Hesitation can be deadly. Police officers and military service members spend a significant amount of time on training to overcome the deadly hesitation. It can make the difference between life and death not just for an individual, but for an entire group of people.
Values matter. Values represent our core being. As leaders, they reflect who we are personally, what we are willing to stand for, and what we are not. Values are our non-negotiables. Our communication, financial statements, our favorite songs and quotes, and how we spend our time are reflections of our values.
Kim Philby was a well-educated Englishman who studied at the most elite British schools. While studying as a college student, he became fascinated by communism. Then in the mid-1930s, Philby was recruited to become a spy for the Soviets.
I am not a history buff; however, I have grown to appreciate the stories behind the dates as I’ve gotten older. Recently I rewatched Band of Brothers, a miniseries about the Easy Company as they fought their way through World War II.
Life can be too much. Leadership can be too much. Frankly, my kitchen junk drawer can be too much. What do we do when we are splashed with overwhelm from every angle? I talk with so many leaders who are functioning in constant recovery mode.
Elizabeth George said that expectations have the power to destroy our peace of mind. As leaders, we carry not only the expectations that we put on ourselves, but of other leaders, our team, and the organization.
Simon Sinek’s TED Talk went viral after explaining how great leaders inspire action through clearly communicating their WHY. However, this innately assumes one already knows their WHY.