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!