"Don't try, just be." Bobbie Goheen

Odd words for they seem in direct conflict with Yoda, who we all know is one wise gnome. And the truth of it is that the ability to move in the direction of your dreams and aspirations is directly related to your abilty to move, to make, to do...etc.

What gets in the way is the over thinking, over analyzing, over questioning...all which ulitmately fosters doubt and doubt inherently brings stasis.

Listening in Leadership is Key

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The ability to stay true to your nature, your call, your voice is the greatest practice you can have. Learning how to listen and follow is difficult because there is so much noise, fear, uncertainty and doubt about which holds all greatness back.

The practice "of being" requires making regular choices which are in alignment with you, listening to the inner critic with compassion, and staying true to the thrum which allows you to create in a way which is supportive of you and...

“Could we change our attitude, we should not only see life differently, but life itself would be different.” Katherine Mansfield

Those who see the obstacles…actually see obstacles. Those who do not see the obstacles ….do not get stuck. This is such a simple concept and very simply true.

Shifting perspectives as a Leader

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Leaders who have the ability to shift their perspective do not get stuck and have the ability to grow and move forward. Making the shift seems easy and yet there is a process….as follows:

1. Define what is keeping you from moving forward

2. Acknowledge it

3. Define what irritates you about it

4. Consider how you could use your irritation to define a more productive and positive step forward.

5. Define how you could take the first steps in a new direction and what you would have to let go of to move forward

6. Move forward in the new direction

While this seems simple and it is...

“Three things in life are important.
The first is to be kind.
The second is to be kind.
And the third is to be kind.”

— Henry James

“The person who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” Anonymous

The ability to see the mountain(s) and not ignore it is the first step of leadership. Leaders are clear on what is in front of them, they hear the truth, they are honest of their own reaction, and they do not deny the reality before them.

With this clarity and truth Leaders are able to begin to define a way up, through or around to continue in the direction of their dreams and/or vision.

Seeing truth as a Leader

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To see the truth takes the following skills:

Observe what is before you
Resist making up stories about why and what
Gain input from others on the experience
Do not judge their words or observations, only listen with openness
Define what is true for yourself
Ask for support, direction, help or advice from others with experience
Map your path forward
Take the first step

Leaders who practice the above are the ones who continue...

Leadership requires Bravery

Taking the path less traveled is not a guarantee that everything will turn out perfect and be better right away. It does mean that you will discover new ideas, new ways, new thinking, new possibilities, new people and new abilities. In addition, you will shed old constructs, old thinking, old ways, some people and old skills. So to take this journey you have to have “guts”. Guts to stay with something even when you don’t get 100% buy in or accolades. Guts to stay with it because you are passionate and willing to do what is necessary to see this new way thrive. Guts to know at the end of the day you took the path less traveled and for you it made all the difference.

 Related: Tips on going from Overwhelmed to Productive

Core questions to reflect on before you take a new path are:

Are you willing to define a new model of success for yourself?

Will you regret not trying?

What are your innate talents that will allow you to survive and...

“Great work is done by people who are not afraid to be great.”
Fernando Flores

Leadership isn't scary 

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All of us have greatness inside. To activate it is our own choice. Activating greatness requires the ability to reach down inside to be the best expression of self. It is easy to see what is wrong, it is easy to see the opportunities, and it is easy to sit on the side lines. It is hard to define your own path, to be the solution, and to break free from old ways.

To live your greatness the questions you need to ask yourself are:

Do you enjoy being in the stands vs being on the playing field?
Will you regret not expressing yourself more in the world?
What have you squelched on the inside overtime because you felt the world did not want to recieve it?
What will it mean to you to be the most of who you are regardless of result or likability?
What one new behavior or action could you try which would create bold meaning for...

There are a plethora of books and ways to be effective with time management. Yet leaders find themselves in the same spot every day….being pulled into the fire or flavor of the moment. The reality and truth of success is to maintain your focus on the dream/vision and the core strategy to actualize it. You have to be selective with your focus. In addition, if others support or impact this vision/goal/dream/outcome/expected result etc. you must constantly feed/water/maintain/nurture these relationships….there is no way around it ( well if you like being reactive vs proactive than don’t do this one;-)

 How to manage your time as a leader

To maintain your focus being mindful of your choices and consider the following:

Does this pull on my attention serve the vision/strategic plan?
Am I having the right conversations with all constituents who are a part of this vision/plan?
Am I choosing the right leadership behaviors which align with the vision/plan?
Am I getting...

Courage in Leadership

“Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.” - Ambrose Redmoon

 What does courage really mean today…… it can have so many interpretations and the one I have defined is the ability to really listen to your own voice, speak it, and be it in the world. It is easy to be a copy and you will be guaranteed some ease and success when you copy…. it takes courage to forge your path and to trust in what ever direction appears for you. There are no guarantees when you follow your own voice and live it, accept you will become your best and fullest expression of self. What is your definition of courage?

Related: How to Make Decisions as a Leader

Does Leadership really make a difference?

Recently I had a participant pose the question “Whether practicing leadership made a difference?” At first, my brain just stumbled and my heart stopped….how could this even be a question in anyone’s mind?! Of course, there are so many examples where leadership is lacking, and yet organizations and/or businesses continue to survive ….the question makes absolute sense. As usual, I stumbled for an example and later one emerged a few weeks later in my community.

Related: 7 Signs of Good Leadership

When my son was in grade school his principal was replaced. We have had an interim principal “Jon Doe” for six months. He did not do a lot different in terms of process… he maintained standards to the expected level of excellence, he was a behind-the-scenes kind of leader, and he made a huge difference through his nature alone. He has lifted a cloud from the school. The teachers became...