Hey Leader… At this very moment, where are you? Not just physically but emotionally, spiritually and any other “ly” you could consider. Are you present in this moment? Are you hyper-aware of your surroundings? Do you know who you are and where you are going? Can you give me your 30 second elevator speech of your leadership charge right now?! Go! 

That my friends is leadership; as much as an empathetic ear, a rousing visionary speech, a decisive moment, an integrity filled choice. What are you doing today to build your leadership competence? So many people live their lives on autopilot going through the motions. There is energy and enthusiasm in leadership. It lets you know you are alive by challenging you to be on your game each moment, making real life choices that affect lives and outcomes. The best way I can describe it is to recall the math problems from school.   Flash back to grade school… Do you remember how when you approached these problems “ A train leaves

Chicago traveling east at 100 miles an hour…” do you remember how your mind tried to get around the words and create a special image, or maybe converted it into a simple equation. Either way you had a simple process relatively linear to go step by step through the problem. One possible correct outcome; pass or fail.

 Come on back to the present now…  In the life of a leader you are dealing with multiple relationships, numerous contributing factors, scarce resources, and infinite possible outcomes. Gone are the days where there is one outcome and you get it or you don’t. No the life of a leader is graduate level problem solving at its best. What does all this mean?  You must learn to deal with ambiguity and leverage it to your advantage. 

  • Lean into problems that are grey rather than black and white.  
  • Seek the wisdom of more mature leaders who have been in the trenches.
  • Have a bias toward learning in everything you undertake.
    Double loop learning though where you get the root of issues rather than preprogrammed response.

You must be conscious of your behaviors and mannerisms and their potential impact on your team.   

  • Seek feedback on how you are perceived!
  • Know your values and adjust your behaviors as your values allow

There are a number of other areas to grow in as well but all rest on your ability to know yourself and your ability to be present and aware of your surroundings. 

Lead well

Ron