What do you see when you look at this picture?

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There seems to be some question regarding this photograph.

Is it a pithy motivational saying for your wall; a commentary as to why many people miss opportunities; a reminder that nothing comes without hard work; or just a bad picture with a scratch?  The fact is it doesn't really matter what it is ... it really doesn't.

What does matter though, is the discussion as to what it is.

I am reminded of a story* told a while back about an executive team that was vigorously debating it's strategic direction and the Commercial Leader was adamantly opposed to the proposed line of thinking. The discussions went on and on and on... and on some more. Finally having heard enough, the CEO decided in favour of the proposal. In turn, the Commercial Leader simply said, "You have my total alignment and support. We will exceed expectations."

After the meeting, the Commercial Leader was asked how she could support something that she was so adamantly against. To that, the leader said what's important was her thoughts were heard and part of the discussion... all she could ask was to be part of the discussion, and once a decision is made, her job is to support that decision to the best of her ability and make it work. 

For me, the takeaways of the story are:

• It is important to be part of the discussion as it makes for better decisions.
• Involvement encourages buy-in and alignment.
• Someone has to make a decision... it is the only way to get something done.
• Once a decision has been made, you must support it to the best of your ability.

With regard to that photograph... I think it's a bad photograph with a scratch.

What do you think?

gpe

* The spirit of this story is good ol' business debate and does not involve illegal, unethical or nefarious issues.

Leadership defined with four simple words.

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I have noticed this phenomenon occurring more than a handful of times so I believe it can be categorized as a "working rule"... or at the very least, a nice segue. 

The working rule goes something like this - When asked the question "How are you doing?", a North American will 99 out of 100 times tell you they are "good", "wonderful", "doing really well", or something to this effect, whereas a European will offer a response more accurate to their current well being -  For a European, the question is not simply a social courtesy as you buy a coffee, but a true opportunity to engage, share, connect and tell you "how they are really doing".

"Working Rule" or nice segue, this does offer an opportunity to look at four words as a reflection of leadership.

A quick Internet search on the "qualities of good leadership" will offer up 57,500,000 results in speedy order - All offering a perspective on stepping up your leadership game.

A FastCompany article for example, offers up these five qualities essential for leaders: 

• The first of these is being flexible.
• The second characteristic is being able to communicate.
• The third characteristic of good leaders - or, perhaps, a group of characteristics - is having courage, tenacity and patience.
• A fourth necessary characteristic is the combination of humility and presence.
• The fifth and final characteristic of a successful leader is being responsible.

A Forbes article offered up 10 Top Qualities of Leadership; Inc.com offered up 9 traits; CNN.com had 23... all followed by 57,499,996 other perspectives. Although I have not read them all, I will say with great certainty that PEOPLE are the central theme of any perspective on leadership. And this brings us neatly back to the question, "How are you doing?" - A personal question that creates connection, understanding, and the opportunity for discussion; isn't that what leadership is all about?  I will say, "almost". 

If PEOPLE are the central theme of any perspective on leadership, then the question "How are you doing?" falls short with its singular perspective focusing on a person. Leadership needs a more rounded discussion that comes with another four words, "How am I doing?" When you bring this question into the conversation, you immediately bring in a second perspective and make PEOPLE the central theme - Now you have leadership.

And that working rule that started this whole thing becomes a solid reminder that with these questions, you have to explore any answers deeper and move past the veneer of the initial response... that is where the leadership gold is found.

Besides, what would you think of a leader who didn't ask, "How am I doing?"

gpe

Two maxims that have served me well over the years. (Part II)

The following is the original and the rewrite can be found by clicking here.

You may be asking (or not), "Why a two part post when a single post probably would have sufficed?" The simple reason is that as I wrote the words and the proverbs came to life it was apparent they were perfect on their own, with no commentary needed. An opportunity to stay in the moment of a message that has stood the test of time - And so, Part I.

Part II offers a backstory and some thoughts as to how these maxims have served.

If you have ever participated in an acquisition you will know they are dynamic events; during my first integration I was involved with introducing a new product offering into the region, implementing direct distribution and supporting the drive to "fun" revenue targets. It was an activity that involved operations, finance, marketing and sales in both legacy companies. It was an amazing body of work as I look back on it.

With the integration milestones complete and Key Performance Indicators all green (including the "fun" revenue targets), the integration team had thank you cards made up, signed them all, and sent one to all those we had worked with. On the front of the card we inscribed:

"Help your brother’s boat across, and your own will reach the shore." - Hindu Proverb

Everyone loves when the business is at the top of its game, but sometimes though, it is not. I recall a leader on stage as the business was struggling with issues ranging from adoption of new strategies to lagging revenue. At one point she said: 

"If you want to go fast go alone, if you want to go far go together." African Proverb

As I look back on how it unfolded, I don't think many heard her.

I have referred to both of these proverbs over the years for myself, and others; I am forever reminded -

• Anything of consequence is not the result of one person but the efforts of a group of people - When you find your "name in lights" remember this.
• Look to people who bring strengths to your weaknesses, and who think differently than you do.
• Be generous with your skills, knowledge and insights; it will be reciprocated.
• There is no such thing as "your job" and "my job" - It is "our job".
• Undermining one person undermines everyone - One leader I know refers to this as a cancer that will not be tolerated, and will aggressively remove it.
• Surround yourself with the best people you can; have everyone work to common goals and expectations that have been clearly defined.
• When someone on your team stumbles (and we all will once in a while) lend a hand (figuratively and literally).

May your travels take you far.

gpe