I Think I Know Your Problem...

What do you struggle with as a leader? Based on countless conversations with leaders, I think I know. I didn’t have language to capture all these conversations until recently. Here’s what I think… the number one issue facing many leaders is forgetfulness.

Would You Rather Learn From Mentors or Mistakes?

Recently I ran across a tweet from a pastor named Rick Warren. His reminder to leaders?
“You either learn from mentors or you learn from mistakes. Your choice.”
I don’t know about you, but I would much rather learn from a mentor.
[Tweet "The best leaders hunger for wisdom and often find it through a mentor."]
When choosing mentors I look for four things.

  • Integrity ... If you want to be an authentic leader who leads with character, then follow someone who values and exhibits character.
  • Experience ... The best mentors have accomplished something in their field. Successful experience comes from discipline and focus. Those who have a proven track record usually have something to say that I need to hear.
  • Diversity ... Often times I learn the most from people who are in an entirely different field from the one I am in. Different causes me to think differently. Every great leader is able to think in ways that are fresh and relevant. If you need some help here, go find someone different.
  • Excellence ... You might be surprised at who would be available to you if you would simply ask. Through the years, I have learned from some amazing people. If you want to be the best then seek out the best.

If you are a leader, you have a choice. You can either learn from mentors or learn from mistakes. It will be a lot less painful if you will choose the mentors.
When you do, just make sure you look for integrity, experience, diversity, and excellence.
Leadership Begins at Home,
Randy
What do you look for in a mentor?
Who do you look to as a mentor in your own life and leadership?
Comment Below ...

Got Leaders?

What do you talk about at work? Recently, I’ve come to appreciate how many conversations I have every week about leadership issues… dozens, scores – probably thousands of these discussions over the past decade. This week, I've been in four conversations about the value and imperative of a leadership pipeline - and it is only Tuesday!

The Courage to Change Course

Last week, Royal Dutch Shell abandoned a 9-year, $7 billion effort to find oil in Alaska’s Chukchi Sea. The decision was made in the face of tumbling oil prices and unrelenting pressure from environmental groups. The decisions you and I make are probably not of this magnitude, but in our world, no less important.

Today's Challenge: Getting Off to a Fast Start

Leaders face obstacles daily, and often, we may not even think much about it. Challenges are just part of what we do. But what about a new leader, what issues does he or she face? Today’s Challenge question is from a leader who writes: What mistakes do you see new leaders make that could be avoided?

Great Leaders Consistently Work on Their Character

Never does a day go by that I don’t think about working on my character.
The truth is, I think about my character even more than I do my conduct. Why? Because, through the years, I have discovered that my character always determines conduct.
Whether you call it character and conduct, or as I like to say, integrity and influence, if you want to change the things you do, look in the mirror and start with who you are.
mirror
As a kid, like many of you, whenever it was report card time, my parents would always ask the same question first. “What is your conduct grade?” Never did they ask, “How did you do in math?” Never, “Did you bring up your science grade?”
It was always, “Let me see your conduct grade.”
The reason? They knew my conduct was a reflection of my character.
So how is your conduct grade these days?
The answer to that question is not simply a reflection of what you do. It is an indicator of who you are.
[Tweet "You will never be a great leader without great character."]
Why not start with the one in the mirror and work on your character today? I know I plan to.
Leadership Begins at Home,
Randy
What happens when leaders focus more on conduct than they do character?
Comment Below ... 

Is it Time for You to Pick a Fight?

Are you facing a challenge? If so, let the words of author Jon Gordon encourage you to stay the course and keep battling.
"Always remember that our greatest battle comes before our greatest victory." - Jon Gordon
Leaders, by nature, are born for a fight. Unfortunately after we've been beaten and bloodied a few times we have a tendency to shy away and avoid conflict.
As you approach your work today, identify something worth fighting for and go after it. Your team needs you to be the first one to roll up your sleeves and stand for truth.
[Tweet "If leaders back away when things get hard, it is only a matter of time until everyone else will."]
Never forget, people always watch the leader.
You were born to fight great battles. Your team needs you to keep swinging. Please don't give up. You're greatest victory might just be around the corner.
Leadership Begins at Home,
Randy
Is there a place in your leadership where you have backed away from a battle?
Comment Below ...

I Hate It When I Do That...

The right question can unlock a world of possibility and insight. I recently sought counsel from an amazing consultant named Mark Levy to help me think deeply about some issues. One of his many strengths is asking great questions. This post is a response to one of his queries... What is it you don’t like about leadership?

Dealing with Different … 6 Ways to Embrace Change: Part 6

OK ... now that you've shown courage, checked your heart at the door, anticipated adventure, negotiated as necessary, and even grieved what you left, there is one thing left to do. 

Engage with the next stage.

Engagement

Simply put, lean in. Too often leaders go kicking and screaming when it comes to change. The effects are tragic. I'm serious. What good does it do you in the long run to resist change? Resistance only slows things down, keeps you stuck, and causes you to hurt your own career. Engagement will energize your effort and propel you to greater impact.

The best leaders are on the leading edge of change. They recognize it as an ongoing reality, not only tolerating it, but learning, stretching, growing, and ultimately thriving in the midst of the chaos. 

For the past couple of weeks we have pushed on this topic of change. I wish there was some rah-rah-happy-speech I could give you to make it easier. But the truth is, different is difficult and you are going to have to deal with it until you die. Refusal will surely accelerate irrelevance.

When it comes to dealing with different, if you intend to be a great leader ...

C - hoose courage over comfort

H - ave the right heart

A - nticipate an adventure

N - egotiate as necessary

G - rieve what you leave

E - ngage in the next stage

You can too. Go ahead. Lean in and engage with the next stage. You'll be a better leader. And on the bright side, if you don't like it, I'm sure change will be just around the corner.

Leadership Begins at Home,

Randy

Which of the "6 ways of Dealing with Different" listed above is currently the most challenging for you?

Comment Below ...

2015 Global Leadership Summit

Who challenges you to grow as a leader? Where do you go for inspiration? Where do you find the latest thinking on the topic of leadership? How do you rekindle your passion to lead?

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