREE SUCCESS STEP:
No one ever said leadership was EASY. You make the DIFFICULT decisions because, often, no else is WILLING.
Now think about the above questions and consider if YOUR decision caused your company to DOUBLE their sales or HIRE 200 new people. WOW!!
All in all, you will NEVER have that opportunity for GREATNESS without a risk of FAILURE.
Note, if NO ONE makes the tough decisions, you DO prevent the ability to "make" a poor decision - yet NOTHING will ever be achieved.
If you have to be LABELED - Be an ACTION person, not complacent.
Cheers,
Zach
*To enjoy past editions of the Morning Motivator go to – http://grow-learn-lead.blogspot.com
The Morning Motivator is a copyrighted publication. The use of this article is open for print or publication with proper citations.
- Nashville Councilman Sam Coleman
The most DIFFICULT aspect of decision making is the DECISION. Why??
My OPINION is that most leaders are FEARFUL of making a wrong decision that will "label" them going forward.
What if YOU were the person that BANKRUPTED your company with a poor decision? What if YOUR decision caused 200 people to lost their income? How would you ever RECOVER??
2 DEGREE SUCCESS STEP:
No one ever said leadership was EASY. You make the DIFFICULT decisions because, often, no else is WILLING.
Now think about the above questions and consider if YOUR decision caused your company to DOUBLE their sales or HIRE 200 new people. WOW!!
All in all, you will NEVER have that opportunity for GREATNESS without a risk of FAILURE.
Note, if NO ONE makes the tough decisions, you DO prevent the ability to "make" a poor decision - yet NOTHING will ever be achieved.
If you have to be LABELED - Be an ACTION person, not complacent.
Cheers,
Zach
*To enjoy past editions of the Morning Motivator go to – http://grow-learn-lead.blogspot.com
The Morning Motivator is a copyrighted publication. The use of this article is open for print or publication with proper citations.
Morning Motivator - Stick Your Nose In There!
"Those who are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are dumber."
- Plato
As mentioned in a prior Morning Motivator, I have been sticking MY nose into some local politics. The idea of this has created some QUESTIONS as to "Why?"
In ANY society, culture, workplace, family, team, etc, POLITICS are found. Not the slimy, back handed, self serving stuff (at least we hope not) that you find in National politics (example: healthcare in Nebraska). The REALITY is that LEADERSHIP is the tipping point of politics.
As a leader in your environment, it is YOUR job to create a MUTUAL gain, leverage popular opinion and create a balance of RESOURCES for your community. Sometimes, you may even have to make the UNPOPULAR decision, as it IS what is best for your people.
2 DEGREE SUCCESS STEP:
As with any group political setting, the LOUDEST and/or most ACTIVE individuals will serve as the leadership. Does this mean they are the most QUALIFIED? Not necessarily.
What can YOU do?! STICK YOUR NOSE IN THERE!!
You have every RIGHT to ask about your company's practices, your churches funding, your civic groups strategic plans. You may or may not agree with all the ACTIONS, yet by ensuring you have a seat at the table - you do GUARANTEE that the people that think like you WILL have a voice (even if you are the only ONE with that voice).
Get ENGAGED - Take the LEADERSHIP role - Stand UP for yourself and others!
Remember, if you don't - you are left with whoever else is WILLING to.
Cheers,
Zach
*To enjoy past editions of the Morning Motivator go to – http://grow-learn-lead.blogspot.com
The Morning Motivator is a copyrighted publication. The use of this article is open for print or publication with proper citations.
- Plato
As mentioned in a prior Morning Motivator, I have been sticking MY nose into some local politics. The idea of this has created some QUESTIONS as to "Why?"
In ANY society, culture, workplace, family, team, etc, POLITICS are found. Not the slimy, back handed, self serving stuff (at least we hope not) that you find in National politics (example: healthcare in Nebraska). The REALITY is that LEADERSHIP is the tipping point of politics.
As a leader in your environment, it is YOUR job to create a MUTUAL gain, leverage popular opinion and create a balance of RESOURCES for your community. Sometimes, you may even have to make the UNPOPULAR decision, as it IS what is best for your people.
2 DEGREE SUCCESS STEP:
As with any group political setting, the LOUDEST and/or most ACTIVE individuals will serve as the leadership. Does this mean they are the most QUALIFIED? Not necessarily.
What can YOU do?! STICK YOUR NOSE IN THERE!!
You have every RIGHT to ask about your company's practices, your churches funding, your civic groups strategic plans. You may or may not agree with all the ACTIONS, yet by ensuring you have a seat at the table - you do GUARANTEE that the people that think like you WILL have a voice (even if you are the only ONE with that voice).
Get ENGAGED - Take the LEADERSHIP role - Stand UP for yourself and others!
Remember, if you don't - you are left with whoever else is WILLING to.
Cheers,
Zach
*To enjoy past editions of the Morning Motivator go to – http://grow-learn-lead.blogspot.com
The Morning Motivator is a copyrighted publication. The use of this article is open for print or publication with proper citations.
Morning Motivator – Why Wait?!
"Procrastination is, hands down, our favorite form of self-sabotage."
- Alyce P. Cornyn-Selby
- Alyce P. Cornyn-Selby
Ever said this? Maybe later - When I get more money or time - When my kids are grown up - Tomorrow when I am more focused.
These are the FATAL phrases we CONTINUALLY allow ourselves to make. For the more ASTUTE, we recognize these by their real name – "EXCUSES."
Ask yourself the question, "Why AM I waiting?" Reality is that if it isn't IMPORTANT enough to do today, it is likely just a HUGE waste of time anyhow. Potentially, it is so UNDEFINED that you have no idea where to start or when to stop. (Again – a HUGE waste of time).
There is a SOLUTION to your procrastination though…
2 DEGREE SUCCESS STEP:
The key to EXECUTION, which is the opposite of procrastination, is your ability to identify a few simple project points:
1. GOAL DEFINITION: By understanding WHAT you are trying to achieve you are prepared to tackle the project and know when you have COMPLETED the project.
2. TIMELINE: Understand WHEN you are to start and when to finish. This will create a measurement of PRIORITY for other competing tasks.
3. RESOURCES: Define the TOOLS you have available for executing your task. (It is hard to build a house without a hammer.)
4. SUPPORT: Create a RELATIONSHIP bond with the people needed to execute within your scope and timeline.
5. VALUE: This could be NUMBER ONE on this list, as understanding the GAINS achieved by completing the project will truly define if it is even worth your time.
Make sure the project is valuable for your time and efforts, clearly defined and time driven. Build the right team with the right tools and you will find that MANAGING the success of your project become very simple… and the more SIMPLE a task becomes, the LESS likely you are to "put it off until later."
So, should I send this email now… or wait 'till later? :)
Cheers,
Zach
*To enjoy past editions of the Morning Motivator go to – http://grow-learn-lead.blogspot.com
The Morning Motivator is a copyrighted publication. The use of this article is open for print or publication with proper citations.
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