This blog entry reposts daily LinkedIn entries I made between April 5 and April 10, 2021. These entries discuss: thoughtful responses, being a learner, consistency, being observant, self-perception, and responding to expectations. One takeaway is to recognize the value of an accurate self-perception.
What could I say? What should I say?
Impactful leaders know the difference between “could” and “should” responses.
I could say any number of things. But, I choose thoughtfulness so I respond constructively by saying what should be said.
Likewise, Proverbs 2.11 notes how discretion and deep thoughtfulness are outcomes of a precept-driven life.
Thus, to be most effective as a leader, I need guiding values so my replies are should-say responses that are discrete and thoughtful.
Rugby players are even more hard-headed!
While going through a concussion protocol, my grandson, who’s a lacrosse goalie, was told that only rugby players are more hard-headed than lacrosse goalies. I guess you can always find someone who is more extreme!
Know what’s even worse than hard-headedness? Being unteachable and uncorrectable. You’ve stopped growing personally and professionally.
Similarly, Ecclesiastes 4.13 says it’s better to be poor than to be a leader who refuses to listen.
So, don’t be that leader who cannot be reasoned with. Who has stopped learning. Who is on cruise control. Don’t outlive your usefulness as a leader.
Where am I consistent?
Consistency often appears on lists of leadership traits. Why? Because consistency in the essentials produces multiplication. That is, those efforts compound over time, building momentum.
Similarly, Proverbs 6.9-11 speaks of how “little” things multiply. Eventually, they yield significant outcomes.
For better or worse, consistency multiplies. Thus, choose wisely where you’re consistent.
Are you paying attention?
I can learn if I observe carefully. Then, discern the key points of what I observed. Finally, I act. That’s a simple model for data-driven action.
Similarly, Proverbs 6.6-8 says to wise up by carefully observing, then acting with foresight.
Leaders who are observant side-step lots of problems when actions are driven by foresight. So, be that leader!
A diamond in the rough!
Sometimes there’s a big gap between self-perception and reality! For instance, once when I was speaking with an experienced mentor he described me as “a diamond in the rough.”
Actually, I saw myself as much more polished than that! Obviously, my self-perception needed some adjusting. Thus, one way we grow personally and professionally is by getting outside opinions. As a result, we recognize the value of an accurate self-perception.
To hear more on this topic, listen to the brief podcast found at the following link: https://michaelalantate.com/podcast/63-growing-through-self-awareness-with-dale-young/
Student driver, be patient!
Maybe you’ve seen that sign on a car that’s moving very carefully. The sign sets expectations for other drivers. You give that student driver some slack.
Conversely, if you’re on a four-lane and a rental truck is poking along in the left lane, you’re not likely to give the driver any slack! Why? Because your expectations are totally different!
Likewise, Proverbs 2.11 says discretion is an outcome of becoming wise. So, we’re expected to make better choices as we mature. Driving a rental van in the left lane isn’t a better choice!
Now, leaders aren’t treated like student drivers. Instead, they must exhibit discretion to be influential. Thus, be conscious of, and respond appropriately to, expectations.
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