A Thankful Leader

                                 

                                

I have so much to be thankful for and certainly more than I deserve. I read on Facebook friends’ post of thankfulness since it is a season of Thanksgiving but we should be thankful and give thanks daily. Since, I utilize this blog for a leadership blog, I will keep this post directed for that intent. I have posted a photo that I took while visiting part of my team. I have this photo framed on my desk so I can look at it daily. It has a great deal of meaning for me. I look at this picture and am reminded of how important safety is in this field of work. Safety is everything to those doing this work and their families. I see the significance of team work and the value of working together. I see communication and the importance of having good communications with your teammates. As I look at the shape in the sky, it reminds me of all the reasons I love my job. If I ever get to the point that I don’t love my job, then it would be time to change. I have a sense of great pride in my team. I am extremely proud of them. One can perceive this photo in many different ways but to these individuals it is their way of life. They make a difference. They are providing a service that we often take for granted until we are without it. It is an honor and privilege to be the leader of such an awesome team. This picture will always remain on my desk to remind me of the points of interest I mentioned as well as other things of great value and importance to me. I am thankful for this team and their safety in which I pray for daily. I am thankful for the opportunity to have a job that I love going to each day. It may be hectic at times but each day that we are able to go home at the end of our shift is a great day. Be thankful!! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Are you riding the fence?

Are you riding the fence about a decision that needs to be made? As a leader, being a decision maker is of vital importance. I’ve always said, right or wrong, I can make a decision. Sometimes it is not simple and requires analyzing the situation, weighing the options and hopefully arriving to a conclusion. Then there are times when an immediate decision must be made. I look for this decision making factor when selecting a leader. I had a difficult work related situation where I had to make the ultimate decision. My heart was leading one way while my mind was leading the opposite direction. I ended up making the decision to the best of my ability and thankfully the situation was resolved successfully. It is difficult being torn in two different directions. We must realize that our choices may affect many people. Sometimes we make a decision and then after the fact, realize it was the wrong choice. It takes a person of integrity to admit they were wrong and reverse their decision. Our lives revolve around the choices we make. Do you need to jump off the fence and make a choice? Is your heart and head playing tug-o-war? I like this quote from Tim Redmond, “There are many things that will catch my eye, but there are only a few things that will catch my heart.” In my opinion, successful leaders know which side of the fence is the best choice and they know when to listen to their heart. Decisions that are made based on polices and procedures are factual, in black and white but the ones we must make that rely on our on intuition are often the hardest yet can be the most rewarding. Get off the fence before it breaks! You can't allow one decision to hold up progress. Make a choice and move on to the next one.

What path are you traveling?

What path are you following? Are you on a path to nowhere or are you going places? Allow me to explain my thoughts on this blog. As a leader it is important to make the best choices for those you lead, manage and for yourself. How often have you seen a leader that is traveling down a path that you disapprove of or know it is wrong but yet you are expected to look to this individual for leadership? It happens. I've seen it. I think that is one of the reasons I'm so passionate about leadership. I desire to make the right choices to the best of my ability. Sometimes the right choice is the hardest.  They can be painful but we have to make them. I read this piece from my favorite leader, "Your friends will either stretch your vision or choke your dreams. Some will inspire you to higher heights. Others will want you to join them on the couch of life where they do their least. Because not everyone wants to see you succeed, you have to make a choice”.  Excerpt From: John C. Maxwell. “Sometimes You Win--Sometimes You Learn.” Center Street, 2013-10-08. iBooks

As leaders we fall into this example as well. A leader will either stretch your vision or choke your dreams. I do not want to be the dream crusher but dream builder. I enjoy watching people seek their dreams and succeed at them. It is even more rewarding to be a part of the their journey to success. We can apply this to our personal lives as well. Are you around folks that hold you back because they are dream crushers and reek of negativity? If so then you must make a choice to join them on the path to nowhere or take the positive path towards success. It is a difficult and sometimes painful decision to make.  Each minute you spend with the wrong people takes away time you could be spending with the right ones. The path is clearly visible but our choices are what impacts the outcome of our success or lack of success. Be the right person, the positive role model, the dream builder and the mentor that makes a positive impact on those that are future leaders.

Hope Knows No Boundaries

I behind on blogging due to a busier than normal schedule. Normally, I would blog about leadership topics but with a heavy heart I chose to write about hope.  How many times do we take for granted each day that God has given us? I'm guilty of not being as appreciative as I should be as I suspect most of us are. The events of today and yesterday of the passing of two individuals in our communities is on the hearts and minds of many. We need to keep their families in our thoughts and prayers. Both of those individuals were close to my age, as I think that could have easily been me or someone very close to me in either situation. I made a special point today to tell those nearest and dearest to me that I love them not knowing what tomorrow holds for me or any of us for that matter. I purchased John Maxwell's new book last night, Sometimes You Win - Sometimes You Learn. It is fantastic and a must read. It was meant for me to read with the events of today. Things that are out of our control do steal our joy and hope and if we continue to dwell on it then our desire and drive to move forward is damaged. 

“Our yesterdays have a tendency to invade our todays with negativism, stealing our joy and hope. If we dwell on them too much, they threaten to rob us of our future. That’s why I like these words of Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Finish each day and be done with it…. You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it well and serenely.” "Hope always has a future. It leans forward with expectation. It desires to plan for tomorrow. And that opens us up to greater possibilities.” 

Excerpt From: John C. Maxwell. “Sometimes You Win--Sometimes You Learn.” Center Street, 2013-10-08. iBooks. 

“What does hope do for mankind?

Hope shines brightest when the hour is darkest.

Hope motivates when discouragement comes.

Hope energizes when the body is tired.

Hope sweetens when the bitterness bites.

Hope sings when all melodies are gone.

Hope believes when the evidence is limited.

Hope listens for answers when no one is talking.

Hope climbs over obstacles when no one is helping.

Hope endures hardship when no one is caring.

Hope smiles confidently when no one is laughing.

Hope reaches for answers when no one is asking.

Hope presses toward victory when no one is encouraging.

Hope dares to give when no one is sharing.

Hope brings the victory when no one is winning.

In short, hope gives. It gives to us even when we have little or nothing left. It is one of the most precious things we have in life.”  

Excerpt From: John C. Maxwell. “Sometimes You Win--Sometimes You Learn.” Center Street, 2013-10-08. iBooks. 

We all have hope. The families and friends that are suffering loss of loved ones have hope. Those battling cancer have hope. Those experiencing a broken heart have hope. Those having a bad day at work or school have hope. Those starting a new job have hope. The list can be unlimited.  It doesn't matter the situation or the circumstances because Hope knows no boundaries. It is within us. It is within me. I hope this blog can give someone else hope that might otherwise not seek it or believe it. I hope to add value to one person through this post.

Making A Difference

Sometimes we get so caught up with the hustle and bustle of our daily routines that we forget about the little things that add value to us as leaders.  The things that make all of the fast-pace, stressful and often craziness worth every second of the time and energy we put into our team and careers. A kind word of appreciation from a team member can make a positive impact on a leader. It gives leaders a sense of accomplishment. Normally, I would write about leaders making a difference but today I want to share my thoughts on how those we led can make a difference. How many times have you said thank you or I appreciate what you do or have done for me to your leader? I find it important to give praise to the person that is the leader. I realize that not everyone may like their leader (for the record in my opinion I have a great leader) and it happens but do you ever stop and think that maybe as a team member you could make a difference or add value to your leader? When I started my career, I had no thoughts of leadership.  All I desired was a paycheck. As I literally grew up in my place of employment, I begin to see opportunities for the future. I set goals and once I reached one I would set another one. My goals were stepping stones to reach the ultimate goal which I achieved (never stop setting goals). It took a lot of work, often tears from the stress and advil at times for the headache it implicated.  Despite all of the aches and pains along the way, it's worth the journey when a team member says thank you.  Receiving positive feedback from a team member does add value to leaders.  It added value to me.  It allows leaders to know they are on the right track with the team. It indicates they are making a difference. A simple thank you can have a strong effect. Often we overlook the impact we can have on those around us. 

My life shall touch a dozen lives before this day is done,

Leave countless marks for good or ill ere sets the evening sun,

This is the wish I always wish, the prayer I always pray,

Lord, May my life help other lives it touches by the way.

  Author unknown

Say thank you, add value, make a difference!

Determination

Determination is a trait that I am certainly not lacking but is it possible to be over determined at times? Does being over determined help or hurt the team? These are questions that often I seek answers too. I looked up the definition of determination which states: firmness of purpose, resoluteness. I furthered my reading to find synonyms for this word: willpower, strength of character, single-mindedness, perseverance, persistence, spirit, courage, grit and much much more. Those that know me, my picture was not listed beside this definition in the dictionary.  In my opinion, a good leader should be a determined individual.  One that is fair but firm but firm first (which was some great advice I received from a former CEO). One that has the courage and strong-will to take risk for the greater good of the team. If we don't take risk then how do we better the team and ourselves? Sure there are no guarantees with any risk but we will never find out if we just sit and wonder what would have happened if we had not taken a chance.  If we fail, then we fail forward as John Maxwell has stated in his book Failing Forward. We are subject to fail so it's not a matter of if but a matter of when. It is how we react to the failure that determines how we overcome it. We can learn from it and move forward or not. This is a hard one, no one likes to fail. I know I don't but having the determination to take risk, then if it doesn't work out having the determination to learn from it then move forward builds character and strength. Have you ever been so determined to reach a goal and got so caught up in the journey that you were willing to do whatever it took to achieve it? I'm not talking about giving up the farm by any means but to go the extra mile or extra ten miles if that's what it takes to reach the finish line. This quote reminds me of a journey I have experienced, like many of you have too I'm sure.  "Determination, energy, and courage appear spontaneously when we care deeply about something. We take risks that are unimaginable in any other context," said Margaret J. Wheatley. I had a previous boss to tell me that I care too much about people. I call it believing in people and adding value to others. I am determined to do just that every chance I get so if that makes me over determined at times then so be it. I don't think it hurts the team but hopefully builds a stronger team. "The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand," per Vince Lombardi. 

Have courage, take risk, be determined and fail forward!

A Leader's Serving Heart

A successful leader must have a serving heart. Are you thinking what is she talking about? I will explain my thoughts on a serving heart. As a leader of a small group, I am not in a position to dominate people, maneuver them, brow beat them or to manipulate them, but there to serve them. One of the best things we can do as a leader is give of ourselves to others. One of my final assignments during college was to write a lengthy paper on what I thought my purpose was in relation to business management. I wrote that my purpose was to serve others. Ironically, since I wrote that paper I have been fulfilling more and more of that purpose. This is not a short term goal or long term goal to be reached but a lifelong goal to continually pursue. I think if we lead others with a serving heart, we can make a difference. We may only make a difference for one person but it’s that one time that otherwise might have never happened. I worked with a special lady for seven years and learned a great deal from her. At the time I did not realize I was learning, but I have come to realize how much she taught me especially about having a serving heart over the last few years. She was not in a leadership position but one doesn't have to be in a position to be a leader. You can lead from anywhere in an organization. She was and still is a wonderful role model to those that know her. She made a valuable contribution to my career. She believed in me, took me under her wing and gave of her serving heart. By doing so, she help me grow and develop into a leader. To me, there is not a better example of a serving heart than hers. I enjoy reads from Coach John Wooden and Coach Bear Bryant. These were two fantastic leaders not to mention coaches. Coach Bryant had a serving heart (read Bear Bryant on Leadership by Pat Williams). “Coach Bryant said to me, ‘Marty, give of yourself so others can grow.” – Marty Lyons, Alabama defensive tackle, 1975-78. Are we truly giving of ourselves to make others grow? I have pondered upon this question to myself multiple times especially over the last few weeks. I looked inside my heart to realize that I was not doing enough for those I lead. Since then, I have dug into some deep reading material, made a list of new goals and objectives in order do better serving those that rely on my leadership. It is my desire to do whatever it takes to make my team members grow and develop their leadership qualities. In my opinion, anyone that desires to be good leader can be one if they give it their best and develop leadership skills. There are others that can be great leaders because they desire to be better than the best. My goal is to help others be the best or better than the best. It all starts by having a serving heart. I will end with this quote from George Washington Carver, “It is not the style of clothes one wears, neither the kind of automobile one drives, nor the amount of money one has in the bank that counts. These mean nothing. It is simply service that measures success.” I believe a serving heart can make a difference in the success of those we lead. It certainly made a positive impact on my career twenty two years ago.

The first blog- Pick A Good One

I have thought numerous times about blogging but never took the time to actually do it until now. So here goes my first of hopefully many blogs. Being an avid fan of John Maxwell (if you don't have a clue who that is you will if you follow my blogs), I read his material and listen to his audio tapes on leadership. Leadership is a broad subject with each individual having their own view. In my opinion, it starts with attitude. I have a sign hanging in my office that says, "Attitude is everything so pick a good one". We choose our attitude. A positive attitude is as contagious as a bad attitude. There's nothing worse than a bad attitude in my opinion. Bad attitudes drag a person down and not only that it can be detrimental to the entire team. Sure we are going to have trying times, bad days and disappointment there's no way around it but if we try to make the best of it with a good attitude then we become better individuals. Attitudes can cost friendships or build friendships. Attitudes can make you successful or add to failure. Attitudes can build a team or destroy a team. I think you get the idea.

"Whether you are a success or failure in life has little to do with you circumstances; it has much more to do with your choices." A quote from Nido Qubein. That being said, attitude is certainly a choice. Recently, I allowed my attitude to go from good to bad (for a short time). I was bummed out over a situation I had no control over. Hey it happens to the best of us but I made a choice to realign my attitude for the betterment of the situation. Sometimes we must keep our attitude in check as hard as it may be because if we don't, not only do we hurt ourselves but we can hurt others. As we begin a new week, I encourage you to be more attentive in regards to your attitude. Also, pay closer attention to the attitudes around you. One can learn a great deal from observing.

Pick at good one!