Leadership

In conversations over the past several weeks, I've discovered a recurring thread. Maybe it's God trying to get my attention. He does that from time to time. The thread I've noticed is actually a theme or a principle. To put it in simple terms, there are times when less is more. If you cook much, you know that you can always add more water or spice or whatever -- but it's nearly impossible to take it out once you put it in. Add too much water too soon and the entire thing might be ruined. Start with a little. You can always add more. In sales we know that confusion and paralysis occur whenever the number of options increase. You might think that more options would equal more sales but the opposite is often the case. It's easier to make a selection when options are limited; too many options and…

No need for a news flash. If you're a leader of any capacity, then you know that leadership has its challenges. Leading yourself is hard enough; add in three, five, fifteen, or fifteen hundred other people and the obstacles can be daunting. I'm about midway through my 46th year on this earth. For 25 of those I have been in some sort of official, paid leadership position. Then you can throw in time served as a little league captain and junior class vice-president. While not an expert on the topic, I do have a few gray hairs to show for lessons learned -- and many of those are hard-earned gray hairs. In his letter to the Roman Christians, the apostle Paul tells them that those who have been given the gift of leadership should lead diligently. Another translation says they should lead with zeal. The long, winding road of leadership is easier…

Back in 2000, I decided to dive wholeheartedly into the Atkins low carb diet. Having survived the dangers of Y2K, I figured it was a good time to make a few lifestyle adjustments -- just in case the programming was off by one year and the real surprise came on December 31, 2000. For six months during 2000 I not only went low carb but I also eliminated all processed sugar from my diet. Since I didn't consider myself to have a big sweet tooth, it wasn't all that hard. I'll never forget the day a coworker brought a box of Otis Spunkmeyer cookies to the office. I thought, "I haven't had a cookie in six months. I can have one cookie." (I actually did have this very thought). Within seconds of having my first bite, I felt my face get really hot and it felt like my body temperature…

One of the things that a good improv performer shares in common with a good leader is this: they are both fully present in the moment. This is more than just being a good listener (though that certainly is a part of being present). It's also about being fully engaged in the communication task. Being fully present in the moment involves being aware of more than what the other person is saying. It's also being aware of what they are not saying. It's hearing what is left unspoken. Being fully present is giving the other person our full attention. When you are fully present in the moment, you will pick up non-verbal clues that need to be explored further. A fully present leader lets the other person know that you are one hundred with them -- not necessarily in agreement, but in a supportive way. I'm sure each of us have tried…