Category: Goals

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The Tragedy of Insecure Leaders

We have all heard it said, “People are much faster to quit a bad boss, than a bad job.” I think one of the worst bosses to work for, is an insecure boss. I have always wondered how these people get promoted to their position.

A leader that is insecure is poison for an organization. They will destroy morale, and people will begin to leave. Maybe you have worked for one of these people in the past. They are easy to recognize.

1. An insecure leader does not provide security for others. These leaders are always looking out for themselves first. Their insecurity has them act to protect their job at the expense of others.

2. An insecure leader takes more from people than they give. These leaders are demanding of their people. In many cases they may not even understand the work associated with their demands. They want to beat their goals at any cost to keep their position.

3. An insecure leader limits the potential of people around them. They don’t ask for input. They don’t listen to suggestions. They are receiving all their input from the top. Those are the people they need to please, not their team. Your personal goals and growth do not matter to an insecure leader.

4. An insecure leader limits their own organization. Organizations are more effective when the talents of all are best utilized. This can never happen in an organization with insecure leaders.

If you are stuck working for an insecure leader, what is your escape plan? You are wasting your talents stuck in a position where you are not appreciated. Don’t think it will get better. Only when enough people leave will an organization see they have a problem.

This article may seem a little harsh, but do you really want to waste your potential?

 

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Who Else Wants 2016 to Be a Great Year?

Maybe you are like me, and towards the end of each year, you reflect back and then set some goals for the next year. I was preparing myself for that annual activity, and decided that I wanted to take a different approach this year. I am sharing this so that maybe I can provide you with some new ideas, or an incentive to refresh your annual planning process.

One day last week, I was thinking about the goals I had achieved in 2015, and where I fell short of my targets. I also wondered if 2015 would really have been better if I achieved all my goals. That may sound crazy, but I was thinking that even if I achieved my goals, would I be the person I wanted to be.

The question that stuck in my head was, “How can I become a better person?” It is a much different question than, “What goals do I want to achieve in 2016?” My focus shifted from accomplishing a specific thing, to development. How can I grow my character? How can I improve my life?

Since that day of reflection, my attitude towards a plan for 2016 has been very stimulating. What does it really mean to be a better person?

With those thoughts in mind, I have started compiling areas to explore for my 2016 plan. Here is the list I have so far.

  • My attitude and how it affects everything I do
  • My faith
  • My relationships and investing in them
  • My generosity both money and time
  • My values and how I live them
  • My continued growth
  • My mental, physical, and spiritual health
  • My self-esteem
  • Making and handling commitments to others and myself
  • My approach to priorities

I think through this approach I will be able to develop a 2016 plan that is very rewarding, and probably more valuable than simply setting goals. I am excited about this approach and where it may lead me.

Some questions for you to think about:

  1. What else do you think belongs on this list?
  2. What is your plan for an end of year review?
  3. What do you want to achieve in 2016?
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Sometimes We Need a Reset and Restart

After a month, I am back. Maybe you didn’t even realize I have not posted anything in a month. I was sidetracked with a project, and missed a week, then two. Before I realized it a month had gone by. My routine and discipline broken.

What I discovered is that sometimes we need a short break to reset, recharge, and restart. Once my routine was gone, I asked myself if I should restart. If I did, how would I want my posts and newsletter to be different.

I realized that I couldn’t stop. Every week I received at least one thank you note from a reader. Every week I have the opportunity to shares ideas and thoughts that has the possibility of helping someone.

Restarting without improving is also not an option. So you will see some changes also. You will have to let me know if I succeed in providing useful information.

The lesson? When restarting a project, a task, a routine, or any process ask yourself the following:

1. Am I adding value? How could I add more? Reflect on your real motives and find alignment between yourself and the goal.

2. Am I ready to commit the required resources (time, money, effort)? If you want excellent results, you must expect excellence from yourself.

3. How can I expand the resources available to me? Search for untapped resources that can make the effort easier, or provide additional support.

4. What does success look like? Define a clear vision for success. Give yourself the focus that is required to make adjustments toward your goal as you encounter obstacles. It is counter intuitive that a clear vision provides flexibility.

5. How can I avoid doing the same things, making the same mistakes, getting the same results? Don’t restart without changes. It is the quickest path to failure. Reflect on your experience and define the adjustments you want to make. Measure your progress along the way.

Is there something in your life you need to restart? Or maybe something that needs a break?

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Find Your Success Within

It is no secret that real leadership starts within the leader. John C. Maxwell has said, “to do more, you have to be more”. He is referring to our character, our values, our thoughts, and our actions.

How often do you reflect on your own character? How strong are your values? Take five minutes and challenge yourself to put in writing your beliefs, values, and strengths. Make a list, and capture a description of your inner self.

The list is your pathway to success. It defines behaviors that you need to live every day to be successful. It should not describe the person you desire to be, the person you are. It should clarify in your mind the areas that require more of your focus, and areas that you need to be more intentional with.

How do you become more? You need to grow yourself in the areas that you value, and the areas of your strengths.

The list should also reveal your passions. Passion allows you to see opportunities. Passion is the fuel that triggers your action.

When I did this exercise, I learned that even though I am driven to help others succeed, I can sometimes be stuck routines that limit my effectiveness. I am excited about the ideas I generated on how I can help others in new ways, and hopefully more effective ways.

If you didn’t already stop to make your list, take the chance to do it right now. It will lead you to new ideas. Ideas that will let you become more, and do more.