Yesterday I had the privilege of attending a John Maxwell Live2Lead Simulcast at Shippensburg University. Thanks to the generosity of at least several people and organizations I was able to hear some phenomenal speakers. I was challenged to live a more intentional, people focused life. I left the simulcast feeling fired up and motivated. Hopefully I can pass along a little bit of the learning I did yesterday to you through this post.
The first speaker was Pat Lencioni, the founder of The Table Group. His teaching is outline below (all his thoughts and ideas, none of mine, consider this the citation notation).
Two Requirements for an Organizations Success:
1.) Smart - All the important stuff - reading spreadsheets, creating strong policies, m) Buiarket research, etc.
2.) Healthy - Minimal politics and confusion, High Morale and low turnover among good people.
He claims that most businesses are Smart (or could be). He asserts that most businesses/organizations are failing or struggling to create the all important Healthy environment. He gave several examples of how some organizations had the smartest and brightest people but still lagged behind their competitors because of a toxic work environment. Excellent points throughout this portion of the talk.
Lencioni claims "The healthier our organization is the more we get to tap into our smart side." He said "The best companies are not the smartest, they are the healthiest." He repeatedly used Southwest Airlines as a model of a very healthy company.
Four Keys of a Healthy Business:
1.) Build a Cohesive Leadership Team
2.) Create Clarity (know what you do)
3.) Overcommunicate your Clarity (Tell everyone a hundred times what it is you do)
4.) Structure to Reinforce your Clarity (Make sure your processes and procedures support your mission)
How to build a Cohesive Leadership Team:
-Build Vulnerability Trust - Leader must be willing to say "sorry, I screwed up" or "I apologize, I was wrong this time, but I will figure it out and get better next time." Leaders have to be vulnerable before their followers.
-Conflict - Be all about finding the right answer, not looking to tear someone down.
-Accountability - Be willing to hold people accountable for poor behavior/bad attitudes. This is very uncommon
6 Questions to Clarify your Clarity:
1.) Why do we exist?
2.) How do we behave?
3.) What do we do?
4.) How will we succeed?
5.) What is most important right now?
6.) Who must do what?
More session notes to be posted under a different post.
Canoeing on Christmas 2015
Saturday, October 10, 2015
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Coming in HOT!
My basketball team had a saying last year. Started by one player and then spread to all of us. We got in the habit of saying "Coming in hot." At first it meant that a shot was going to clang hard off the backboard or that a pass had too much pace on it. It then took on a meaning off the court as well...Maybe our bus was following another car a little close, we were "coming in hot."
Later on it developed into a phrase to be used when a player or coach was a little upset about a call and got a little fiesty with an official. It could have been a player who was mad at a coach or an AD who was mad about something. They were coming in hot.
As a leader you never want to enter a situation "coming in hot." In my mind a picture is formed of someone racing down the hall, steam coming out of the ears and entering a room yelling. Someone who comes in hot shoots firsts and apologizes later. This is a good way to destroy trust and turn off followers.
Here are some tips to avoid "coming in hot" to situations:
1.) Be sure you get all the facts before making a judgement.
2.) Literally take a deep breath.
3.) Go for a walk. It will lower your stress and give you time to do #1 and #2
4.) Wait a day! Most problems don't demand immediate attention. Allow 24 hours to let everything (and everyone) settle down a little bit before addressing the problem.
5.) Talk to everyone and try to see the situation from everyone's perspective. Put yourself in their shoes and see how the situation looks from their angle.
Some of the worst moments and situations I have ever been a part of have happened because people "came in hot." Try to be a leader who diffuses tensions instead of a leader who inflames situations. Pour water on fires, never gasoline.
Later on it developed into a phrase to be used when a player or coach was a little upset about a call and got a little fiesty with an official. It could have been a player who was mad at a coach or an AD who was mad about something. They were coming in hot.
As a leader you never want to enter a situation "coming in hot." In my mind a picture is formed of someone racing down the hall, steam coming out of the ears and entering a room yelling. Someone who comes in hot shoots firsts and apologizes later. This is a good way to destroy trust and turn off followers.
Here are some tips to avoid "coming in hot" to situations:
1.) Be sure you get all the facts before making a judgement.
2.) Literally take a deep breath.
3.) Go for a walk. It will lower your stress and give you time to do #1 and #2
4.) Wait a day! Most problems don't demand immediate attention. Allow 24 hours to let everything (and everyone) settle down a little bit before addressing the problem.
5.) Talk to everyone and try to see the situation from everyone's perspective. Put yourself in their shoes and see how the situation looks from their angle.
Some of the worst moments and situations I have ever been a part of have happened because people "came in hot." Try to be a leader who diffuses tensions instead of a leader who inflames situations. Pour water on fires, never gasoline.
Monday, October 5, 2015
Make Your Teammates Better
The mark of a truly great athlete or leader is that they make those around them better than they can be on their own. That is why they are great. Michael Jordan, Derek Jeter, Ray Lewis all had the knack of inspiring their teammates to reach new heights. They made their teammates better.
Making a teammate better can happen in a number of ways. The first way is by example. Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan are legendary for their work ethic. They were literally the first ones in the gym and the last ones to leave. Neither of these great leaders were much into giving rousing, inspiring speeches. What they did to improve their teams is show up, work harder than everyone else and challenge even lower level players to play way above their talent would normally allow. They also had tons of talent themselves. They created an environment in which no one wants to let them down, no one can ever give less than their best each day.
Other players have given up what is best for them in an effort to improve those around them. Many players in professional sports have taken a pay cut or salary modification in order to allow the team to sign other, talented players. Sometimes players take on a lesser role in order for others to shine. That makes the team better. Some players give up shots (or whatever applies in a different sport) so that others can get more involved. Lebron James is an excellent example of someone who lessened their role in order to win. In Miami he could have rightfully taken most of the shots, demanded the ball more and been the center of the enterprise. He deferred on the court and it ended up netting him 2 NBA championships. He will most likely be most known for his failures at the end of his career, but never forget that he was/is a winner who wants those around him to succeed.
These concepts translate into the spheres that you and I are likely to walk in each day as leaders. We ultimately will be measured as leaders by our ability to make others better. We can do that in many ways. We can be quiet leaders who simply do the right thing, time and time again, even when a shortcut would be easier. People are watching. By living with high integrity and personal responsibility we are encouraging our followers to do the same. We don't have to give rousing speeches, we can inspire by adding value to peoples lives each day.
Leaders can make sure that the glory for successes are reflected to others. Even when we earned the spotlight, the accolades and the attention we support and bless those in our circle if we distribute the credit to our followers. The next time your time "wins" make sure that those in a support role get the vast majority of the credit and you will find you have followers ready to run through walls for you.
Making a teammate better can happen in a number of ways. The first way is by example. Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan are legendary for their work ethic. They were literally the first ones in the gym and the last ones to leave. Neither of these great leaders were much into giving rousing, inspiring speeches. What they did to improve their teams is show up, work harder than everyone else and challenge even lower level players to play way above their talent would normally allow. They also had tons of talent themselves. They created an environment in which no one wants to let them down, no one can ever give less than their best each day.
Other players have given up what is best for them in an effort to improve those around them. Many players in professional sports have taken a pay cut or salary modification in order to allow the team to sign other, talented players. Sometimes players take on a lesser role in order for others to shine. That makes the team better. Some players give up shots (or whatever applies in a different sport) so that others can get more involved. Lebron James is an excellent example of someone who lessened their role in order to win. In Miami he could have rightfully taken most of the shots, demanded the ball more and been the center of the enterprise. He deferred on the court and it ended up netting him 2 NBA championships. He will most likely be most known for his failures at the end of his career, but never forget that he was/is a winner who wants those around him to succeed.
These concepts translate into the spheres that you and I are likely to walk in each day as leaders. We ultimately will be measured as leaders by our ability to make others better. We can do that in many ways. We can be quiet leaders who simply do the right thing, time and time again, even when a shortcut would be easier. People are watching. By living with high integrity and personal responsibility we are encouraging our followers to do the same. We don't have to give rousing speeches, we can inspire by adding value to peoples lives each day.
Leaders can make sure that the glory for successes are reflected to others. Even when we earned the spotlight, the accolades and the attention we support and bless those in our circle if we distribute the credit to our followers. The next time your time "wins" make sure that those in a support role get the vast majority of the credit and you will find you have followers ready to run through walls for you.
Sunday, October 4, 2015
Leaders are Servants
"If you are not serving, you are not leading." (Plagarized, I mean researched quote). A leader is called to serve those they are leading. Coaches, Teachers, Pastors, Employers, your job is to serve those that follow you. Providing service to those you lead is a fundamental function of leadership. Your position does not give you power over somebody, it gives you an opportunity to serve them, to make them better to build them up. Providing opportunities for followers to excel and grow is how you can grow as a leader.
If the people or organization you are leading has grown stagnant, check to see if you are expecting to be served, or if you are serving. Servant-Leaders who put the cares and concerns of their followers ahead of their own work in dynamic, growing and thriving environments.
Sometimes the word "servant" has a very negative connotation. The poor, waiting on the wealthy, the powerless doing the biding of the powerful. It is quite the opposite. A servant leader is on the lookout for how they may help and empower their followers. Change the way you view service. To serve others as a leader find ways to empower and encourage them to fulfill the mission. Imagine if you had 10-15 followers who were all inspired to work hard (after observing you modeling this priceless behavior), were empowered to do their job and encouraged that you really care about them. How could your organization, team or classroom take off under those circumstances?
A week or so ago I had the opportunity to model some servant leadership. A student had spilled a drink in the cafeteria. I quickly sprung into action and began cleaning it up. I was able to model to 100+ students in the vicinity that no job is "below" me and that I am willing to help out when needed. Being a servant leader changes the dynamic from "how can they help me to accomplish MY mission" to how can I help them accomplish OUR mission." That can be a very powerful change that can bring tremendous results. When the phone rings at odd hours do you think "Oh Great, now what" (that is often my response, unfortunately), or do you think "Oh Great, an opportunity to help someone." It makes a major difference. Try it out this week. Serve your followers, instead of expecting them to serve you. See what a difference it can make.
If the people or organization you are leading has grown stagnant, check to see if you are expecting to be served, or if you are serving. Servant-Leaders who put the cares and concerns of their followers ahead of their own work in dynamic, growing and thriving environments.
Sometimes the word "servant" has a very negative connotation. The poor, waiting on the wealthy, the powerless doing the biding of the powerful. It is quite the opposite. A servant leader is on the lookout for how they may help and empower their followers. Change the way you view service. To serve others as a leader find ways to empower and encourage them to fulfill the mission. Imagine if you had 10-15 followers who were all inspired to work hard (after observing you modeling this priceless behavior), were empowered to do their job and encouraged that you really care about them. How could your organization, team or classroom take off under those circumstances?
A week or so ago I had the opportunity to model some servant leadership. A student had spilled a drink in the cafeteria. I quickly sprung into action and began cleaning it up. I was able to model to 100+ students in the vicinity that no job is "below" me and that I am willing to help out when needed. Being a servant leader changes the dynamic from "how can they help me to accomplish MY mission" to how can I help them accomplish OUR mission." That can be a very powerful change that can bring tremendous results. When the phone rings at odd hours do you think "Oh Great, now what" (that is often my response, unfortunately), or do you think "Oh Great, an opportunity to help someone." It makes a major difference. Try it out this week. Serve your followers, instead of expecting them to serve you. See what a difference it can make.
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
Leadership "ions"
Leadership is a high-calling. It is a position many individuals strive for. That is a good thing. The desire to become a great leader will help us all to become better individuals. We are all leaders. However, we don't all do it well. Whether you lead a family, team, business, church, volunteer organization or other groups there are several essential qualities that all leaders must possess. Your leadership will greatly improve if you can grow in these three key areas:
1.) Organization - Leaders must be able to organize. They need to first organize themselves. They must be able to know where things are, how to find things and have a system in place to get things done. Nothing is as frustrating to followers than leaders who are constantly losing things, not planning well and have a general air of dysfunction.
Organization is a state of mind. It allows all other tasks to flow more smoothly. It creates a winning environment. The ability to organize a personal desk flows into organizing an office which then allows you to organize a group. There are too many important things a leader must do each day to be worrying about where they put things or having to search for needed materials. Organization flows outward from a leader. If the leader is organized and on top of things, then their followers will also have to be organized as well. If you want to take a concrete step to improve your organization today, try clearing the clutter in your workspace. That one small step will hopefully spur you on to organize something else tomorrow. Your life will soon flow with increased efficiency.
2.) Communication - Leaders must be able to communicate. A very frustrating experience for a follower is having a leader with poor communication skills. Your followers will never be quite sure of the expectations. They will constantly be off balance wondering if what they are doing is correct. Communication needs to be clear and concise. It does not have to be overbearing. You don't have to email/call/text three times a day to master communication. Leadership communication that is clear up-front saves much time later. Followers know what is expected of them, how to meet those expectations and what resources are available. Good, clear communication will save the leader much time in the long run.
3.) Vision - Vision is probably the most important leadership tool. Vision takes a person from being a manager to being a leader. Vision is the ability to see what needs done and then provides the steps to get it done. Vision is the ability that inspires the followers to do more than they ever thought possible, to accomplish things that "couldn't be done." Dr. Jerry Falwell had the gift of vision in greater quantities than anyone else I have ever been around. He was a given a "God - Sized" vision to accomplish great things in Lynchburg, VA. To see his 50 year old vision coming to fruition through Liberty University is truly amazing to me. He dreamed big and inspired his followers to make it happen.
Practice your "ions" this week. Make an improvement in each area and you will see amazing dividends in your life and in the lives of the people who follow you.
1.) Organization - Leaders must be able to organize. They need to first organize themselves. They must be able to know where things are, how to find things and have a system in place to get things done. Nothing is as frustrating to followers than leaders who are constantly losing things, not planning well and have a general air of dysfunction.
Organization is a state of mind. It allows all other tasks to flow more smoothly. It creates a winning environment. The ability to organize a personal desk flows into organizing an office which then allows you to organize a group. There are too many important things a leader must do each day to be worrying about where they put things or having to search for needed materials. Organization flows outward from a leader. If the leader is organized and on top of things, then their followers will also have to be organized as well. If you want to take a concrete step to improve your organization today, try clearing the clutter in your workspace. That one small step will hopefully spur you on to organize something else tomorrow. Your life will soon flow with increased efficiency.
2.) Communication - Leaders must be able to communicate. A very frustrating experience for a follower is having a leader with poor communication skills. Your followers will never be quite sure of the expectations. They will constantly be off balance wondering if what they are doing is correct. Communication needs to be clear and concise. It does not have to be overbearing. You don't have to email/call/text three times a day to master communication. Leadership communication that is clear up-front saves much time later. Followers know what is expected of them, how to meet those expectations and what resources are available. Good, clear communication will save the leader much time in the long run.
3.) Vision - Vision is probably the most important leadership tool. Vision takes a person from being a manager to being a leader. Vision is the ability to see what needs done and then provides the steps to get it done. Vision is the ability that inspires the followers to do more than they ever thought possible, to accomplish things that "couldn't be done." Dr. Jerry Falwell had the gift of vision in greater quantities than anyone else I have ever been around. He was a given a "God - Sized" vision to accomplish great things in Lynchburg, VA. To see his 50 year old vision coming to fruition through Liberty University is truly amazing to me. He dreamed big and inspired his followers to make it happen.
Practice your "ions" this week. Make an improvement in each area and you will see amazing dividends in your life and in the lives of the people who follow you.
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
Kirk Cousin's Big Ten Speech
The Washington Redskins recently named Kirk Cousin's as their starting Quarterback for the upcoming season. I have been a huge fan of his since hearing a video of his speech at a Big 10 Conference Event. Just thought I would share an excerpt. We need more men like him in sports. You can youtube "Kirk Cousins Big Ten Speech" to watch a video of his entire speech. It will likely be the best 8 minutes of your week.
"-- Being a college football player in today's culture is a privilege . . . a privilege that brings much responsibility.
-- We, as players, have a responsibility to give our all for fans who spend hard earned money to watch us play.
-- We have a responsibility to represent the name on the front of our jerseys, on and off the field, in such that a way that our fellow students, faculty, administrators and alumni have good reason to say . . . He's one of ours.
-- We have a responsibility to represent the name on the back of our jerseys in such a way that our parents, brothers, sisters, and family members have good reason to say . . . He's one of us.
-- We have a responsibility to work hard in the classroom, as good stewards of the education that has been given to many of us free of charge.
-- We have a responsibility to treat, with respect, the people who cover us in the media.
-- We have a responsibility to use the platform we've been given to provide a true example of what it means to be a young man to those 10- and 12-year-old boys who see us as bigger than life. I know this to be true, because just a few short years ago, I was one of those 12-year-old boys . . . and I remember well how I looked up to the players whose position, by God's grace, I'm standing in today.
-- We have a responsibility to develop and use our God-given talents to their fullest potential and to do so in a way that honors God and benefits others. I don't believe it's too far-fetched to think that we as college football players could make a significant positive difference in the youth culture of America, simply by embracing the responsibilities that accompany our place of privilege.
We could redefine "what is cool" for young people.
We could set a new standard for how to treat others.
We could embody what it means to be a person of integrity.
We could show to young people that excellence in the classroom is a worthy pursuit.
We could show that it's more important to do what is right, than to do what feels right.
While I believe we as players, do not deserve the platform we have been given . . . we have it nonetheless. It comes with the territory of being a college football player in the Big Ten.
May we as players have wisdom to handle this privilege and the courage to fulfill the responsibility we've been given.
Thank you and GO GREEN!"
Never Ask Them...
Never ask your followers to do things you are not willing to do yourself. Don't delegate all of the unwanted and un-fun tasks off on someone else. Be willing to pitch in and help out with the dirty work. Stay later than everyone else, get there earlier. Lead by doing. I am blessed to work with leaders who are turning on the lights in the morning and turning them off in the evening. They work harder and longer than anyone else. That sets the bar pretty high for me as a follower. I can never take it too easy. I can never pass on menial jobs. My leaders are doing the nitty-gritty, so I better get my hands dirty as well.
As a leader that doesn't mean that you should never delegate or never pass off tough jobs. Make sure you are spending your time doing things that only you can do. But at least every once in awhile pitch in after the meeting to tear down tables and chairs, clean up the gym after practice, sweep the floor if someone left it a mess. When I see my boss cleaning or setting something up, it sends a very clear message to me: No one is above anyone or anything around here. Get to work to accomplish the mission.
That example of "whatever it takes, for as long as it takes" is a very powerful message to send to your followers. Also, just being present with the ones you lead, performing manual labor, or some other task, allows you to get to know them better. It teaches your followers that you value them and gives you great time to pour into their lives and allows you to learn from them. The times that there is real honest to goodness hard work to be done are times that a leader can find out what type of staff they have. Hard work reveals character. The leaders and the followers.
As a leader that doesn't mean that you should never delegate or never pass off tough jobs. Make sure you are spending your time doing things that only you can do. But at least every once in awhile pitch in after the meeting to tear down tables and chairs, clean up the gym after practice, sweep the floor if someone left it a mess. When I see my boss cleaning or setting something up, it sends a very clear message to me: No one is above anyone or anything around here. Get to work to accomplish the mission.
That example of "whatever it takes, for as long as it takes" is a very powerful message to send to your followers. Also, just being present with the ones you lead, performing manual labor, or some other task, allows you to get to know them better. It teaches your followers that you value them and gives you great time to pour into their lives and allows you to learn from them. The times that there is real honest to goodness hard work to be done are times that a leader can find out what type of staff they have. Hard work reveals character. The leaders and the followers.
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