Getting It Done – the truth

Wednesday, March 25, 2009 17:21
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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;-)

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 pulled away from the vision for the “side trip mind candy” of being overly involved in areas which are not necessary?
Am I clear on what is required of me to grow and change to lead the vision?
Am I living it every day?

How are you doing with all of this?

Courage

Wednesday, January 2, 2008 17:22
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“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?

Does Leadership Make a Difference?

Thursday, December 27, 2007 17:23
Posted in category Bobbie’s Thoughts
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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 business 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.

My son’s grade school principal was replaced this year. We have had an interim principal “Jon Doe” for the past six months. He has not done a lot different in terms of process… he maintains standards to the expected level of excellence, he is a behind the scenes kind of leader, and he has made a huge difference through his nature alone. He has lifted a cloud from the school. The teachers are more engaged, a bit looser yet equally competent and the parents feel more welcomed to stop in see their children at lunch and other events. The large events have a friendly feeling of community which has been non existant for some time. I do not know that he has done a whole lot different except for being himself. He is an open, focused, caring, active, participative, supportive, and a firm leader. Because of his presence and way in the school one can “feel” the difference in the environment. This has been remarked by many in the community.

So the answer to the question, is yes it makes a difference. Absolutely it makes a difference. For those of you who identify yourselves as leaders and you wonder if you make a difference you do. Here are some tips to remain on focus:

* Know your nature, your natural gifts, your interests, and your strengths
* Surround yourself with others who love to do the things you do not love to do
* Surround yourself with others who love to do what you do and do it better
* Make whatever you do fun
* Inspire creativity
* Acknowledge regularly the attributes, gifts, efforts of others and how their work makes a difference
* Ignite and feed your own passion for learning, growth, and reaching outside your comfort zone
* Take the time to acknowledge the quiet and strong leaders ( the individuals who are more focused on making a contribution)

Remember we live in a time where often there is an absence of leadership and you cannot allow this to deter you from your own pursuit and practice of leadership excellence. Be the leader you want to see in the world.

Let me know your thoughts!

Bobbie Goheen

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