How many leaders do you know who encourage or even admonish you to imitate them and live according to their example? Are these leaders worthy of being imitated? What would your direct reports and colleagues say if I posed this question to them? Do the people who know me best see me as an imitable leader?
Children can often be found mimicking the behavior of a parent, sibling, or friend. Many of us can recall times in our childhood where we dressed and acted like a movie, sports, or television hero or heroine. This playful and often innocent conduct was generally inspired by the qualities we admired in the other person. Their self-confidence, courage, skill, and accomplishments were viewed as something we could aspire to achieve. These qualities and behaviors may even have served to influence our choice of vocation or fueled our passions to make a difference.
Many of today’s celebrities share a distain for serving as role models. They prefer to live without the scrutiny that accompanies their public persona. Knowing that others may be imitating their “bad” choices is a burden they prefer not to bear. After all, are they really responsible to anyone other than their own conscience?
Perhaps every leader silently yearns to be out of the spotlight, shielded from the responsibility of leading by example. The Apostle Paul, on more than one occasion, challenges the early Christian church to “join in imitating me”. While this might seem to be an ego driven and selfishly inspired assertion it is unlikely that Paul was seeking a power trip from a legion of raving fans. As a leader, he was uniquely positioned to influence the behavior and attitudes of those who respected and loved him. His admonition recognized the power of example in the life of any leader.
Regardless of your organizational role, or the position and authority that accompany it, you are a leader. It may be of a team or a multi-million dollar company. Your actions, attitudes, ideas, and passions are instruments for either good or evil. Those who report to you, follow you, and look up to you are shaped by the quality of your work and the core of your character. By consistently living your values and serving others you create the opportunity for them to imitate this same behavior.
A newborn baby innocently mimics our actions without pretense or guile. There is a level of trust in the one who is giving them the attention at that moment. Suppose leaders created that same awareness in our daily encounters with employees, customers, and vendors. Imagine if we used those sacred occasions to be so inspiring that the other person left us and imitated that same level of care to the persons they meet. I think that is what Paul had in mind. Using the power of our example to change the world where we live and work. Are you worth imitating?
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Expect the Unexpected
I’m writing this entry on Easter Sunday, a special time of celebration and joy for millions of Christians around the world. The message of this day is one of grace, inexplicable grace! What began as a dark time of suffering and death on Friday gives way to life and hope only three days later. Resurrection is the unexpected gift that breaks forth on Easter morning.
My message for leaders on this day is simple – expect the unexpected. If you are willing to surrender your life, your business, and your role as a leader to the God of resurrection power, then unexpected things will come your way. I don’t know what they might be, but they will come. Like the women who were surprised to find an empty tomb, you may be astonished at the things you will find.
“Don’t be afraid.” These are the words spoken to those who witnessed the most amazing event in all of human history. They still carry weight and substance. Leaders need to hear and believe these words today. Receive the grace; share the joy; live as though you are expecting the unexpected!
My message for leaders on this day is simple – expect the unexpected. If you are willing to surrender your life, your business, and your role as a leader to the God of resurrection power, then unexpected things will come your way. I don’t know what they might be, but they will come. Like the women who were surprised to find an empty tomb, you may be astonished at the things you will find.
“Don’t be afraid.” These are the words spoken to those who witnessed the most amazing event in all of human history. They still carry weight and substance. Leaders need to hear and believe these words today. Receive the grace; share the joy; live as though you are expecting the unexpected!
Saturday, March 15, 2008
When Leaders Are Hurting
It’s always interesting to see what conversation, insight, story, or experience will inspire this week’s journal entry. Well, at least it’s interesting to me. This week I spoke with a client who shared how a co-worker and fellow leader vulnerably shared with their team about some personal circumstances that were impacting how they were responding at work. When I hear these stories my soul quietly celebrates this display of authenticity and courage.
I know too many leaders who carry personal burdens and fears to and from their workplace without ever sharing them with anyone. The daily pressures of leading any organization brings with it enough stress to challenge even the strongest leader. Now imagine the pain of an unhappy marriage, the anxiety of a sick child or parent, or the disappointment of a teenager’s rebellion walking with you to every meeting or staring over your shoulder as you write the latest report or memo. The truth is that many of us don’t need to imagine this scenario. We are living it.
The world’s great leaders have often led shadow lives. No, I’m not thinking of the recent revelations about New York Governor Eliot Spitzer. While power and position sometimes contribute to personal temptations, many hurting leaders are filled with self-doubt, anxious about the future, and simply tired of the daily grind they face to pursue a calling or dream. Where do you turn when everyone around you is expecting results and optimism? What do you say when asked, “How are you today?”
Authentic leaders recognize the value of modeling vulnerability. If we want to build trust on our teams and in our organizations then we must do the very things that promote it. Lying about how we are doing personally doesn’t seem like a prescription for creating trust. While I’m not suggesting that every ache and pain, or deep personal doubt, should make it into your next company email, I am advocating a quiet effort to connect our soul with the souls of those we work with.
How can any of us achieve our best if we are hurting and no one seems to care? If we heal the hurt first, it seems logical that performance will improve and, more importantly trust will be strengthened. If leaders were focused on serving others first, they would discover that many of their organization’s ills are caused by people who are sick. Not sick with a disease, although that could be true, but from a multitude of personal challenges that can’t be ignored because of a change in venue.
By modeling vulnerable and trusting behavior, leaders will encourage others to do the same. That creates an environment where love and care can be offered to hurting employees and their attention can return to their role in the business. Employees who are happy and healthy in every aspect of their lives will deliver better service to their customers. So the next time someone asks you how you are doing, consider swallowing your personal pride and telling the truth. It’s okay to admit that sometimes you hurt too.
I know too many leaders who carry personal burdens and fears to and from their workplace without ever sharing them with anyone. The daily pressures of leading any organization brings with it enough stress to challenge even the strongest leader. Now imagine the pain of an unhappy marriage, the anxiety of a sick child or parent, or the disappointment of a teenager’s rebellion walking with you to every meeting or staring over your shoulder as you write the latest report or memo. The truth is that many of us don’t need to imagine this scenario. We are living it.
The world’s great leaders have often led shadow lives. No, I’m not thinking of the recent revelations about New York Governor Eliot Spitzer. While power and position sometimes contribute to personal temptations, many hurting leaders are filled with self-doubt, anxious about the future, and simply tired of the daily grind they face to pursue a calling or dream. Where do you turn when everyone around you is expecting results and optimism? What do you say when asked, “How are you today?”
Authentic leaders recognize the value of modeling vulnerability. If we want to build trust on our teams and in our organizations then we must do the very things that promote it. Lying about how we are doing personally doesn’t seem like a prescription for creating trust. While I’m not suggesting that every ache and pain, or deep personal doubt, should make it into your next company email, I am advocating a quiet effort to connect our soul with the souls of those we work with.
How can any of us achieve our best if we are hurting and no one seems to care? If we heal the hurt first, it seems logical that performance will improve and, more importantly trust will be strengthened. If leaders were focused on serving others first, they would discover that many of their organization’s ills are caused by people who are sick. Not sick with a disease, although that could be true, but from a multitude of personal challenges that can’t be ignored because of a change in venue.
By modeling vulnerable and trusting behavior, leaders will encourage others to do the same. That creates an environment where love and care can be offered to hurting employees and their attention can return to their role in the business. Employees who are happy and healthy in every aspect of their lives will deliver better service to their customers. So the next time someone asks you how you are doing, consider swallowing your personal pride and telling the truth. It’s okay to admit that sometimes you hurt too.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Amazing Grace
Last night I watched a DVD version of the movie “Amazing Grace”. It is based on the life of William Wilberforce who was first elected to the British House of Commons at the age of 21 and spent his career in Parliament leading the political battle against slavery. During the 18th and 19th centuries he introduced numerous bills, all of them going down in defeat. He and fellow abolitionists collected evidence of the slave trade and its crimes, garnered 390,000 citizen signatures in support of their anti-slavery cause, and worked tirelessly to bring an end to the slave trade. After 20 years of incessant struggle, Wilberforce’s dream to end slavery was rewarded when a sweeping majority of his political colleagues passed the 1807 abolition bill.
Throughout his life, Wilberforce overcame chronic illness and overwhelming political and social odds to campaign for lasting change. His pastor, John Newton, author of the famous hymn that serves as the movie title was a source of inspiration during the lowest points in Wilberforce’s efforts. He also benefited from the close friendship of then Prime Minister, William Pitt. During one scene in the movie, Pitt tells his friend, “Which is why we are too young to realize that certain things are impossible. So we will do them anyway.”
Today the theme of change is common in political and business arenas but I sometimes wonder how seriously we attempt to implement our ideal visions of the future. Many leaders I know are giving only lip service to this concept and lack the courage and confidence to see it through. There are exceptions, of course, and those persons stand out, just as William Wilberforce did in his day. Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, and Mother Theresa are a few names we all know.
How committed are you as a leader in your family, business, and faith community to a purpose and cause? Are you passionate about creating lasting change that will serve as a legacy for your life? God did not create us so we could simply occupy space and consume resources. He gave each of us talents to be used for the express purpose of making a difference in our world.
I have recognized that call in my life as my personal mission statement, “To discover, nurture, and affirm a lifelong love for learning in myself and others.” In recent years that mission has focused on working with leaders who want to be inspiring and organizations that embrace them. Each day as I work with clients, interact with colleagues, and meet new prospects these words are inspiring me and keeping me on task. It remains to be seen whether any of my work will have long-term effects but that will not deter me from being as faithful as I can in my efforts to change the world.
It would be inspiring to me and others if the readers of this blog would offer their comments about how they are trying to change the world. We don’t have to look very hard to see that even the slave trade that Wilberforce fought so hard to eradicate is still active in many parts of the world. So are hunger, poverty, disease, and so much more. It is the individual efforts of people committed to a cause that will have lasting impact. If we wait for governments to intervene it may be too late. If you have experienced the amazing grace captured in Newton’s song lyrics then you know that change is real in your own life. Now it is time to bring it to the whole world.
Throughout his life, Wilberforce overcame chronic illness and overwhelming political and social odds to campaign for lasting change. His pastor, John Newton, author of the famous hymn that serves as the movie title was a source of inspiration during the lowest points in Wilberforce’s efforts. He also benefited from the close friendship of then Prime Minister, William Pitt. During one scene in the movie, Pitt tells his friend, “Which is why we are too young to realize that certain things are impossible. So we will do them anyway.”
Today the theme of change is common in political and business arenas but I sometimes wonder how seriously we attempt to implement our ideal visions of the future. Many leaders I know are giving only lip service to this concept and lack the courage and confidence to see it through. There are exceptions, of course, and those persons stand out, just as William Wilberforce did in his day. Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, and Mother Theresa are a few names we all know.
How committed are you as a leader in your family, business, and faith community to a purpose and cause? Are you passionate about creating lasting change that will serve as a legacy for your life? God did not create us so we could simply occupy space and consume resources. He gave each of us talents to be used for the express purpose of making a difference in our world.
I have recognized that call in my life as my personal mission statement, “To discover, nurture, and affirm a lifelong love for learning in myself and others.” In recent years that mission has focused on working with leaders who want to be inspiring and organizations that embrace them. Each day as I work with clients, interact with colleagues, and meet new prospects these words are inspiring me and keeping me on task. It remains to be seen whether any of my work will have long-term effects but that will not deter me from being as faithful as I can in my efforts to change the world.
It would be inspiring to me and others if the readers of this blog would offer their comments about how they are trying to change the world. We don’t have to look very hard to see that even the slave trade that Wilberforce fought so hard to eradicate is still active in many parts of the world. So are hunger, poverty, disease, and so much more. It is the individual efforts of people committed to a cause that will have lasting impact. If we wait for governments to intervene it may be too late. If you have experienced the amazing grace captured in Newton’s song lyrics then you know that change is real in your own life. Now it is time to bring it to the whole world.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
The Joy of Serving
This weekend my wife, Melody, and I spent a few days in beautiful Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, for our annual getaway to celebrate her birthday. While we have visited there on many other occasions this trip was different because we chose to explore some towns, shopping venues, and restaurants that have not been part of previous itineraries. One of those experiences inspired this week’s journal musings.
Saturday morning I had arranged to take Melody to Doneckers, an upscale fashion complex in Ephrata, where a personal shopper named Yvonne, had been reserved to assist her in finding the perfect outfit. When I spoke with Yvonne on the phone a few weeks prior to our trip I could tell she loved her job. Seeing her in action reminded my about the pure joy that comes from serving others. Don’t get me wrong; Yvonne is probably well compensated for her superb attention to customer service. But I sensed a true love for her work that transcends a paycheck.
First, she set about making Melody comfortable; seamlessly engaging in light banter while quickly discovering the items we were looking to purchase. She led us throughout the store gathering clothes from the racks that fit the size, color, and style preferences Melody had described. Then it was off to the dressing room where outfits were donned, observations offered, and advice cheerfully given. All the while there was delightful conversation and laughter adding to the serious work of fashion and fitting. Eventually, yours truly was asked for my opinion as each outfit was modeled privately without intervention.
The time passed quickly as Yvonne catered to the wishes of her personal customer for that particular hour of the day. There was no attempt to hurry a decision or rush to judgment. Options in fashion are meant to be open and flexible. There were multiple trips to various parts of the store gathering merchandise or searching for just the right color and size. Nothing was overlooked or taken for granted. In the end, only a budget stood in the way of what would leave and what would stay behind.
As I watched this study in customer service take place I wondered how much training and experience supported this seemingly effortless experience. Yvonne was not the only person offering this high level of personal touch to the customers in the store and on the phone. While waiting I observed and overheard conversations that indicate Doneckers understands the power of personal service.
The inspiring leaders I know are always focused first on the needs of others. The concept of serving is so engrained in their consciousness it seems like it’s in their DNA. You might think that happiness is required before first class service can be delivered but, as I observed this weekend, real joy grows out of the act of serving. Thanks Yvonne for illustrating this so beautifully!
Saturday morning I had arranged to take Melody to Doneckers, an upscale fashion complex in Ephrata, where a personal shopper named Yvonne, had been reserved to assist her in finding the perfect outfit. When I spoke with Yvonne on the phone a few weeks prior to our trip I could tell she loved her job. Seeing her in action reminded my about the pure joy that comes from serving others. Don’t get me wrong; Yvonne is probably well compensated for her superb attention to customer service. But I sensed a true love for her work that transcends a paycheck.
First, she set about making Melody comfortable; seamlessly engaging in light banter while quickly discovering the items we were looking to purchase. She led us throughout the store gathering clothes from the racks that fit the size, color, and style preferences Melody had described. Then it was off to the dressing room where outfits were donned, observations offered, and advice cheerfully given. All the while there was delightful conversation and laughter adding to the serious work of fashion and fitting. Eventually, yours truly was asked for my opinion as each outfit was modeled privately without intervention.
The time passed quickly as Yvonne catered to the wishes of her personal customer for that particular hour of the day. There was no attempt to hurry a decision or rush to judgment. Options in fashion are meant to be open and flexible. There were multiple trips to various parts of the store gathering merchandise or searching for just the right color and size. Nothing was overlooked or taken for granted. In the end, only a budget stood in the way of what would leave and what would stay behind.
As I watched this study in customer service take place I wondered how much training and experience supported this seemingly effortless experience. Yvonne was not the only person offering this high level of personal touch to the customers in the store and on the phone. While waiting I observed and overheard conversations that indicate Doneckers understands the power of personal service.
The inspiring leaders I know are always focused first on the needs of others. The concept of serving is so engrained in their consciousness it seems like it’s in their DNA. You might think that happiness is required before first class service can be delivered but, as I observed this weekend, real joy grows out of the act of serving. Thanks Yvonne for illustrating this so beautifully!
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