Leadership is tough. It takes constant attention. Four areas of leadership that are often neglected by leaders are: shifting the culture, keeping the motivation moving forward, establishing default settings, and pulling splinters (points of tension) within the team.
Shifting the Culture
Bananas have a strong curve because of negative geotropism (growing against gravity towards it’s food source, the sun. Organizations are similar to bananas in that they bend toward whatever impacts of feeds them the most. Influencing (or feeding) your organization or area of leadership can be done in a variety of ways and it’s not just through monetary rewards. Attitudes, a spirit of service, kind words of appreciation can all help feed an organization that helps it shift and change shape. Perhaps you’ve heard the saying “You celebrate what you value and value what you celebrate.” It’s true. Take time to appreciate and acknowledge wins. Building culture won’t happen overnight, but being intentional in your efforts will eventually pay off.
“The culture you build reveals what you value the most.”
Keep Your Motivation
As leaders we must stay motivated and focused because our end goal matters. If the end goal isn’t great, our purpose and destination aren’t big enough. If you have a small goal, you’ll likely have little motivation. With a bigger purpose comes great motivation. The ability to keep your motivation can hinge on whether your destination serves a greater purpose than just yourself. As humans, we are meant to be pushed. However, the real challenge often begins when you feel defeated. You feel that you have been broken physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. You’re don. But those are the times you have to remember when you overcome the most difficult of times, you can gain the most.
“The greatest obstacle in making an unprecedented journey of courage is fear.”
Establish Default Settings
All organizations have default settings. People naturally return to that which they have grown most accustomed. These default settings become tested when we are stressed or feel overworked. Are people quick to complain when things get stressful? Healthy default settings recalibrate the temperature of an organization, providing comfort and assurance that you are working toward something bigger than the individual. Healthy default settings could be: remembering the destination, putting others first, and starting every day by celebrating wins. At Chapel Pointe, prayer is a default setting. It’s our go-to. When things become difficult or stressful, it’s the first thing we do. It’s never awkward because it’s a part of who we have become. Find healthy default settings for your organization.
Pulling Splinters
We’ve all had a splinter in our skin that causes discomfort. Left to fester only creates more pain and even infection. This is indicative of our lives for many of us. We end up with small splinters that lead to discomfort and conflict. Yet we fail to cope or deal with them appropriately. Many leaders hold in their frustrations and have mental conflicts with others while outwardly pretending all is well. In time, productivity, team chemistry, the longevity of employees, and revenue are all impacted. Many of us fear confrontation, but without confrontation, wounds will fester. As leaders, we have a responsibility to begin the process of healing by confronting the issue.
Remember Your Destination
Take a look at your organization and looks for areas of leadership that you may be neglecting. Shift the culture, keep your motivation and don’t give up, establish consistent default settings that your team can fall back on and pull any splinters that need to be addressed before they cause damage. Remember that which you have been called to and take hold of the courage to lead your team to your destination.
Listen to more on the conversation on “Rainer on Leadership” Podcast.
Purchase the book, Steer, here.