Posts
The traditional image of a leader is that of a person with mind on destination, vision beyond the horizon, feet on the ground building a path by walking it, and doggedly setting the pace.
But lagging is also a critical skill of leaders. Only through purposeful lagging can leaders identify those who are falling behind and why. Only by lagging can a helping hand be offered. Only by lagging can new leaders be given the space to learn to lead.
Leaders unwilling to strategically lag are likely to leave critical talent unnecessarily at the side of the road.
All the Best!
Bob
(c) copyright 2010
Performance Builders
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Leading Mindsets
Leaders envision new promise. Leaders enable new possibilities. Leaders embolden others.
It all begins with a leader's mindset. ...A mindset that sees: abundance rather than scarcity, potential rather than problems, creativity rather than constraints, effort rather than talent. A mindset that seeks: learning rather than validation and challenge rather than protection.
Mindsets are mental filters that change experiences, perceptions and realities.
Mindsets are a big deal! The best leaders make mindset considerations a central element when selecting team members.
All the Best!
Bob
(c) copyright 2010
Performance Builders
It all begins with a leader's mindset. ...A mindset that sees: abundance rather than scarcity, potential rather than problems, creativity rather than constraints, effort rather than talent. A mindset that seeks: learning rather than validation and challenge rather than protection.
Mindsets are mental filters that change experiences, perceptions and realities.
Mindsets are a big deal! The best leaders make mindset considerations a central element when selecting team members.
All the Best!
Bob
(c) copyright 2010
Performance Builders
Monday, December 20, 2010
Leading as Champions
Leaders are champions - not small "c" champions, but big "C" Champions. Let's consider the difference.
In our society the term champion is typically used in the context of holding first place in a sports contest - e.g. NFL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM. That definition comes with images of the index finger reaching skyward, strutting, whooping, and all sorts of celebration. Small "c" champions are all about BIG ME EGOS... SEE ME!, RESPECT ME! ADMIRE ME!, ENVY ME!, ME, ME, ME. ME!
Small "c" = BIG ME!
Small "c" = BIG ME!
But there's another more ancient meaning of champion - its the Big "C" version.
It relates to one who represents/protects his/her people in battle - think David & Goliath. Big "C" Champions get involved. They become vulnerable. They model courage and in doing so encourage others. Big "C" Champions demonstrate the best of the human spirit in unselfish service and generosity. And one more thing - they FINISH!
It's not about winning or losing, but rather, about always showing-up, always giving it everything one has, and it's about seeing things through to the end - the very end - win or lose.
It relates to one who represents/protects his/her people in battle - think David & Goliath. Big "C" Champions get involved. They become vulnerable. They model courage and in doing so encourage others. Big "C" Champions demonstrate the best of the human spirit in unselfish service and generosity. And one more thing - they FINISH!
It's not about winning or losing, but rather, about always showing-up, always giving it everything one has, and it's about seeing things through to the end - the very end - win or lose.
All The Best!
Bob
(c) Copyright 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Leading by Following
Great leaders are also committed followers.
They follow performance (their own and that of others), markets, customers, employees, ideas, inventions, innovations, trends, forecasts, pundits, and more... In doing so, they become sensitive and skilled at spotting inconsistencies, disconnects, shortcomings, challenges, and opportunities.
In short, they become experts in defining reality - realities that others miss.
As followers themselves, they understand the needs, motivations, fears, and aspirations of others. Great leaders are always great followers - not necessarily of other people, but of that which is happening around them.
They are connected. They are tuned in and turned on.
They are fueled by external realities juxtaposed with internal purpose and passion.
Within the leader, creative tension resides in the space that exists between their leading and their following. Like black and white, yin and yang, good and evil, following and leading breeds thoughtfulness and creativity. Leaders occupy and exploit the "in-between".
All the Best!
Bob
(c) copyright 2010
Performance Builders
They follow performance (their own and that of others), markets, customers, employees, ideas, inventions, innovations, trends, forecasts, pundits, and more... In doing so, they become sensitive and skilled at spotting inconsistencies, disconnects, shortcomings, challenges, and opportunities.
In short, they become experts in defining reality - realities that others miss.
As followers themselves, they understand the needs, motivations, fears, and aspirations of others. Great leaders are always great followers - not necessarily of other people, but of that which is happening around them.
They are connected. They are tuned in and turned on.
They are fueled by external realities juxtaposed with internal purpose and passion.
Within the leader, creative tension resides in the space that exists between their leading and their following. Like black and white, yin and yang, good and evil, following and leading breeds thoughtfulness and creativity. Leaders occupy and exploit the "in-between".
All the Best!
Bob
(c) copyright 2010
Performance Builders
Friday, December 3, 2010
Wellness to Willness
I've had several conversations this week in which the topic of wellness came up. Its a term that's been around for a couple of decades now and frankly its not gotten much traction in either therapy or training. Kind of a ho-hum thing...
Some of the most significant health issues today are related to lifestyle disease - you know... obesity, diabetes, and heart disease to name just a few.
I'll suggest that today its less about wellness than it is about willness. The challenge is to advocate, educate, and provoke. Wellness comes only after willingness! Wellness is a matter of will, willingness, and willfulness.
Willness is three dimensional - mind, body, and spirit. Perhaps its time for a new vocabulary to go along with new attitudes, behaviors, and health.
All the Best!
Bob
(c) copyright 2010
Performance Builders
Some of the most significant health issues today are related to lifestyle disease - you know... obesity, diabetes, and heart disease to name just a few.
I'll suggest that today its less about wellness than it is about willness. The challenge is to advocate, educate, and provoke. Wellness comes only after willingness! Wellness is a matter of will, willingness, and willfulness.
Willness is three dimensional - mind, body, and spirit. Perhaps its time for a new vocabulary to go along with new attitudes, behaviors, and health.
All the Best!
Bob
(c) copyright 2010
Performance Builders
