by Michael Holland –
We’ve all seen him, that leader who just has a black cloud hovering over his head throughout the day.
The world seems dark around him. He is unhappy with the changes in direction of the company, changes that were announced 7 months ago.
He’s discouraged with his team that appears to always be in some type of crisis. He spreads gossip about other leaders.
Every day you have a choice regarding how you will approach the day. The day will be what you perceive the day to be.
Surrounding yourself with positive-minded leaders will create an atmosphere that inspires you to approach the day’s challenges with a strength, an inspiration to be the best leader you can be.
Surround yourself with negative leaders and the opposite will likely happen. The day will be fraught with insurmountable problems, constant headaches and discontent among the people.
Take a moment to read each statement below. Which one of these statements best describes your perspective today as others will perceive you.
1. Leading is a lonely job.
Today is filled with more meetings listening to my team tell me why their work is behind schedule. Then I’ll have to listen to someone complain about their continuing problems with a co-worker. And to boot, I have to sit through a 2-hour status meeting over lunch.
2. Leading is such a great job.
I have the fantastic opportunity to inspire, grow and motivate people. I look forward to the challenge today of helping someone feel great about their work. The guidance I will provide will be thoughtful, have impact and help my organization to achieve success today. During the status meeting today, I’m going to sit in a different seat and learn one new thing from the person next to me.
Life’s short.
Find the positive leaders with whom you can mingle.
Be inspired; be inspiring to others. It’s your choice to make.
Coaching Thoughts – For You and Your Peers
- Once a day for the next 5 days, write down something you find as positive about the work you do as a leader. Now for the fun part: share your list with a peer manager.
- Are you sure you want to be a leader? Are you in the role because of the entitlements and money?
- Need some guidance? Check out Dr. Norman Vincent Peale’s The Power of Positive Thinking
provides great insight on the power of your perspective.
