I has been said that "leadership is influence: Nothing more and nothing less." *
Influence does not depend on position, but on the ability of a person to have an effect on others that causes them to agree, to follow and to work with him/ her because they want to.
When they have to because you have positional power to move them and remove them, then you do not necessarily have leadership. You might be in a position of leadership over them, but all you actually have is a position and that is the lowest level of leadership!
Leadership is about the influence you have on people, without the positional use of authority and/or money.The greater this influence, the stronger your leadership.
The question that leaders should ask themselves then is: "How do I build my influence?" -And again you might be tempted to go the route of position and power, believing that it is influence, while it is in fact only leverage and coercion. -That is all that some leaders want though......
Building influence and thus building real leadership, is about creating meaning for yourself and for others. It is about being busy with the things that brings purpose to life: It's about focusing on the passion/s that God has created in you. Working on and in the areas of your passion, creates energy and focus -and people just can't resist that! Meaning, passion, energy and focus in the live of a leader builds influence.
John Maxwell said that "the extent of your influence depends on the depth of your concern for others." That's probably the biggest building block of influence: The fact that you really care for other people and you don't just act as if you do because it is part of your job description. It is about having enough confidence in who you are, that you are able to serve others.
This is about building a way of life where you are not position minded, but focused on the impact your function has, or could have on the lives and needs of those around you, by putting them before your own agenda. In this context it is important to note that serving others, is not always the same as pleasing them.
- Are you building your influence or just advancing your position?
- Do you know the difference??
* J. Oswald Sanders in George Barna 1997 Leaders on leadership, seems to be the first to use this phrase.John Maxwell 1993 Developing the leader within you, have enhanced and popularized it.
Tuesday 23 October 2012
Tuesday 9 October 2012
It's NOT about you.........!
I recently attended a funeral where a certain leader had to say something about his (dead) friend, but spoke more about himself than about the friend he was suppose to honour. He was telling us what a great friend he, the speaker was, in literally every sentence!!
What is your leadership about? Or may be I should ask : Who is your leadership about?
Some of us leaders just have to get over ourselves!! Face the fact: Leadership is not about you.
At least not in the way that we tend to think about it. Leadership is not so much about what you have achieved and how long the list of your qualifications are. It is not so much about your title(s) and the size of your staff or office. -It's more about hów you lead the organization, the staff, the people that you work through and with, to achieve purpose! It is about what THEY have done under your guidance and how they see you and feel about you after they have done that.
Leadership should always be about others. We should be asking ourselves questions like: How do I lead them to achieve what we all have agreed upon? How do I lead him to achieve growth and be his personal best? How do I lead her to experience fulfilment and success??
In the context of colleagues, employees and/or followers it is all about how a leader relates to those he/ she works with. It is about the opportunities that he/she makes available for the staff to grow and achieve and not about how he/she could use them to look better! It is about mutual trust and loyalty and how that is attained.
In an organizational context we should ask ourselves: What do I have to do (and be) at any given time in the growth cycle of the organisation that I currently lead, to take it to the next level?
That said: Leadership is about servant hood. How the leader serves the staff, an organization,
a group, a country -by leading them to be all that they could and should be! I like this quote of Loyiso Bala * : "Strength is not for status, but for service."
Leadership is not about you!
-If you don't believe me: Study the lives and example of all legendary leaders!!
* Loyiso Bala is a South African R&B and Gospel singer, songwriter.
www.loyisomusic.com
What is your leadership about? Or may be I should ask : Who is your leadership about?
Some of us leaders just have to get over ourselves!! Face the fact: Leadership is not about you.
At least not in the way that we tend to think about it. Leadership is not so much about what you have achieved and how long the list of your qualifications are. It is not so much about your title(s) and the size of your staff or office. -It's more about hów you lead the organization, the staff, the people that you work through and with, to achieve purpose! It is about what THEY have done under your guidance and how they see you and feel about you after they have done that.
Leadership should always be about others. We should be asking ourselves questions like: How do I lead them to achieve what we all have agreed upon? How do I lead him to achieve growth and be his personal best? How do I lead her to experience fulfilment and success??
In the context of colleagues, employees and/or followers it is all about how a leader relates to those he/ she works with. It is about the opportunities that he/she makes available for the staff to grow and achieve and not about how he/she could use them to look better! It is about mutual trust and loyalty and how that is attained.
In an organizational context we should ask ourselves: What do I have to do (and be) at any given time in the growth cycle of the organisation that I currently lead, to take it to the next level?
That said: Leadership is about servant hood. How the leader serves the staff, an organization,
a group, a country -by leading them to be all that they could and should be! I like this quote of Loyiso Bala * : "Strength is not for status, but for service."
-If you don't believe me: Study the lives and example of all legendary leaders!!
* Loyiso Bala is a South African R&B and Gospel singer, songwriter.
www.loyisomusic.com
Friday 7 September 2012
Habits
"There is no real excellence in all this world which can be separated from right living." -David Starr Jordan *
"Right living" speaks of a way of life, it is not something you do for two days or two weeks. It is a default mode life style. Something you eventually do over an extended amount of time without thinking too much about it.
For most of us that does not just happen by itself! The default mode of life that we tend to fall back on in times of stress or busyness, would in most cases not be described with the term "right living." The way we behave and react, the things we do and don't do and how we do it, in short the auto pilot mode in our lives comes from somewhere. -Habits!
We are creatures of habit, be that good or bad one's! Over time we settle into certain tendencies or practises and that behaviour eventually becomes part of our mental attitude and character. You did not wake up one morning and find that you are doing something or living in a certain way, you have created habits in your live. We train ourselves over time to live and behave in a certain way and many times we don't like the results!
Studies have shown that it takes between 21 and 66 days to form a new habit, or to replace one. The success of such an exercise depends on how consciously aware you are of why you want to change that habit and how focused and determined you are to really do it! It also depends on the basis of the new habit.
(Good) habits are derived from principles. "Principles are like lighthouses." -Stephen Covey ** -They show the way. Every habit in our lives can be traced back to a principle. The habit will either affirm a certain principle, or try to avoid it.
What are the habits in your live? (Good and bad)
What are the principles that they are based upon or trying to avoid?
Do these habits take you to a life of "right living" and excellence?
_________
* David Starr Jordan (1851-1931) was a well known ichthyologist (A zoologist that studies fish), an educator and a peace activist. He was also president of Indiana University.
** Stephen Covey, Page 33, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People 1992
"Right living" speaks of a way of life, it is not something you do for two days or two weeks. It is a default mode life style. Something you eventually do over an extended amount of time without thinking too much about it.
For most of us that does not just happen by itself! The default mode of life that we tend to fall back on in times of stress or busyness, would in most cases not be described with the term "right living." The way we behave and react, the things we do and don't do and how we do it, in short the auto pilot mode in our lives comes from somewhere. -Habits!
We are creatures of habit, be that good or bad one's! Over time we settle into certain tendencies or practises and that behaviour eventually becomes part of our mental attitude and character. You did not wake up one morning and find that you are doing something or living in a certain way, you have created habits in your live. We train ourselves over time to live and behave in a certain way and many times we don't like the results!
Studies have shown that it takes between 21 and 66 days to form a new habit, or to replace one. The success of such an exercise depends on how consciously aware you are of why you want to change that habit and how focused and determined you are to really do it! It also depends on the basis of the new habit.
(Good) habits are derived from principles. "Principles are like lighthouses." -Stephen Covey ** -They show the way. Every habit in our lives can be traced back to a principle. The habit will either affirm a certain principle, or try to avoid it.
What are the habits in your live? (Good and bad)
What are the principles that they are based upon or trying to avoid?
Do these habits take you to a life of "right living" and excellence?
_________
* David Starr Jordan (1851-1931) was a well known ichthyologist (A zoologist that studies fish), an educator and a peace activist. He was also president of Indiana University.
** Stephen Covey, Page 33, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People 1992
Tuesday 14 August 2012
LIVING
I know some people that would probably be declared alive by doctors in the context of a hospital, but they surely ain't living!
There is a big difference between being alive and really living your life........
Some of us are just alive. We're existing. We see a revolving door of dawn and dusk. Days, months and years come and go. They may be filled with activities, but they do not add depth and meaning to our lives.
I see many people making a living, some with great effort and even pain! They provide the means to support their existence: Accommodation, transport, clothes, food, etc. -But no inspiration! They are paying the bills and calling it life!
Someone one once said that there is more to life than increasing it's speed. Yet in many ways that is what we are pushed to. The way we live and expect to live, drives us to a picture pretend, "made in Hollywood" lifestyle that for many of us, leads to burnout and regret. Many of those wrecked and burned by racing, spend their days just existing.......
If living faster and "higher" is the ultimate highway lane to success, then why do we find so many people unhappy and unfulfilled, disillusioned, negative and bitter about their lives, wanting out?? Why do people sometimes fantasize about living a "slow" life somewhere in the countryside? Living honestly and real.
We all have the ability to live our life to the full, and most of the time that fullness is not equal to a certain standard of living in monetary terms! Really living your life has a lot to do with three P's. [Ya, eating more than three peas now and then will also help....] Really living your life has a lot to do with:
Purpose: Finding the reason for your existence, why you were called into being -and striving to fulfil it.
Passion: Finding your own (not someone else's) and following it.
Pace: Setting a sustainable pace to make sure that you can do what you want and have to do and keep on enjoying it over the full span of your life.
I believe that when we finish the "race" of life, we should arrive at the finish line with our loved ones, our health, our sanity and our faith intact....
May you LIVE until you die!
[May you never spend a single day just existing...]
There is a big difference between being alive and really living your life........
Some of us are just alive. We're existing. We see a revolving door of dawn and dusk. Days, months and years come and go. They may be filled with activities, but they do not add depth and meaning to our lives.
I see many people making a living, some with great effort and even pain! They provide the means to support their existence: Accommodation, transport, clothes, food, etc. -But no inspiration! They are paying the bills and calling it life!
Someone one once said that there is more to life than increasing it's speed. Yet in many ways that is what we are pushed to. The way we live and expect to live, drives us to a picture pretend, "made in Hollywood" lifestyle that for many of us, leads to burnout and regret. Many of those wrecked and burned by racing, spend their days just existing.......
If living faster and "higher" is the ultimate highway lane to success, then why do we find so many people unhappy and unfulfilled, disillusioned, negative and bitter about their lives, wanting out?? Why do people sometimes fantasize about living a "slow" life somewhere in the countryside? Living honestly and real.
We all have the ability to live our life to the full, and most of the time that fullness is not equal to a certain standard of living in monetary terms! Really living your life has a lot to do with three P's. [Ya, eating more than three peas now and then will also help....] Really living your life has a lot to do with:
Purpose: Finding the reason for your existence, why you were called into being -and striving to fulfil it.
Passion: Finding your own (not someone else's) and following it.
Pace: Setting a sustainable pace to make sure that you can do what you want and have to do and keep on enjoying it over the full span of your life.
I believe that when we finish the "race" of life, we should arrive at the finish line with our loved ones, our health, our sanity and our faith intact....
May you LIVE until you die!
[May you never spend a single day just existing...]
Thursday 2 August 2012
Serenity
[I've been on holiday & thus also took a break from blogging.]
Our recent holiday was a road trip of nearly two weeks. It took us through different biospheres and parts of our beautiful country. We experienced cold, rain and stormy conditions, as well as glorious sunshine days and landscape scenes of serene tranquillity and beauty!
In reflecting on this trip and on what is left over, or stays on in my mind about it, I have found that even though holidays come and go and work prevails, you can find and hold on to a piece of peace that surpasses circumstances and understanding. It is possible to go through your fast moving busy day, with a sense of immovable, solid peace intact. In fact, that peace can be a source of strength and stability.
One can lead from a place of inner peace, or a place of inner unrest. All leaders experience times where they are providing leadership, while at the same time a storm is raging in their mind and emotions. Many times this storm in your inner being has very little, or even nothing to do with the people or situation that you are addressing at that moment. Unfortunately they (normally) still suffer the consequences!
To be leading from a place of constant inner turmoil and unrest will have dire consequences in the long run.It is a source of major distress and a variety of health problems in the lives of many leaders!
No one should live in a storm for ever. No one should live life in a constant state of inner turmoil. We should all frequently go to a place of peace. Physical and Spiritual. A Place where you can experience and absorb serenity. Serenity that you can keep in your heart and hold on to in turbulent days! Much like the words of a song we used to sing as students: "Catch a falling star and put in in your pocket, save it for a rainy day......-Then you'll have a pocket full of starlight!"
That is why David in the well known Psalm 23 said: "The Lord....lets me rest in fields of green grass and leads me to quiet pools of fresh water."
There is two things that we need to do: 1. Identify the origin and content of the storms in our lives and try to eliminate and prevent, or avoid that as much as possible. 2. Identify where and what it is that brings peace into your life and do that more often! -Lead from a inner place of serenity!!
Our recent holiday was a road trip of nearly two weeks. It took us through different biospheres and parts of our beautiful country. We experienced cold, rain and stormy conditions, as well as glorious sunshine days and landscape scenes of serene tranquillity and beauty!
In reflecting on this trip and on what is left over, or stays on in my mind about it, I have found that even though holidays come and go and work prevails, you can find and hold on to a piece of peace that surpasses circumstances and understanding. It is possible to go through your fast moving busy day, with a sense of immovable, solid peace intact. In fact, that peace can be a source of strength and stability.
One can lead from a place of inner peace, or a place of inner unrest. All leaders experience times where they are providing leadership, while at the same time a storm is raging in their mind and emotions. Many times this storm in your inner being has very little, or even nothing to do with the people or situation that you are addressing at that moment. Unfortunately they (normally) still suffer the consequences!
To be leading from a place of constant inner turmoil and unrest will have dire consequences in the long run.It is a source of major distress and a variety of health problems in the lives of many leaders!
No one should live in a storm for ever. No one should live life in a constant state of inner turmoil. We should all frequently go to a place of peace. Physical and Spiritual. A Place where you can experience and absorb serenity. Serenity that you can keep in your heart and hold on to in turbulent days! Much like the words of a song we used to sing as students: "Catch a falling star and put in in your pocket, save it for a rainy day......-Then you'll have a pocket full of starlight!"
That is why David in the well known Psalm 23 said: "The Lord....lets me rest in fields of green grass and leads me to quiet pools of fresh water."
There is two things that we need to do: 1. Identify the origin and content of the storms in our lives and try to eliminate and prevent, or avoid that as much as possible. 2. Identify where and what it is that brings peace into your life and do that more often! -Lead from a inner place of serenity!!
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| At Golden Gate near Clarens in the Eastern Free State. |
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| On the outskirts of Montagu in the Western Cape. |
Tuesday 3 July 2012
The i's in team
We have probably all heard the saying: "There is no I in team." -Meaning that there is no room for individual agendas and egos when working together in a team that wants to be successful.
I have recently heard some one said: "There ís an I in team, you just can't see it." As a matter of fact, there are many I's in team! The meaning of the word and the concept "TEAM" points to the fact that it consists of different individuals working or playing together.
A bunch of different individuals tossed together in a group, does not necessarily makes them a team. A Team is more than a list of names under the same heading. TEAM starts to develop only when ALL the individuals, all the I's in a group makes the conscious decision to work together. This working together must be for a specific purpose, or vision that is bigger than any one of them individually and bigger than the sum of their "greatness" as a group. In can be said that the roots of team lies in a shared vision and purpose.
A group of individuals will become a team when they work or play together to accomplish a shared purpose, but that is only possible when every team member knows how and when that purpose is achieved. Everybody needs to be clear on what a "win" means, as well as how it is achieved. Without that, it is impossible to know when "we" have achieved anything and the feeling of togetherness will fade easily.
Another important element in creating and growing a team, is that the right people -individuals with the needed abilities- are part of the team. Each one (of the right people) on the team should have a clear understanding of what their specific role on the team is. -Why are they there? What is expected of them and what would be a "win" for them personally?
I believe that the power of a team does not lie in conformity, but in their unity within diversity. Being part of a team should not mean that you have to give up your identity and God given uniqueness. That uniqueness should be applied to enhance the ability and depth of the team.
There is an I in team, it is an i:
-Who is willing to commit to something larger than self.
-Who appreciates the differentness of others and empowers them.
-Who support and encourage fellow team members.
-Who cherishes togetherness and shared success.
IS THERE ROOM FOR A TEAM IN YOUR I?
I have recently heard some one said: "There ís an I in team, you just can't see it." As a matter of fact, there are many I's in team! The meaning of the word and the concept "TEAM" points to the fact that it consists of different individuals working or playing together.
A bunch of different individuals tossed together in a group, does not necessarily makes them a team. A Team is more than a list of names under the same heading. TEAM starts to develop only when ALL the individuals, all the I's in a group makes the conscious decision to work together. This working together must be for a specific purpose, or vision that is bigger than any one of them individually and bigger than the sum of their "greatness" as a group. In can be said that the roots of team lies in a shared vision and purpose.
A group of individuals will become a team when they work or play together to accomplish a shared purpose, but that is only possible when every team member knows how and when that purpose is achieved. Everybody needs to be clear on what a "win" means, as well as how it is achieved. Without that, it is impossible to know when "we" have achieved anything and the feeling of togetherness will fade easily.
Another important element in creating and growing a team, is that the right people -individuals with the needed abilities- are part of the team. Each one (of the right people) on the team should have a clear understanding of what their specific role on the team is. -Why are they there? What is expected of them and what would be a "win" for them personally?
I believe that the power of a team does not lie in conformity, but in their unity within diversity. Being part of a team should not mean that you have to give up your identity and God given uniqueness. That uniqueness should be applied to enhance the ability and depth of the team.
There is an I in team, it is an i:
-Who is willing to commit to something larger than self.
-Who appreciates the differentness of others and empowers them.
-Who support and encourage fellow team members.
-Who cherishes togetherness and shared success.
IS THERE ROOM FOR A TEAM IN YOUR I?
Friday 22 June 2012
Heart
In most organizations the leader forms the heart, the central part around which almost everything evolves. If you were to take this heart out unexpectedly, or without someone stepping into that space, the organization will probably struggle to thrive and even to survive.
It happens often that this person who is the heart of the organization, does not have a heart! Leaders in other organizations, colleagues and employees describes him/ her as "heartless".
It's amazing that you can find numerous websites on "How to have a cold heart", but practically none about how to become a warm hearted person! On how to become heartless, I have sourced the following:
1. Do not accept apologies from anybody about anything.
2. Focus only on the task at hand, not the people involved in getting it done.
3. Do not reflect on, or celebrate successes, always think and talk about what still needs to be done.
4. Be angry at everybody about everything.
5. Always be callous, curt and distant. Do not show any signs of affection or care.
6. Be unavailable and always too busy for talk about personal issues.
If you do this long enough, you will surely become a cold and heartless person. If that is what you want to be.... (I worked with a leader once who actually wanted people to fear him and to experience him as strict and curt!)
By far, most people are positive and enthusiastic about a leader (as well as a colleague or a friend) with a heart. -Rather than the opposite.
So: How do you become a person with a heart? I think the comprehensive answer would be this: Learn to appreciate and love people. -I say comprehensive, because to learn to appreciate and love people is certainly not simple. For some of us it is really not easy to show interest in people and not only in the tasks that needs to be done to reach the goals that we have set.
If you want to have a heart, you would have to work at this: Learn to listen to people, be more understanding and sympathetic. Be more compassionate. Bé a fellow human. Learn to show some emotion. Show grace!
Think on this: Is your heart for the people you work with growing or shrinking? -What would the implications of that be for you as a person? -And as a leader?
It happens often that this person who is the heart of the organization, does not have a heart! Leaders in other organizations, colleagues and employees describes him/ her as "heartless".
It's amazing that you can find numerous websites on "How to have a cold heart", but practically none about how to become a warm hearted person! On how to become heartless, I have sourced the following:
1. Do not accept apologies from anybody about anything.
2. Focus only on the task at hand, not the people involved in getting it done.
3. Do not reflect on, or celebrate successes, always think and talk about what still needs to be done.
4. Be angry at everybody about everything.
5. Always be callous, curt and distant. Do not show any signs of affection or care.
6. Be unavailable and always too busy for talk about personal issues.
If you do this long enough, you will surely become a cold and heartless person. If that is what you want to be.... (I worked with a leader once who actually wanted people to fear him and to experience him as strict and curt!)
By far, most people are positive and enthusiastic about a leader (as well as a colleague or a friend) with a heart. -Rather than the opposite.
So: How do you become a person with a heart? I think the comprehensive answer would be this: Learn to appreciate and love people. -I say comprehensive, because to learn to appreciate and love people is certainly not simple. For some of us it is really not easy to show interest in people and not only in the tasks that needs to be done to reach the goals that we have set.
If you want to have a heart, you would have to work at this: Learn to listen to people, be more understanding and sympathetic. Be more compassionate. Bé a fellow human. Learn to show some emotion. Show grace!
Think on this: Is your heart for the people you work with growing or shrinking? -What would the implications of that be for you as a person? -And as a leader?
Thursday 14 June 2012
Followership
We are all familiar with the saying that "everything rises and falls on leadership." I fully agree with this notion: The quality of leadership; the integrity of a leader; the pro-activity, or passivity. -In short, the type and level of leadership, is in direct correlation to the effectiveness, innovation and growth path of any organization.
Leadership is very important. In many ways we underestimate the impact of bad leadership, or the lack of leadership in the world. There is a growing need in an ever increasing scope of society for "better" leaders.
BUT: I think that we as leaders sometimes overestimate our importance as leaders, as being the primary indicator of organizational effectiveness and success.We tend to forget, or at least underestimate the importance of followers and what I like to call followership.
Without followers there will be no real leaders. Central to the understanding of the concept of leadership, is the fact that the leader leads somebody, or something. Without followers the person who thinks that he/ she is leading, is in fact only taking a stroll -and that could become a lonely solitary walk!
Followers are those people who support the leader. They believe in what he/she does, or endeavours to do. They are adherents and attendants, fans and some would say disciples of the leader.
I believe that there is a growing need for followers in the world: People who are really willing to follow the vision, passion and direction of someone else. People who will give their undivided support and loyalty to someone other than their own being. People who are willing to push aside their own agenda and ambitions for that of somebody else. -In a time of ultimate self-centredness, that is a scarce commodity!
The best leaders come from amongst the group of people who knows and understands what it means to be a follower. Leaders should intentionally place themselves in situations where they are required to be followers. -Only by experiencing and understanding followership, can you grow in leadership.
Would you be willing to follow the leader that you are? -Why should anybody else follow you?
Leadership is very important. In many ways we underestimate the impact of bad leadership, or the lack of leadership in the world. There is a growing need in an ever increasing scope of society for "better" leaders.
BUT: I think that we as leaders sometimes overestimate our importance as leaders, as being the primary indicator of organizational effectiveness and success.We tend to forget, or at least underestimate the importance of followers and what I like to call followership.
Without followers there will be no real leaders. Central to the understanding of the concept of leadership, is the fact that the leader leads somebody, or something. Without followers the person who thinks that he/ she is leading, is in fact only taking a stroll -and that could become a lonely solitary walk!
Followers are those people who support the leader. They believe in what he/she does, or endeavours to do. They are adherents and attendants, fans and some would say disciples of the leader.
I believe that there is a growing need for followers in the world: People who are really willing to follow the vision, passion and direction of someone else. People who will give their undivided support and loyalty to someone other than their own being. People who are willing to push aside their own agenda and ambitions for that of somebody else. -In a time of ultimate self-centredness, that is a scarce commodity!
The best leaders come from amongst the group of people who knows and understands what it means to be a follower. Leaders should intentionally place themselves in situations where they are required to be followers. -Only by experiencing and understanding followership, can you grow in leadership.
Would you be willing to follow the leader that you are? -Why should anybody else follow you?
Tuesday 5 June 2012
Leadership 101.5
In the world Cafe style of shared learning we sit around tables with cuppuccinos and lattes.
Some sit with their apple/-juice and we talk. We talk about talk. (Have you noticed how many times we tend to do that?)
Whenever there is talk about leadership some of the following questions and concepts are always part of the conversation: How does a person become a leader? Can leadership be learned?
Are we all leaders? Do you need a title (to lead)? What IS leadership again??
You can Google a 1000 definitions of leadership and we will still be talking and asking the same questions. This is because leadership is not static.It has many faces and facets. It can be personal, individualistic, dictatorial, corporate, collective, strategic, operational, + + +
-At is best leadership is situational and contextual.
One of the first definitions about leadership that I was exposed to, was the one by J.Oswald Sanders: "Leadership is influence." It still speaks to leadership on many levels.
The ancient Greeks used the word "strategos", or strategist and the Romans had the Latin concept of "imperator" to describe a military strategist. This later became "Emperor" or Ruler, wich is not what we generally have in mind when we talk about leadership these days.
The world is in need of effective leadership. Countries like China tries everything to lure talented people to the different levels of their leadership needs. "We can compensate for the absence of many skills and resources, but we struggle to overcome the absence of effective leadership".
-George Barna.
How much of this effective leadership lies in leadership skills? -The ability to think strategically,
to see a different future and to work at realizing it. How much of it lies in Emotional-, Spiritual-, Moral- and Social Intelligence? How much in character?
To paraphrase the former US Forces Commander and Chief, Norman Schwarzkopf: -Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. -If you have to leave one: Leave strategy.!
Some sit with their apple/-juice and we talk. We talk about talk. (Have you noticed how many times we tend to do that?)
Whenever there is talk about leadership some of the following questions and concepts are always part of the conversation: How does a person become a leader? Can leadership be learned?
Are we all leaders? Do you need a title (to lead)? What IS leadership again??
You can Google a 1000 definitions of leadership and we will still be talking and asking the same questions. This is because leadership is not static.It has many faces and facets. It can be personal, individualistic, dictatorial, corporate, collective, strategic, operational, + + +
-At is best leadership is situational and contextual.
One of the first definitions about leadership that I was exposed to, was the one by J.Oswald Sanders: "Leadership is influence." It still speaks to leadership on many levels.
The ancient Greeks used the word "strategos", or strategist and the Romans had the Latin concept of "imperator" to describe a military strategist. This later became "Emperor" or Ruler, wich is not what we generally have in mind when we talk about leadership these days.
The world is in need of effective leadership. Countries like China tries everything to lure talented people to the different levels of their leadership needs. "We can compensate for the absence of many skills and resources, but we struggle to overcome the absence of effective leadership".
-George Barna.
How much of this effective leadership lies in leadership skills? -The ability to think strategically,
to see a different future and to work at realizing it. How much of it lies in Emotional-, Spiritual-, Moral- and Social Intelligence? How much in character?
To paraphrase the former US Forces Commander and Chief, Norman Schwarzkopf: -Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. -If you have to leave one: Leave strategy.!
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Potential
They say: An apple a day keeps the doctor away. -Have you ever looked at the pips in an apple?
I mean really looked at them and realized that in every little seed there lies enormous potential....
Everybody has potential.It is something we are born with. The inherent ability to become more than we are and be all that we were intended to be. You are definitely not there yet!
One little apple seed has the ability to produce a tree full of beautiful apples, which in turn could produce more trees full of apples.... One can actually say that within one apple seed lies the potential to produce an orchard full of apples trees!
When it comes to us as humans, the possibilities are equally endless. You never know before the time what potential you, or someone else really has. When you buy a packet of seed, the name of the flower or vegetable, as well as a photo of what you can expect, normally gets printed on the outside. With humans, we have no clear picture and no description of possibilities before hand. We have no way to know for sure what we could become.
There is a limit to our potential, but why do we tend to limit ourselves? Why do we look at others and compare ourselves with what they have accomplished over the span of many years?
I remember sitting in the office of the leader of a big and successful organization in Singapore many years ago: He was explaining the structure and function of this institution to a small group of young leaders. While I sat there, listening eagerly and taking notes, my heart sank in my shoes as I doubted my abilities, wondering how I ever will be able to lead and develop something similar to what he was describing to us.
Just as I felt really down and discouraged, it dawned on me that what I was looking at was the product of many years of planning and growth! There is no way that I could start where this man was at that point!! He did not start there and he was not the same man that he was ten years ago when he started out either. I realized that your ability grows, according to your function and the level of responsibility that you are willing to take.
You need to take responsibility for your own abilities and possibilities. Only then will your potential be realized. If we do not take responsibility for our abilities, potential eventually dies - like a seed squashed, or thrown into the dustbin.
"The death of a seed, is the burial of a forest."
-Myles Munroe.
I mean really looked at them and realized that in every little seed there lies enormous potential....
Everybody has potential.It is something we are born with. The inherent ability to become more than we are and be all that we were intended to be. You are definitely not there yet!
One little apple seed has the ability to produce a tree full of beautiful apples, which in turn could produce more trees full of apples.... One can actually say that within one apple seed lies the potential to produce an orchard full of apples trees!
When it comes to us as humans, the possibilities are equally endless. You never know before the time what potential you, or someone else really has. When you buy a packet of seed, the name of the flower or vegetable, as well as a photo of what you can expect, normally gets printed on the outside. With humans, we have no clear picture and no description of possibilities before hand. We have no way to know for sure what we could become.
There is a limit to our potential, but why do we tend to limit ourselves? Why do we look at others and compare ourselves with what they have accomplished over the span of many years?
I remember sitting in the office of the leader of a big and successful organization in Singapore many years ago: He was explaining the structure and function of this institution to a small group of young leaders. While I sat there, listening eagerly and taking notes, my heart sank in my shoes as I doubted my abilities, wondering how I ever will be able to lead and develop something similar to what he was describing to us.
Just as I felt really down and discouraged, it dawned on me that what I was looking at was the product of many years of planning and growth! There is no way that I could start where this man was at that point!! He did not start there and he was not the same man that he was ten years ago when he started out either. I realized that your ability grows, according to your function and the level of responsibility that you are willing to take.
You need to take responsibility for your own abilities and possibilities. Only then will your potential be realized. If we do not take responsibility for our abilities, potential eventually dies - like a seed squashed, or thrown into the dustbin.
"The death of a seed, is the burial of a forest."
-Myles Munroe.
Thursday 17 May 2012
Strength(s)
There is a lot of people who generally believe that we should focus and work hard on improving the areas in which we are not strong. Be that our organizing or strategic planning skills, our ability to think ahead, or manage and do administration well.
While there is merit in trying to improve one's abilities, (we all could do better in whatever we are doing) -to mainly focus on your weaknesses and aiming at improving them, will most certainly lead to a situation where you are quite average in everything!
Should we not rather focus on determining and developing our strengths? -Without ignoring our weaknesses completely. How will our lives look if we would spend most of our time building it around our God given abilities and talents? Many of us do not know what out real strengths are.
Some are deluded by what we think our strength(s) should be. Others are blinded by a false sense of humility that leads them to believe that one should never acknowledge the things that you are good at. In the process many of us find ourselves doing things that we really are not good at. Many time we are either too proud, or just plainly too stupid to ask someone whose strength that particular ability is, to do it!
That is part of the whole team concept, (the direction that leadership seems to be moving) where like the different members of a body, each part fulfils a particular function that the other was not made, or equipped to do, but together they lead the body to be and do what it should effectively.
It is no use to spend time (like we sometimes do) worrying about who we're not and the abilities that we do not have. You should rather get to know who you áre and what you cán do and start living and working from that paradigm.
How would the world look like, if we all should focus and spend our time and energy to excel in the things that we are good at? How would that impact the organization/s that you are functioning in?
What do you have to do and to whom do you have to talk, to determine what your particular strengths are? -a Strength is the ability you have to do certain things exceedingly well over time.
Just remember: "Strength is not for status, but for service."
While there is merit in trying to improve one's abilities, (we all could do better in whatever we are doing) -to mainly focus on your weaknesses and aiming at improving them, will most certainly lead to a situation where you are quite average in everything!
Should we not rather focus on determining and developing our strengths? -Without ignoring our weaknesses completely. How will our lives look if we would spend most of our time building it around our God given abilities and talents? Many of us do not know what out real strengths are.
Some are deluded by what we think our strength(s) should be. Others are blinded by a false sense of humility that leads them to believe that one should never acknowledge the things that you are good at. In the process many of us find ourselves doing things that we really are not good at. Many time we are either too proud, or just plainly too stupid to ask someone whose strength that particular ability is, to do it!
That is part of the whole team concept, (the direction that leadership seems to be moving) where like the different members of a body, each part fulfils a particular function that the other was not made, or equipped to do, but together they lead the body to be and do what it should effectively.
It is no use to spend time (like we sometimes do) worrying about who we're not and the abilities that we do not have. You should rather get to know who you áre and what you cán do and start living and working from that paradigm.
How would the world look like, if we all should focus and spend our time and energy to excel in the things that we are good at? How would that impact the organization/s that you are functioning in?
What do you have to do and to whom do you have to talk, to determine what your particular strengths are? -a Strength is the ability you have to do certain things exceedingly well over time.
Just remember: "Strength is not for status, but for service."
Friday 11 May 2012
Reputation, Perception & Legacy
What the people who work, live and play with us, says about us when we are not present builds our reputation. It is from what they "report" to friends, colleagues and family that a picture is created about who, what and how you are. What they report comes from their lived experience with us, the reality of who we are and what we are striving to become.
What people report about us, is based on their rapport with us. Rather than trying to manipulate perceptions about us -we should put our energy in developing healthy interpersonal relationships and growing our own character.
Some leaders buy into the old adage that perception is reality so much, that they spend enormous amounts of resources (time, energy and money) to create a favourable image about themselves, that ultimately is not real. What a waste of time! Firstly: The only reason why you would do that, is because in reality something is awry in your character and behaviour. Secondly: Reality "leaks" from your circle of colleagues, friends and even family. -In a very short time everybody knows the real reputation from the created perception. (And talks about it.)
That just adds negatively to your reputation.
Legacy is not just about how you will be remembered one day, or something you leave behind when you die. You leave a legacy whenever and wherever you leave! We are all busy living a legacy right now. I believe that in the long run, legacy is to a great extent the sum and culmination of your reputation.
Myles Munroe once said:"Let your life write the speech of your death." (Munroe M 1992. Releasing your Potential. Destiny Image Publishers)
Thursday 3 May 2012
humility
To say that you are humble, destroys the very essence of what humility is all about. Striving to be authentically humble, is a commendable and expected characteristic of good leadership. The minute you start telling others just how humble you are, is the moment that you stop being that!
In my view humility is something that one should strive to be in thought and do in practice, but never say about yourself.
To be humble is not to think "nothing" or badly about yourself. Humility is sometimes mistaken for being the floor mat of friends, family and colleagues, or for allowing others to just walk over you, disregard and mistreat you. To be humble certainly does not mean that you have a low self esteem. -In many ways humility is the exact opposite of arrogance. (See post 11/04/2012).
Humility is a way of thinking, an attitude, a way of being with and about yourself, that reflects some understanding of your specific place and role in the bigger scheme of things. To be humble is to have a moderate estimation of your own importance, merits and abilities.
For me humility is all about appropriate smallness: -To know that you are not the answer to every problem, that you are not indispensable or irreplaceable and that you are definitely not the messiah for the situation! It is being conscious of the fact that there have been talented and sharp leaders before you, and that there will surely be other, may be even more effective and talented one's after you........... It is also about being responsibly aware of the fact that you have a role to play.
You have an unique personality and abilities that could make a real difference! You have something to add to the bigger picture. We all have. We should to the best of our knowledge and ability, diligently make the difference that we were called to make, but we should do so with modesty and in appropriate smallness.
"Let other people praise you -even strangers; never do it yourself." Proverbs 27:2 (Good News)
In my view humility is something that one should strive to be in thought and do in practice, but never say about yourself.
To be humble is not to think "nothing" or badly about yourself. Humility is sometimes mistaken for being the floor mat of friends, family and colleagues, or for allowing others to just walk over you, disregard and mistreat you. To be humble certainly does not mean that you have a low self esteem. -In many ways humility is the exact opposite of arrogance. (See post 11/04/2012).
Humility is a way of thinking, an attitude, a way of being with and about yourself, that reflects some understanding of your specific place and role in the bigger scheme of things. To be humble is to have a moderate estimation of your own importance, merits and abilities.
For me humility is all about appropriate smallness: -To know that you are not the answer to every problem, that you are not indispensable or irreplaceable and that you are definitely not the messiah for the situation! It is being conscious of the fact that there have been talented and sharp leaders before you, and that there will surely be other, may be even more effective and talented one's after you........... It is also about being responsibly aware of the fact that you have a role to play.
You have an unique personality and abilities that could make a real difference! You have something to add to the bigger picture. We all have. We should to the best of our knowledge and ability, diligently make the difference that we were called to make, but we should do so with modesty and in appropriate smallness.
"Let other people praise you -even strangers; never do it yourself." Proverbs 27:2 (Good News)
Wednesday 18 April 2012
Implementation
Vision, measurable goals and strategies to actualize it, are some of the stuff of leadership.
-All levels of leadership.
We spend many hours imagining a preferable future for our organizations and our personal lives. Some times we spend even more time and energy to shape those pictures into the sweeping eloquent words of a vision statement. It takes time, energy and money to get something inspiring written on the wall. Be that the wall of your company foyer, the office, or the wall of your imagination. The question is, is what is written on the wall happening down the hall?
The same question applies to the big multi million corporation, the small to medium enterprise, our families and households, as well as our personal and private lives.Whether you are dreaming of corporate success or personal fitness and health. Whether you are trying to save money for a holiday trip, or planning another take over:
A Strategy is only as good as it's implementation.
You may have wonderful measurable goals, all worked out and lined up. They might even have time lines -as any respectable goal should have. But nothing will happen without strategies: -Those things that needs to happen or be done, so that the set goals can be met, by when they should be met and the whole dream can start to fall into place........! Having said all that: The best strategies or plans, will still accomplish nothing on their own: They need to be implemented.
Sometimes we have wonderful dreams, lofty ideas and great plans about things that we want to accomplish, but many times we don't really dó anything to make it happen. Many of us procrastinate -only to chastise ourselves later.
I have observed that many times the simplest most elementary plans, have spectacular far reaching results -simply because someone took responsibility to see that it actually gets done!
-All levels of leadership.
We spend many hours imagining a preferable future for our organizations and our personal lives. Some times we spend even more time and energy to shape those pictures into the sweeping eloquent words of a vision statement. It takes time, energy and money to get something inspiring written on the wall. Be that the wall of your company foyer, the office, or the wall of your imagination. The question is, is what is written on the wall happening down the hall?
The same question applies to the big multi million corporation, the small to medium enterprise, our families and households, as well as our personal and private lives.Whether you are dreaming of corporate success or personal fitness and health. Whether you are trying to save money for a holiday trip, or planning another take over:
A Strategy is only as good as it's implementation.
You may have wonderful measurable goals, all worked out and lined up. They might even have time lines -as any respectable goal should have. But nothing will happen without strategies: -Those things that needs to happen or be done, so that the set goals can be met, by when they should be met and the whole dream can start to fall into place........! Having said all that: The best strategies or plans, will still accomplish nothing on their own: They need to be implemented.
Sometimes we have wonderful dreams, lofty ideas and great plans about things that we want to accomplish, but many times we don't really dó anything to make it happen. Many of us procrastinate -only to chastise ourselves later.
I have observed that many times the simplest most elementary plans, have spectacular far reaching results -simply because someone took responsibility to see that it actually gets done!
Wednesday 11 April 2012
ARROGANCE
Make a small cross with a black pen on a white A4 size sheet of paper. Now make a small circle about 4 cm to the right of the cross. Take the paper in your right hand and keep it at some distance in front of your face. Close and cover your left eye and with your right eye focus only on the cross that you have drawn. Slowly move the piece of paper closer to your face, until the black circle disappears. (That should be at about 10-15cm from your nose.) -If you have actually done this, you have just experienced what is called a blind spot! Just like this physical one, we all have some blind spots when it comes to our character and behaviour in general. Yes: There are things about ourselves that we don't know, we don't know!
Hopefully we will allow people who love us and care for us, to tell us about those things.......
Arrogance seems to fall into the blind spot area of some leaders. Everybody else knows and talks about it, but they keep on behaving with an ignorant overbearing sense of self importance! Feeling unduly confidant and superior to other people. You are arrogant when you have a high opinion of your own position, importance and abilities.
It is noteworthy that most great leaders of the past and present are everything but arrogant! They usually have one thing in common: They are servant leaders. People who are blessed with various abilities, that they apply for the greater good.
These men and women are normally conscious of the practical difference between function and position; between egoism and selflessness; between legacy and lunacy -and between (self) importance and making a real difference.
We do not have to remind others of our titles. -It is not so much about your title, but about who you are as a person and about what you do in practice! We should not carry on talking about the importance of our positions. -We should rather keep reminding ourselves about our responsibilities and function and keep on thinking about the legacy that we would like to leave behind. Someday that is what we all will certainly do: Leave everything behind. Then as surely as you read this, someone else will take your place -and all that will outlive you, is your legacy!
Ask some of your friends and colleagues if they think that you are arrogant. -If you flinch at the idea of doing that: You already know what the answer is!
Hopefully we will allow people who love us and care for us, to tell us about those things.......
Arrogance seems to fall into the blind spot area of some leaders. Everybody else knows and talks about it, but they keep on behaving with an ignorant overbearing sense of self importance! Feeling unduly confidant and superior to other people. You are arrogant when you have a high opinion of your own position, importance and abilities.
It is noteworthy that most great leaders of the past and present are everything but arrogant! They usually have one thing in common: They are servant leaders. People who are blessed with various abilities, that they apply for the greater good.
These men and women are normally conscious of the practical difference between function and position; between egoism and selflessness; between legacy and lunacy -and between (self) importance and making a real difference.
We do not have to remind others of our titles. -It is not so much about your title, but about who you are as a person and about what you do in practice! We should not carry on talking about the importance of our positions. -We should rather keep reminding ourselves about our responsibilities and function and keep on thinking about the legacy that we would like to leave behind. Someday that is what we all will certainly do: Leave everything behind. Then as surely as you read this, someone else will take your place -and all that will outlive you, is your legacy!
Ask some of your friends and colleagues if they think that you are arrogant. -If you flinch at the idea of doing that: You already know what the answer is!
Thursday 5 April 2012
Passion
It's invigorating to observe passion! There is something contagiously inspiring and energizing about seeing and hearing someone talking and working with positive and healthy passion. Passion attracts people. It touches our hearts and intrigues our minds.
Passion is the fuel of success! Many times the only difference between success and failure, is passionate perseverance. Passion makes up for a lot of leadership shortcomings.
You do not get hold of passion: Passion gets hold of you! Passion is a strong deeply felt enthusiasm. It is a fervent love or interest in something or someone. It can lead you to give your life to something -sometimes literally! It is the urge to keep on thinking and talking about something. -in spite of the frustration and boredom of others!
Passion can't be faked (Not for long anyhow). It comes from the heart! It comes from a place of integrity and meaning. People around you knows that you have it, even before you do. Passion gives physical, emotional and spiritual energy to everything you do.
You can feed a particular passion and make it grow stronger -by spending more time thinking, reading, studying or researching about it. Circumstances and doubting or negative people can attempt (and sometimes succeed) to kill passion in you life. The good news is that passion can be revived!
Get clarity about the passion/s in your life. Make sure that you focus on the ones that can make a positive difference to your life and the lives of others. Spend a significant part of your time advancing that passion/s.-Doing so will ensure that you live and work from your passion/s and strengths. It will make a world of difference in how you live your life: It will make you come and stay ALIVE!
Feeding and keeping your passion/s alive and growing is your own responsibility and not that of anyone else!
Passion is the fuel of success! Many times the only difference between success and failure, is passionate perseverance. Passion makes up for a lot of leadership shortcomings.
You do not get hold of passion: Passion gets hold of you! Passion is a strong deeply felt enthusiasm. It is a fervent love or interest in something or someone. It can lead you to give your life to something -sometimes literally! It is the urge to keep on thinking and talking about something. -in spite of the frustration and boredom of others!
Passion can't be faked (Not for long anyhow). It comes from the heart! It comes from a place of integrity and meaning. People around you knows that you have it, even before you do. Passion gives physical, emotional and spiritual energy to everything you do.
You can feed a particular passion and make it grow stronger -by spending more time thinking, reading, studying or researching about it. Circumstances and doubting or negative people can attempt (and sometimes succeed) to kill passion in you life. The good news is that passion can be revived!
Get clarity about the passion/s in your life. Make sure that you focus on the ones that can make a positive difference to your life and the lives of others. Spend a significant part of your time advancing that passion/s.-Doing so will ensure that you live and work from your passion/s and strengths. It will make a world of difference in how you live your life: It will make you come and stay ALIVE!
Feeding and keeping your passion/s alive and growing is your own responsibility and not that of anyone else!
Thursday 29 March 2012
P...A...C...E
The pace a which you are doing the things that you are passionate about, can devour your passion!
In a long distance road race, in leadership, in your career and in life in general, there seems to be three basic approaches: You can start with a blaze! Running as hard and as fast as you possibly can and then attempt to "hold on" during the latter stages. It is just not possible for any human being, whatever their capacity, to start at full speed and to keep it up for the distance.
a Second approach would be to start out rather cautiously and moderately over the first part of the journey and then, because you have "saved up" some energy, be able to complete the second half of the distance more quickly and strongly! There are those who would label people following this approach as "late bloomers."
Looking around and observing leaders who have covered some distance in life, I notice that most have apparently taken the first option. Many are tired and are barely holding on. Some are literally stumbling forward without any zeal or vision left! -They certainly did not start out that way... Some where referred to as "movers and shakers", not very long ago. The distance have taken it's toll.
It might be second nature for passionate, ambitious young leaders to start out guns a blazing. And to tell the truth, when scouting for younger leaders, that is exactly the kind of person that many leaders are looking for: Energetic, driven, self-starting, go-getters...! But how do you look after yourself in the long run? How do you make sure that you can stay the course?
Most athletic coaches say it is best to go for a third option: Maintain an even, consistent and sustainable pace throughout the race. A pace that will enable you the to go the full distance and still have some energy left at the end! Some may describe this third option as boring. -"Who needs energy at the end of the race? What for?"
Our strengths, capacity, personality type and general attitude towards life, will ensure that we look at these three approaches differently. -All I know is this: I need to pace myself. I need to make sure that I do what I'm passionate about in such a way, that I would be able to keep on doing and enjoying it!
No one else can or will do this for me: I have to establish what a sustainable pace looks like for me, and I have to keep on keeping it! -I suspect the same is true for you.......
In a long distance road race, in leadership, in your career and in life in general, there seems to be three basic approaches: You can start with a blaze! Running as hard and as fast as you possibly can and then attempt to "hold on" during the latter stages. It is just not possible for any human being, whatever their capacity, to start at full speed and to keep it up for the distance.
a Second approach would be to start out rather cautiously and moderately over the first part of the journey and then, because you have "saved up" some energy, be able to complete the second half of the distance more quickly and strongly! There are those who would label people following this approach as "late bloomers."
Looking around and observing leaders who have covered some distance in life, I notice that most have apparently taken the first option. Many are tired and are barely holding on. Some are literally stumbling forward without any zeal or vision left! -They certainly did not start out that way... Some where referred to as "movers and shakers", not very long ago. The distance have taken it's toll.
It might be second nature for passionate, ambitious young leaders to start out guns a blazing. And to tell the truth, when scouting for younger leaders, that is exactly the kind of person that many leaders are looking for: Energetic, driven, self-starting, go-getters...! But how do you look after yourself in the long run? How do you make sure that you can stay the course?
Most athletic coaches say it is best to go for a third option: Maintain an even, consistent and sustainable pace throughout the race. A pace that will enable you the to go the full distance and still have some energy left at the end! Some may describe this third option as boring. -"Who needs energy at the end of the race? What for?"
Our strengths, capacity, personality type and general attitude towards life, will ensure that we look at these three approaches differently. -All I know is this: I need to pace myself. I need to make sure that I do what I'm passionate about in such a way, that I would be able to keep on doing and enjoying it!
No one else can or will do this for me: I have to establish what a sustainable pace looks like for me, and I have to keep on keeping it! -I suspect the same is true for you.......
Friday 23 March 2012
Position
Funny how people who occupy relatively "low positions" on the so called authority ladder, sometimes acts as if they wield enormous power and influence! Think about custom officials and army corporals for example. They can make you run against your will and they can keep you from passing through a border, or just make life difficult for you, but that's about all...
Why do most of us think that leadership is about some or other position? Some people will do about anything, just to be elected or appointed to a certain position. Does a title, abbreviated job description, a plaque on your office door or desk, or a descriptive business card make you a leader? -Someone who can lord it over others!
Is filling a position equal to being a leader? Most of the time people follow positional leaders because they have to, not because of respect or perceived leadership abilities. In John Maxwell's old adage about leadership (1993:5-7) : Position is the lowest level of leadership and normally "will not extend beyond the lines of one's job description."
"Real leadership is more than having authority; it is more than having the technical training and following the proper procedures. Real leadership is being the person others will gladly and confidently follow."
Leadership is not about position. (Although it might be a starting point recognition of some sort.) Leadership is about attitude and behaviour and the ability to influence people, regardless of your position. Leadership is being the person that others trust and want to follow.
Which poses the question: Can one exercise leadership without any (official) position?
*John Maxwell 1993, Developing the leader within you. Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville.
Why do most of us think that leadership is about some or other position? Some people will do about anything, just to be elected or appointed to a certain position. Does a title, abbreviated job description, a plaque on your office door or desk, or a descriptive business card make you a leader? -Someone who can lord it over others!
Is filling a position equal to being a leader? Most of the time people follow positional leaders because they have to, not because of respect or perceived leadership abilities. In John Maxwell's old adage about leadership (1993:5-7) : Position is the lowest level of leadership and normally "will not extend beyond the lines of one's job description."
"Real leadership is more than having authority; it is more than having the technical training and following the proper procedures. Real leadership is being the person others will gladly and confidently follow."
Leadership is not about position. (Although it might be a starting point recognition of some sort.) Leadership is about attitude and behaviour and the ability to influence people, regardless of your position. Leadership is being the person that others trust and want to follow.
Which poses the question: Can one exercise leadership without any (official) position?
*John Maxwell 1993, Developing the leader within you. Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville.
Thursday 15 March 2012
Meaning
Many things that we do on a daily basis may be regarded as part of our personal occupational hazards... It is those things that we don't really like, or might even dislike intensely, but we just have to do it. It seems that everything we do, have one or more of those "don't-like-dreary-meaningless" elements embedded in them.
But, when most of what you are working hard for, does not really matter to you today and in the long run, -frustration and dissatisfaction will at some point surely knock on your door.
The World Health Organisation believes that by 2020 one of the leading causes of disability will be depression. Don't underestimate the consequences of "meaninglessness"....
When you study the legacies of people that we generally regard as being successful, you will find that many of them have spent most of their time doing something that they regarded as meaningful. Something that had deep meaning to them personally. (Not necessarily to others.) Something that they are, or were passionate about!
I have often wondered why many successful leaders and so called achievers, seem to be so disappointed and disillusioned with their lives at the end. -Is it because achievements without real personal meaning, doesn't last ?!
How much of what you do has real meaning to you?
Its all about passion! Finding it and planning how to pursue it over a lifetime. Its about doing a lifestyle audit and making sure that you spend a significant amount of your time on things that has deep meaning to you.
For some of us it might mean that we have to evolve or cycle into a different role or function in our workplace. It might even mean that we have to start searching for something else. Many of us would simply have to find and spend more of our free time, doing the things that really matters to us and vibrates in our hearts and minds!
Life is too short and valuable to be spend on meaninglessness!
But, when most of what you are working hard for, does not really matter to you today and in the long run, -frustration and dissatisfaction will at some point surely knock on your door.
The World Health Organisation believes that by 2020 one of the leading causes of disability will be depression. Don't underestimate the consequences of "meaninglessness"....
When you study the legacies of people that we generally regard as being successful, you will find that many of them have spent most of their time doing something that they regarded as meaningful. Something that had deep meaning to them personally. (Not necessarily to others.) Something that they are, or were passionate about!
I have often wondered why many successful leaders and so called achievers, seem to be so disappointed and disillusioned with their lives at the end. -Is it because achievements without real personal meaning, doesn't last ?!
How much of what you do has real meaning to you?
Its all about passion! Finding it and planning how to pursue it over a lifetime. Its about doing a lifestyle audit and making sure that you spend a significant amount of your time on things that has deep meaning to you.
For some of us it might mean that we have to evolve or cycle into a different role or function in our workplace. It might even mean that we have to start searching for something else. Many of us would simply have to find and spend more of our free time, doing the things that really matters to us and vibrates in our hearts and minds!
Life is too short and valuable to be spend on meaninglessness!
Tuesday 6 March 2012
Clarity
On a clear night the average human eye can see the Triangulum Galaxy.
(If you know what to look for...!)
That is a distance of 3.14 million light years away! OK, what we actually see is the light coming towards us, but still -that is far! When we look straight forward on a clear day, the average human eye can see +/- 4.8 Km (2.9 miles), until the earth's curve causes you to hit the horizon.
On a cloudy, foggy day visibility can be restricted to only a few meters....
It's amazing what clarity can do: It helps us to see clearly and specifically that which is there.
It defines what is really important. It opens the door to more creative options. It empowers us to take better decisions. It clears the mind. It keeps us focused. It enables us to stay on course.
It reduces stress. -No one should proceed without it.
Sometimes our minds, our vision and decision making abilities becomes blurred with the fog of circumstances, choices and the everyday chores and worries of life. Sometimes clarity is obscured by a shapeless, nameless cloud that hangs over us and fills our thoughts. It rains on our dreams and displaces our energy.
In those times clarity (eventually) comes I have found, when I spent a little time to think (or even write) about what exactly is going on. Spend some time to become aware of exactly WHAT or HOW you are feeling. When you can define that: Ask yourself: WHY you feel that way?
When you can answer that honestly -establish whether there is anything that you can DO about it?
If there is nothing that you can do about it: -Let it go!
If there is something that you can do: Do it without delay!
(If you know what to look for...!)
That is a distance of 3.14 million light years away! OK, what we actually see is the light coming towards us, but still -that is far! When we look straight forward on a clear day, the average human eye can see +/- 4.8 Km (2.9 miles), until the earth's curve causes you to hit the horizon.
On a cloudy, foggy day visibility can be restricted to only a few meters....
It's amazing what clarity can do: It helps us to see clearly and specifically that which is there.
It defines what is really important. It opens the door to more creative options. It empowers us to take better decisions. It clears the mind. It keeps us focused. It enables us to stay on course.
It reduces stress. -No one should proceed without it.
Sometimes our minds, our vision and decision making abilities becomes blurred with the fog of circumstances, choices and the everyday chores and worries of life. Sometimes clarity is obscured by a shapeless, nameless cloud that hangs over us and fills our thoughts. It rains on our dreams and displaces our energy.
In those times clarity (eventually) comes I have found, when I spent a little time to think (or even write) about what exactly is going on. Spend some time to become aware of exactly WHAT or HOW you are feeling. When you can define that: Ask yourself: WHY you feel that way?
When you can answer that honestly -establish whether there is anything that you can DO about it?
If there is nothing that you can do about it: -Let it go!
If there is something that you can do: Do it without delay!
Tuesday 28 February 2012
Integrity
Integrity is talked about a lot these days. Everywhere people are looking for leaders, for employees, for colleagues and friends, even spouses -with integrity. It is listed as one of the requirements of lasting success. -And yet it seems to be an increasingly rare commodity.
People have become increasingly more sceptical and suspicious about leaders and their motives.
How will you define integrity and how would you know that some one is a person of integrity??
Is this some abstract quality that people keep on saying they have, because they think that in doing so, other people will allow them to occupy positions of authority, because they are seen as "good" and trustworthy?
Is integrity something that you need to tell others you have, or is it a quality that friends and colleagues observe in your life?
I subscribe to this definition: "Integrity is being your word."
To me that means that you will do what you said you would, by when you said you would do it.
It means that you keep your word, even to yourself...
I like the word "being" in this definition: It implies that integrity is not just about what or who you say you are, it is not about perception, but about what you actually and consciously live out in practice. -It means that you ARE your word!
Too many leaders say one thing and live the (complete) opposite...... That is why so many people have lost trust in all levels and sorts of leaders. They may give leaders a degree of respect, because of some perceived position that they have, but they don't trust them at all!
Integrity -being your word, allows others to trust you. Trust is a vital ingredient in lasting personal and professional relationships. Without trust you have nothing! It is also key in becoming a person of influence.
Being your word starts and builds on small things.
BE your word today!
People have become increasingly more sceptical and suspicious about leaders and their motives.
How will you define integrity and how would you know that some one is a person of integrity??
Is this some abstract quality that people keep on saying they have, because they think that in doing so, other people will allow them to occupy positions of authority, because they are seen as "good" and trustworthy?
Is integrity something that you need to tell others you have, or is it a quality that friends and colleagues observe in your life?
I subscribe to this definition: "Integrity is being your word."
To me that means that you will do what you said you would, by when you said you would do it.
It means that you keep your word, even to yourself...
I like the word "being" in this definition: It implies that integrity is not just about what or who you say you are, it is not about perception, but about what you actually and consciously live out in practice. -It means that you ARE your word!
Too many leaders say one thing and live the (complete) opposite...... That is why so many people have lost trust in all levels and sorts of leaders. They may give leaders a degree of respect, because of some perceived position that they have, but they don't trust them at all!
Integrity -being your word, allows others to trust you. Trust is a vital ingredient in lasting personal and professional relationships. Without trust you have nothing! It is also key in becoming a person of influence.
Being your word starts and builds on small things.
BE your word today!
Wednesday 22 February 2012
Destination(s)
We have different destinations as leaders.
All leaders are not on the way to the same place -are we?
-If you say "Yes, we are" -What/ where would that destination be?
Each one of us has a individual purpose, or reason for being.
We all have our own unique impact on life, the difference that each one of us should make
in our part of the ocean. -The change that you have to bring about in your sphere of influence.
If we do have our own unique purpose and destination as leaders, -then our journeys would differ somewhat.
If our journeys differ, we would certainly not be at the same station or port of life at the exact same time...
-So why do we keep on comparing ourselves to others?
One of the young leaders following this blog, e-mailed a interesting response to me. Amongst other things she said: "Leaders should not be on route to their specific destination, following the directions of another." -Just think about that for a moment........
Is that not exactly what we sometimes do?
We compare. We take the journeys, CV's, accomplishments, routes or models of others and try to copy or follow that precisely. Believing that their "recipe" or journey plan will bring us to a destination of "success".
Maybe it will. -But what if that is not the destination that you as a leader were suppose to reach?
All leaders are not on the way to the same place -are we?
-If you say "Yes, we are" -What/ where would that destination be?
Each one of us has a individual purpose, or reason for being.
We all have our own unique impact on life, the difference that each one of us should make
in our part of the ocean. -The change that you have to bring about in your sphere of influence.
If we do have our own unique purpose and destination as leaders, -then our journeys would differ somewhat.
If our journeys differ, we would certainly not be at the same station or port of life at the exact same time...
-So why do we keep on comparing ourselves to others?
One of the young leaders following this blog, e-mailed a interesting response to me. Amongst other things she said: "Leaders should not be on route to their specific destination, following the directions of another." -Just think about that for a moment........
Is that not exactly what we sometimes do?
We compare. We take the journeys, CV's, accomplishments, routes or models of others and try to copy or follow that precisely. Believing that their "recipe" or journey plan will bring us to a destination of "success".
Maybe it will. -But what if that is not the destination that you as a leader were suppose to reach?
Tuesday 14 February 2012
Sustainability
I said last week that success is not about being the biggest or the best, but about endurance and sustainability. May be we should add to that -with integrity. (More about that on another day.)
Sustainability in this context could mean to keep going till the end of your journey, without falling or sinking. -Without burning out. Some say that is impossible. They argue that at some point all leaders experience burnout. -Is it impossible to keep going without stumbling in some way?
Is burnout inevitable? Do all athletes burn out? -Why is that so?
Does it have something to do with how leaders take care of their own physical-, emotional- and spiritual well being? How often do we forget that our body, mind and spirit are some of the precious and irreplaceable tools of our trade? We can't simply exchange, upgrade or buy new ones!
Does sustainability, or the lack there of, have something to do with what we are striving to achieve? With who or what we're competing against, or who we are trying to impress?
-and hów we are trying to do that?
It seems to me that to be sustainable as a leader you need to have some sense of direction.
We need to have some idea of where we are going. Another thought on this is that you would not be able to find any destination, if you do not know where you are right now.........
If you have some sense of direction and you are navigating or running in that direction, you need to have regular times of rest and refreshment. Not even machines can keep going non stop! Rest and refreshment look different for all of us. What do yóú need to do, to really rest? What will it take for you to schedule that regularly?
Over and above direction and rest, sustainability is not possible without sustenance.
We need to nourish our spirit, mind and body with good food.
When you stand before your maker at the end of your journey: May you have finished well, with your family and friends next to you, with your health and your sanity intact!
-That will not happen by accident though.
Sustainability in this context could mean to keep going till the end of your journey, without falling or sinking. -Without burning out. Some say that is impossible. They argue that at some point all leaders experience burnout. -Is it impossible to keep going without stumbling in some way?
Is burnout inevitable? Do all athletes burn out? -Why is that so?
Does it have something to do with how leaders take care of their own physical-, emotional- and spiritual well being? How often do we forget that our body, mind and spirit are some of the precious and irreplaceable tools of our trade? We can't simply exchange, upgrade or buy new ones!
Does sustainability, or the lack there of, have something to do with what we are striving to achieve? With who or what we're competing against, or who we are trying to impress?
-and hów we are trying to do that?
It seems to me that to be sustainable as a leader you need to have some sense of direction.
We need to have some idea of where we are going. Another thought on this is that you would not be able to find any destination, if you do not know where you are right now.........
If you have some sense of direction and you are navigating or running in that direction, you need to have regular times of rest and refreshment. Not even machines can keep going non stop! Rest and refreshment look different for all of us. What do yóú need to do, to really rest? What will it take for you to schedule that regularly?
Over and above direction and rest, sustainability is not possible without sustenance.
We need to nourish our spirit, mind and body with good food.
When you stand before your maker at the end of your journey: May you have finished well, with your family and friends next to you, with your health and your sanity intact!
-That will not happen by accident though.
Tuesday 7 February 2012
Success ?!
It is disturbing to see and hear about leaders who are just giving up! Most of them have been in leadership for some time, and seemingly all of a sudden, they just want out. No energy and little passion left.....
Some are prepared to just walk away from what they have spent years and years of their lives building.
They would leave their legacies in jeopardy, just to "get away" from it all... Why?
Is it that too many leaders start out with the idea that to be successful you have to be the biggest or the best?
It seems to me that when you play the numbers game, you will always end up falling short somewhere.
Someone else will always be "bigger" and "better" than you. -At least for a while.
May be it has something to do with the fact that one may feel that after a certain number of years you should have achieved more: Whatever you have been building should have been bigger or better and now that it pales in comparison to what others have done, you want to stop playing this game and go home. Tired of the race.
It is great to partake in a race! (I have done running and cycling.) You learn a lot about yourself.
One important thing to remember is that although 35 000 plus people takes part in the Cape Argus cycle tour, only one can win! Does that mean that I should not participate? Should I ride as hard and fast as I possibly can, to try and stay with the winning group at all cost? What do I have to do to say that I had a successful cycle race?
What do you have to do to have the feeling that you have achieved success in leadership and in life?
Success is not about being the biggest or the best, but about endurance and sustainability.
Some are prepared to just walk away from what they have spent years and years of their lives building.
They would leave their legacies in jeopardy, just to "get away" from it all... Why?
Is it that too many leaders start out with the idea that to be successful you have to be the biggest or the best?
It seems to me that when you play the numbers game, you will always end up falling short somewhere.
Someone else will always be "bigger" and "better" than you. -At least for a while.
May be it has something to do with the fact that one may feel that after a certain number of years you should have achieved more: Whatever you have been building should have been bigger or better and now that it pales in comparison to what others have done, you want to stop playing this game and go home. Tired of the race.
It is great to partake in a race! (I have done running and cycling.) You learn a lot about yourself.
One important thing to remember is that although 35 000 plus people takes part in the Cape Argus cycle tour, only one can win! Does that mean that I should not participate? Should I ride as hard and fast as I possibly can, to try and stay with the winning group at all cost? What do I have to do to say that I had a successful cycle race?
What do you have to do to have the feeling that you have achieved success in leadership and in life?
Success is not about being the biggest or the best, but about endurance and sustainability.
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