This week has been a tough week for me. Missing deadlines are never easy but this comes with additional decisions. If someone came to me for advice on this topic, it would be, make the best decisions you can, be honest and integrity bound, and learn from this. So, while I know these things, it is not taking away the sinking feeling in my stomach. Writing this helps me see that tomorrow is another day and I need to let go and let God. No one on this earth is perfect. I always strive for perfection - but I need to give control away. I am ultimately responsible for this situation.
So, when faced with tough situations, it is okay to dwell long enough to learn from the situation. Then it is time to move on.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Passion - A main ingredient in Influence
Someone told me awhile ago that my passion is obvious when I talk. They went on to say that my passion encited people to catch the vision.
This comment spoke to me - to get people to follow you, they have to believe in you, then they will believe your words. It was a real 'duh' moment for me. This is so basic but I had not capitalized on my passion being a means for exciting people to follow a vision.
So, find your PASSION and use it to excite people.
This comment spoke to me - to get people to follow you, they have to believe in you, then they will believe your words. It was a real 'duh' moment for me. This is so basic but I had not capitalized on my passion being a means for exciting people to follow a vision.
So, find your PASSION and use it to excite people.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Where Do You Start - Define the Journey
When I was 10 years into my careers as a programmer, I knew I wanted more. At first, I wanted to stay technical and be what is referred to as an individual contributor. Then, a manager in the organization approached me and asked me to teach others what I know - A LEADER.
A first, I was not sure. I did not want my career success defined by the success of others. Then, another per son took an interest in my leadership potential and mentored me. He suggested books and discussed opportunities. Reading the books and understanding what a true leaders does, I was in hook, line and sinker.
So, how do you start?
1) Read books on leadership - on an earlier blog, I provided a list of suggested books. In order to lead and make a difference, you need to define the kind of leader you want to be.
2) Find a mentor. Pick someone you trust and admire. Throughout your career, you will need different kinds of mentors to ensure that you keep growing. Remember, you are always looking to learn from the person, pick your mentor wisely. If you don't know who to ask, ask some leaders that are around you and see if they can suggest someome, maybe even themselves.
3) Develop relationships. Having a network that is broad will prove to be invaluable. This network should include coworkers across your company (not just your department). It should include community contacts. You get meet these people through volunteering, attending church, or even finding other types of groups in your community. This is a really important step.
4) Journal your path and progress. Remember, this will not happen overnight but if you keep making progress, you will see a difference.
The process is not easy, it requires hard work. But if you start with these 3 steps, you will be surprised at the difference you will see if 3 months if you are diligent.
A first, I was not sure. I did not want my career success defined by the success of others. Then, another per son took an interest in my leadership potential and mentored me. He suggested books and discussed opportunities. Reading the books and understanding what a true leaders does, I was in hook, line and sinker.
So, how do you start?
1) Read books on leadership - on an earlier blog, I provided a list of suggested books. In order to lead and make a difference, you need to define the kind of leader you want to be.
2) Find a mentor. Pick someone you trust and admire. Throughout your career, you will need different kinds of mentors to ensure that you keep growing. Remember, you are always looking to learn from the person, pick your mentor wisely. If you don't know who to ask, ask some leaders that are around you and see if they can suggest someome, maybe even themselves.
3) Develop relationships. Having a network that is broad will prove to be invaluable. This network should include coworkers across your company (not just your department). It should include community contacts. You get meet these people through volunteering, attending church, or even finding other types of groups in your community. This is a really important step.
4) Journal your path and progress. Remember, this will not happen overnight but if you keep making progress, you will see a difference.
The process is not easy, it requires hard work. But if you start with these 3 steps, you will be surprised at the difference you will see if 3 months if you are diligent.
Do You Know What You Want to Be When You Grow Up?
Have you asked yourself this question lately? This does not apply only when you are 6 years old and you want to be a fireman or a nurse. Every stage of our lives is around this question. Every promotion, job change, career shift is an answer to this question. The answer reflects your dreams and your next big step you are striving for.....YOUR HOPE.
So I challenge you......what do you want to be when you grow up.
Right now, my dream is to write a book. I working on what it is that I want to say, mostly I want to share my journey and the wisdom I have gained along the way.
Read from the Bible - Proverbs 92:14 - Dreams happen for the rest of your life - don't stop growing now.
So I challenge you......what do you want to be when you grow up.
Right now, my dream is to write a book. I working on what it is that I want to say, mostly I want to share my journey and the wisdom I have gained along the way.
Read from the Bible - Proverbs 92:14 - Dreams happen for the rest of your life - don't stop growing now.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Leadership and Employees
For many companies, year end is the time for employee reviews and bonuses based on company performance. With the state of the financial markets as they are, this process has been more painful than in years past. While large financial companies that have received bailout assistance are still paying significant executive bonuses, I may have to tell my employees that not only will there not be merit increases but bonuses are in jeopardy. While my employees will be thankful to have a job, it is still a sad state of affairs that this country is at the place it is.
So, here is a leadership question for you. How do you lead a team that there are no bonuses? How do you ensure that employees feel valued? How do you motivate them?
This is one of the times when leadership style plays an extremely important roles. If you have used your leadership skills to cultivate relationships of trust and continued to increase your creditbility, your team will still follow you. This is the key to authentic leadership. Don't get me wrong, people will be disappointed but you can keep them motivated.
By the way, this applies to people that may not directly work for you, and it is just as important that you provide leadership to those around you that may be in the same situation. Your attitude and support can make all the difference.
So, here is a leadership question for you. How do you lead a team that there are no bonuses? How do you ensure that employees feel valued? How do you motivate them?
This is one of the times when leadership style plays an extremely important roles. If you have used your leadership skills to cultivate relationships of trust and continued to increase your creditbility, your team will still follow you. This is the key to authentic leadership. Don't get me wrong, people will be disappointed but you can keep them motivated.
By the way, this applies to people that may not directly work for you, and it is just as important that you provide leadership to those around you that may be in the same situation. Your attitude and support can make all the difference.
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