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15 Diseases of Leadership

SA Leadership Podcast Episode #179

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Leadership Teams are called constantly to improve and to grow in rapport and wisdom in order to fully carry out its mission. Yet like any body, human or organizationally, it is exposed to diseases. These diseases can weaken any organizations effectiveness. This will be a 2-part podcast series. Here are the lasteightof these diseases.

Existential Schizophrenia

This is the disease of the double life. This produces fruit of mediocrity and emotional emptiness. When you are more focused upon titles you fail to see ordinary people all around you that have ordinary issues in their life.

Gossiping Grumbling, and Back-Biting

Coffee pot conversations seem innocent at the beginning. This is the disease of the coward who lack the courage to speak directly and openly instead of staying the background to speak. Gossip is a form of terrorism.

Idolizing Superiors

When you court the favor of superiors you become an opportunist possessing the quality of lethal selfishness. For the leader this disease if quite real in that you may court the submission of others that leads to unhealthy complicity.

Indifference Toward Others

When we lose the servant’s heart of becoming least instead of desiring to be the greatest we open ourselves to competition and jealousy versus sharing and caring. There ought to be an attitude of excitement seeing others excel beyond my capabilities.

Downcast Face

This is the glum melancholic that finds it difficult to be optimistic and joyful. I want happy people in my life. It is highly beneficial to have a dose of humor in our life.

Hoarding

When material possessions fill a void in our life we are led to believe the next purchase will satisfy and the cycle never ends. Possessions burden us with more and more work to maintain our stuff versus building lasting and meaningful relationships.

Closed Circles

When the clique becomes more powerful than our shared identity, the cancer of self-centeredness sets in on the team. “Friendly-Fire” becomes an insidious danger. Every Kingdom that is divided against itself is laid waste.

Extravagance and Self-Exhibition

Do not ever turn your position into personal gain and obtaining greater power.

LINKS

Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes – SUBSCRIBE

Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher– SUBSCRIBE

FREE GIFT– “The Art of Balancing Candor With Care” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page

Executive Coaching Service– Private message me for details on this customizable service

Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

 

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Systems Vs. Goals

Scott Adams in his book How To Fail At Almost Everything, suggests that the systems-goals model can be applied to most human endeavors. Humans will always think in terms of goals. Our brains are wired that way. But goals make sense only if you also have a system that moves you in the right direction. In. the world of dieting, losing twenty pounds is a goal, but eating right is a system. In the realm of exercise running a marathon is under four hours is a goal but exercising daily is a system. In the realm of business, making a million dollars is a goal, but being a serial entrepreneur is a system.

Author Ryan Holiday in his book The Obstacle In The Way, tells about Nick Saban, one of the most successful collegiate football coaches ever. Coach Saban runs his organization with two-words, The Process.” Coach Saban says, “Do not think about winning the SEC Championship. Don’t think about the national championship. Think about what is needed to be done in this drill, on this play, in this moment. That’s the process: Let’s think about what we can do today, the task at hand.” That is a system!

Coach John Wooden was the ultimate systems guru. His system was to put your socks on right, focus on the fundamentals, make today’s practice a masterpiece. The rest will take of itself.

Author Adam Scott tells us in his own sort of blunt way that goals are for losers. He writes that if we are focused on something we may get someday, we’re always focused on what we don’t have now and therefore, are losing.” On the other hand, we succeed every time that we apply our system throughout the day. Author Scott is all about optimizing his personal energy throughout the day and collecting little wins throughout the day. NOW that is a great idea!

What about you? Where is your focus? Obsessing on a goal? Focusing on a system that will make a goal a natural byproduct to you consistently crushing it!

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15 Diseases of Leadership Pt #1

SA Leadership Podcast Episode #178

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 16:04 — 14.7MB) | Embed

Leadership Teams are called constantly to improve and to grow in rapport and wisdom in order to fully carry out its mission. Yet like any body, human or organizationally, it is exposed to diseases. These diseases can weaken any organizations effectiveness. This will be a 2-part podcast series. Here are the first seven of these diseases.

Thinking That We Are Immortal, Immune, and Indispensable.

A leadership team that does not have regular check-ups, is self-critical, does not keep up with the times, and who does not seek to become more fit is a sick body. When a leader becomes a lord and master and thinks of themselves as above and not at the service of others risks gazing at their own image and failing to see the faces of others. The antidote is HUMILITY – I am a servant!

Excessive Busyness

The focus here are those who immerse themselves in work and neglect the Sabbath Rest. Neglecting rest leads to stress and agitation. No work should trump special moments with family and friends.

Mental Petrification

If pushing paper becomes more important than being compassionate to others you risk losing sensitivity of weeping and rejoicing with others. You cannot afford to lose generosity and humility toward others.

Excessive Planning and Functionalism

Do not allow the obsession to plan every detail of your life at the expense of losing spontaneity. Beware of the dangers of “my way or the highway” reactions in life.

Poor Coordination

Once leaders lose a sense of community among themselves, the body loses its harmonious functioning and its equilibrium. The team becomes an orchestra that produces noise instead of music. Scriptures declare that if the hand says of the foot, I do not need you… discomfort is the outcome.

Leadership Alzheimer’s Disease

This occurs when we as leaders forget those who nurtured, mentored, and supported us in our journey of life. When you build walls and systems around yourself so that you do not hear the voices of other leaders speaking into your life, you have begun the road of Alzheimer’s.

Rivalry and Vainglory

When appearances, perks, and titles become the primary drivers in life, we have lost our way. Do nothing from selfishness or conceit but with humility count you others better than ourselves.

LINKS

Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes – SUBSCRIBE

Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher– SUBSCRIBE

FREE GIFT– “The Art of Balancing Candor With Care” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page

Executive Coaching Service– Private message me for details on this customizable service

Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

 

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Rat Racer, Hedonist, Nihilist, Happy Person

These are four Archetypes.

The Rat Racer is always chasing after a goal in the future and never happy in the moment.

The Hedonist is always in the moment but never moving forward with their life.

The Nihilist has given up on the present and future.

Then we have the Happy Person. This is the person that has a goal that inspires and is enjoying the moments of the journey. A happy person has surveyed the mountain options and has narrowed their selection down to the one peak. The journey begins, and we enjoy every step to the top.

 

What mountain peak inspires you today?

 

How is the view?

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SA Leadership Podcast Episode #177

Settling For Mediocrity

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I did not get up this morning and declare to the world that I want to be average. I do not want to claw my way up to middle management. I do not want to be forced into early retirement.

These are expressions of mediocrity and what passivity looks like! If your desire is to rise above mediocrity then you will invest large amounts of time, thought, and work. Average people are going to invest as little as possible just to get by. Remember this one axiom of leadership; Mediocrity is a downhill discipline. Here are some insights on staying pro-active to reach your fullest potential.

Take Charge of Your Calendar

Your calendar dictates what you do, so take charge of it. When someone else takes charge of your calendar they fill it with their priorities, not yours. If you allow yourself to stay passive in this area, other people will take your time and you will wonder what happened to the day. When you choose to get active with your time, you fill it with your priorities. Understand this truth, you do not manage your time, you manage your priorities. Fill your calendar with things that are important. Do things that are important and will take you above average.

Do What Others Are Unwilling To Do

Successful people do things that unsuccessful people are not willing to do! I have always felt that declaring something is impossible is a green light to go ahead and prove it wrong. Life is about testing new ideas and then failing. It dose not stop their we get up and learn from failure, we figure what happened and why, then we do it better in the next version and then we start over on the next biggest idea that is supposed to be impossible.

Average people do not test much of anything because they do not want to fail. Many times average people are fearful of learning and they are not looking to prove or test anything. The status quo is just fine.

Either Wake up Earlier or Stay Up Later

Only you know your natural bent. Figure it out and stay after a goal earlier or later than everyone else. Each morning I invest two hours in personal growth before I go to the office. That equals 30.4 days per year of preparation and personal development time that I gain annually. Who among us does not want to gain one month of opportunity every year?

You Are Not Good Enough To Remain The Same

Recognize that your talent allows you to become good, but it is not enough to take you to greatness. The ugly truth of the matter is that you and I are not good enough to remain the same. Peter Drucker states there seems to be little correlation between a man’s effectiveness, versus intelligence, imagination, and knowledge. Effectiveness is the result obtained. Without effectiveness, the other categories become lids that contain progress.

Exceed Expectations

Expectations are only the floor upon which you build your life, not the ceiling. Expectations are where you start a journey not the conclusion. Understand the difference between best and better. Your best is what you should be doing today. Better is where you want to be tomorrow. If you become content where you are presently, you will become mediocre. Do not become comfortable with your yesterday’s. If you value the people that you have surrounded yourself with, exceed your own expectations for their sake. You are not good enough to remain the same.

LINKS

Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes – SUBSCRIBE

Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher– SUBSCRIBE

FREE GIFT– “The Art of Balancing Candor With Care” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page

Executive Coaching Service– Private message me for details on this customizable service

Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

 

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Just Get Started or Just Do It?

Nike sports popularized the phrase JUST DO IT in July 1988. It is one of the most iconic phrases ever in advertising. However, author Tim Pychyl is one of the most leading authorities on the science of procrastination. He writes that “Just Do it” sounds cool, it is not always the best motivational tactics when you feel over-whelmed or doubtful about being able to “do it.”

Here is a better phrase – Just Get Started! The goal is not the finish line, but rather the starting line. With this as your focus, your odds of completion just got exponentially higher.

I know this to be true when I battle that whiney voice that shows up in my head from time to time telling me I can’t do something or I don’t belong.

Writer Ben Shahar suggests a 5-minute ramp up on days that he is not necessarily inspired to write. Once he gets going on his 5-minute drill, he suggests that it is like Newton’s Law of Physics kicks in and he begins to crush it all because the BIG MO shows up after you start. Creator of the Spartan Race Series, Joe De Sena says the same thing. The Spartan Race is not actually doing it, it is showing up to the starting line.

What are you procrastinating on today? Just get started and you will end up just doing it!

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SA Leadership Podcast Episode #176

Leaders Who Motivate #2

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 18:13 — 16.7MB) | Embed

The big question becomes, “How do you motivate people?” In the bookCoaching For Improved Work Performance, the author suggests five reasons that people do not perform in the way they are capable. Here are those five reasons.

•People do not know what they are supposed to do – this is a mission issue.
•People do not know how to perform – this is a training issue.
•People do not know they are supposed to do something – this is a soul issue.
•There are obstacles that are beyond people’s control – this is a leadership issue.
•People may not care enough to do excellent work – this is an attitude issue.

Give A Person A Reputation To Uphold

One of the most powerful insights of leadership is the ability to talk up a Team Members image. This is not fabricated, but it is based upon the capabilities of that Team Member. As a Leader you give others a reputation to uphold based upon their strengths. This presupposes that you know your Team Members! Remember the famous axiom; Do not ask for a hand until you touch a heart!

What Gets Done Gets Rewarded

With a ratio of 4 to 1 learn to give more positive strokes than negative. In others words give 4 positive statements to every single negative statement. This is not a “Stick & Carrot” approach. That approach says, “See, if you would do your job better you will get rewarded!” Rather, it is the approach of getting to know those who are working along side of you and then encouraging and motivating them to excel – “How can I help you today!” is more of the approach to take.

Hold More Celebrations

Ken Blanchard stated once that people do better work when they feel better about themselves. Become a trend setter by focusing on the positive aspects of life. Celebrate more criticize less!

Encourage Participation

People will support what they create more than what they are told “just because…!” It is important to noted under this heading the 3 questions that people answer in their hearts about Leaders – Do you value me? Do I belong? Are you going to hurt me?

Set High Standards

This insight begins with the notion that you will hire self motivated people. As a Leader, set high standards to be motivated toward – allow people to stretch toward something meaningful. Remember, you do not get what you want, you get who you are!

LINKS

Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes – SUBSCRIBE

Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher– SUBSCRIBE

FREE GIFT– “The Art of Balancing Candor With Care” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page

Executive Coaching Service– Private message me for details on this customizable service

Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

 

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It Will Only Take A Minute

Author Tim Pychyl tells us that one of the most dangerous things we can tell ourselves when we are attempting to get important stuff done is “that it will only take a minute!”

WOOOOOOOOOOSH!

You just fell into a rabbit hole that has consumed hours of your time. Before you laugh and suggest that does not happen to you; think about the last time you wanted to do a quick search and ended up reading non-sense and cannot remember where you started. You convinced yourself that IT WILL ONLY TAKE A MINUTE!

The more I see what digital technology is doing to our workflow habits, the more I am convinced that we must change how we allow this technology to control our lives. I am becoming quickly convinced that a digital “sunrise” and “sunset” makes a lot of sense.

Consider in a 2010 interview by the New York Times, Steve Jobs mentioned that he did not allow his children to own an iPad. Bill Gates subsequently also mentioned in a different interview that he limited his children’s digital exposure in his home.

IT ONLY TAKES A MINUTE! Yeah, right!!!!!!

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SA Leadership Podcast Episode #175

Leaders Who Motivate

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 20:26 — 28.1MB) | Embed

The big question becomes, “How do you motivate people?” In the bookCoaching For Improved Work Performance, the author suggests five reasons that people do not perform in the way they are capable. Here are those five reasons.

•People do not know what they are supposed to do – this is a mission issue.
•People do not know how to perform – this is a training issue.
•People do not know they are supposed to do something – this is a soul issue.
•There are obstacles that are beyond people’s control – this is a leadership issue.
•People may not care enough to do excellent work – this is an attitude issue.
Appreciate The Power of Motivation

We do not lose weight because of a lack of knowledge, rather we lack the motivation. Motivation helps you to know what to do so that you can do it. It assists in helping you break bad habits, and knowing how to excel. I am always amazed at the power of positive words spoken at the right moment in a person’s life. I have witnessed amazing actions and accomplishments. Take the time to speak a positive word that will motivate.

Belief In Your Team

If you believe in your vision, believe in your cause, then you must believe in your Team! At some point as a leader you must demonstrate trust in the people that are around you, working with you, and making commitments to follow you. Remember there are no “I’s” in TEAM! One is too small of a number to accomplish greatness!

Understand The Difference Between Motivation and Relationships

Your ability to motivate people is directly related to your ability to influence people. You can’t motivate people that you feel negatively about them,. Good leadership from a distance may impress people, but great leadership up close is what will impact.

Walk The Talk

The old adage is true, ”If you are not going to walk the walk, then do not talk the talk.” Why is this adage so powerful? The answer is simply, people do what people see. Actions are far more powerful than words.

Show People They Are Important

Ask people their name and then create a mental hook that will help you to remember it. Write down their quotes and share them with others. Tell other people about their success. Once you have connected with their heart you can then ask for their hand.

LINKS

Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes – SUBSCRIBE

Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher– SUBSCRIBE

FREE GIFT– “The Art of Balancing Candor With Care” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page

Executive Coaching Service– Private message me for details on this customizable service

Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

 

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Intrinsic Motivation

Have you heard of Self Determination Theory? It is one aspect of human motivation science on offer these days. Before you think I have jumped off the wagon and have gone full blown pop psychology on you, just hear me out and see if there are not some ideas that could help you in crushing your goals and dreams today.

In Daniel Pink’s book, DRIVE – The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us, suggests there are three parts that make up the study of what motivates us. Here they are:

  1. Autonomy – The first step is to create a sense of autonomy. In other words realize that you have some say so about your daily activity. Life just doesn’t happen to us without any say so. Pink suggests there is a difference between compliance (doing what you are told to do) and engagement (doing what you chose to do). How are you doing with that?
  2. Relatedness – We are wired to feel connected. We need to cultivate a sense of connection with our friends, family, and colleagues. Ultimately, we need to feel a sense of connection to something bigger than ourselves. That friends, is the very definition of religion – linking to something that is bigger than we are. How connected do you feel?
  3. Mastery – We are also wired to feel competence and to master tasks and mastering ourselves. The Apostle Paul had a few words to say about self-mastery – making our bodies submit…….!

Autonomy + Relatedness + Mastery

The Big Three of Intrinsic Motivation – go out today and make a difference in your world!