Leadership And Being "Cellotastic"

One of my new musical passions is a duo called The Piano Guys. Here's the facts: One guy plays the cello and one plays the piano. Not impressed? I wouldn't be either. You have to SEE them performing to get hooked. Both Jon Schmidt and Steven Sharp Nelson have a love of their instrument that is incredible. They also exude a level of humility and respect for others that is rare in today's world. Oh, and they have a fantastic sense of humor. When their performance of a song is complete I find myself thinking, "WOW! I wish I could play the cello or piano like them."

Growing leaders is a huge focus in business today. With an increasing number of workers retiring each year, the pool of potential leaders is shrinking. While speaking at a recent conference involving over 300 leaders and managers the question was asked, "How many people would want to rise to the next level of leadership in their department?" Less than 10 percent raised their hand. Yes, leaders have pressures placed upon them that did not exist in the past, but strong leadership is needed today more than ever-in corporations, government, non-profit organizations and even our families.

The ultimate question is, "Are you performing your duties and opportunities as a leader in such a way that other people want to be YOU one day?" If not, start by watching a few moments of The Piano Guys, and start growing more leaders in your work and life.

The Fallacy of Good Enough

One of my weekend projects was to finish a cabinet in my my basement. I took great effort in getting the best materials, lining up all the tools and giving myself PLENTY of extra time to complete the project. I rarely attempt anything of significance if I will be rushed or tempted to cut corners on quality.

As I was instaling the cabinet, I realized it was just not lining up correctly. Being tired and ready to stop, I reasoned that it would be "good enough" and that I would fix it correctly when I had more time in the future. Yes, I was violating my own principle.

The next day I started putting items in the cabinet but my mind was tethered to the fact that the cabinet was just not right. I chuckled as I thought about opening these doors for the next 15-20 years and being reminded of the improper construction that could have been corrected with just a couple additional hours of work. Knowing I needed to take a dose of my own medicine, I removed everything from the cabinet and corrected the problem. It took 2 hours and 15 minutes.

One of the most meaningful quotes I ever heard that guides my thinking today is, The pain of discipline and commitment is measured in ounces while the pain of disappointment and regret is measured in tons. Those extra couple of hours getting the cabinet finished are miniscule when compared to 15-20 years of regret each time I would have used it.

Don't get me wrong. I am not a perfectionist. I have many things in my life that are not in great working condition or that lack excellence. The difference is I didn't invest a significant amount of time, energy or money to create them or they aren't something of critical importance to the well being of my family or myself.

The old saying of, "If it's good enough, if probably isn't" is so true in many ways. What are you saying is "good enough" that in all honesty needs improvement? Some potential places to look might include:

• Your job skills
• Your relationships with friends or family members
• Your physical, emotional, mental, spiritual or even financial health
• Your plan for personal and/or professional growth

Most importantly, will you make the small investment of time to get it right-it all comes down to what you want weighing on your mind-ounces or pounds.

The Apple In Your Hand

What are you working on right now? More importantly, what results will you get from working on it? What tangible result will you have after your work on the task is completed?

Too often I think we make ourselves busy with tasks, but never stop to think about if we are creating something of value-REAL value. At the end of almost every task there should be a concrete result that comes from working on it. The result may be a completed form, a new widget or even a smile from the person who is the recipient of your efforts. If there is not a quick tangible result you can envision, why are you working on it?

In keeping with the spirit of apples and "orchard thinking," what will be the apple in your hand when you get done with your current tasks for the day? If you can't identify something concrete, maybe it is time to revisit your choice of tasks to undertake.

She Is With Me

When my older daughter started to board a recent flight with me, she was stopped by the gate agent who said, “I’m sorry. Your zone is not yet boarding.” I then stepped forward and said, “She is with me.” As a frequent traveler, she could board with me instead of having to wait until later. The agent smiled in approval and we boarded the plane.

I had a similar situation earlier in the week. A person who I tremendously admire for their integrity and accomplishments in leadership asked to have lunch with me. As we ate, he talked of his desire to share his experiences and life lessons with a larger audience. He sought me out because he sees something in me that can help him get to a place he might not be able to take himself. What an honor!

It’s a fact. We need connections with the right people to succeed. Building relationships with those who have a skill, insight or perspective beyond our own limitations or experiences accelerates our ability to achieve the results we really want. Sure we might be able to “tough it out” and make it on our own, but why? Real leaders take much joy from being able to impart their wisdom in a way that improves the lives of others. If you have ever seen someone achieve a higher level of success professionally or personally because of something you said to them or did for them, you know exactly what I mean.

So the question for today is, “Who are you with-or will you be found with, who can assist you in turning your passions into action and your “someday” into “today?” Failure to take such opportunities is only hurting you-and them.

Have or Make?

After a training program last week, a participant approached me and said, “Your focus on being more intentional in your work and life is like the difference between ‘have and make.’” With my curiosity aroused, I said, “How so?” She continued. “Think about the phrase ‘Have a great day’ versus ‘Make it a great day.’ One implies taking things as they come to you while the other suggests a need to take more responsibility in achieving the desired outcome you are looking for.” What a superb insight!

Reflecting on her comments later, I made a list of all the thoughts associated with the words “have” or “make.” They included: 

Have

Entitled to it

No effort on my part

Circumstances will naturally work in my favor

In all my interactions everyone will have my best interests at heart

Make

I must make the right choices

I have to act or react in ways that will work to my benefit, not my loss

Effort is required-and it may not be easy

Think about the outcome I want and use my time and energy to get that result

When I pondered her perspective even more, I had to laugh at how often I hear the word “have” versus “make.” While I am sure people aren’t encouraging me to be passive when they say things like, “Have a great trip” or “I hope you have a great program,” those words will now be a quick reminder that I need to work at growing the results I want, and not expect them to just happen.

So the next time you catch yourself saying or thinking, “I hope I have…” change “have” to “make”… it could just MAKE all the difference in getting the harvest you really want.