New years often begin with “great expectations.” Unfortunately, at times, the year becomes “the worst of times” unless we are intentional about making great transitions!
This blog post contains my personal, weekday LinkedIn entries for December 20 through December 27, 2021.
Building discernment
Who cares? Why is insight important anyway?
Well, do you think discernment can help you respond more appropriately to others? Or, see below the surface?
If YES, then you will value traits such as perception, discernment, and intuition.
Ok, how do we build insight? Discernment. Perception.
Typical answers include:
1). Be a better listener.
2). Pay closer attention to non-verbal clues.
3). Train your senses.
4). Be attentive to relationships around you.
5). Learn from experience through reflection.
Who cares? Why is insight important anyway?
Well, do you think discernment can help you respond more appropriately to others? Or, see below the surface?
In short, I don’t think being perceptive is some magical quality reserved for a special few.
The dictionary definition for wisdom reads “the ability to discern inner qualities and relationships, insight, good sense, judgment.”
Today’s Question: Are you actively building insight or do you use the excuse of “I will never change”?
But, what are the components of wisdom? In simplest terms, wisdom is factual knowledge combined with experiential insight. That’s the definition found in Proverbs 2.6.
Influencer or encourager?
What’s the difference? Can I be both? If so, how?
I think an influencer has built expertise in a discipline that others pay attention to. They emulate the thought leadership of that influencer.
The danger? It’s possible to be a negative influence. Thus, you evoke evil. We see that in politicians who have no moral center. They don’t know the difference between right and wrong.
Conversely, encouragers influence others for good. They help others look past current circumstances.
As such, being an encourager is an aspect of influence where you help others move forward by using words and acts of affirmation.
Today’s Insight: Being an influencer is certainly worthwhile. Being a positive influence is better. Being an encourager in areas of lasting consequence is the ultimate form of influence.
Influence involves both sound content and appropriate timing. proverbsforprofessionals.net
From Proverbs 15.23 we learn that carefully selected words are a source of joy. Moreover, sharing those words at just the right time is especially good.
Your best isn’t good enough!
During a husband-wife argument in a movie he says “I’m doing my best.”
She responds: “Your best isn’t good enough!”
Really? Is that true? Well, Yes, sometimes our best is simply insufficient.
Ok, now what?
Option 1: Quit. Become defensive. But, your best still isn’t good enough!
Option 2: Look for another way forward. That is, grow from this challenge so that you have more to give back. More to offer others.
In short, become the person, the leader, who’s best IS good enough for a particular life challenge.
Developing emotional intelligence is an important aspect of capacity building. I’m not doing more with less. Instead, I’m more impactful because of a clear sense of purpose. proverbsforprofessionals.net
Proverbs 3.1-2 teaches that a balanced life is both long and highly productive!
Here’s what I think!
Ever get this answer – immediately – after asking the other person to give your request thoughtful consideration?
How did you feel?
I suspect you felt “thoughtful consideration” was no more than a quick response off the top of their head!
I get it that leaders are time pressured. That decisiveness is good. And that timely responses are important.
What I don’t get is the bias for a quick answer over allowing some time for considering an issue.
Today’s Insight: I believe it’s better for a leader to admit up front that you don’t consider a topic to be of strategic importance. Don’t damage your credibility by a flippant response.
From experience, I’ve learned that it’s very difficult to gain share of mind from a superior who struggles to listen deeply. proverbsforprofessionals.net
Proverbs 8.12-16 describes how effective leadership is marked by both thinking on your feet and by deep thoughtfulness. Those leaders are able to make sense of things.
Great transitions!
New years often begin with “great expectations.” Unfortunately, at times, the year becomes “the worst of times”. (sorry, couldn’t help myself!)
For my wife and me, January 2021 included a planned relocation. It followed the end of my 9-to-5 career. Then there was a purposeful and similarly planned life repurposing for me.
Thus, what would I consider a win this year?
For me, it’s the renewed energy and enjoyment of living with deep purpose in this new season of life.
As such, 2021 was “the best of times”!
I have a clear sense of WHO I am. Also, an understanding of my WHY or life purpose.
Self-awareness – your WHO, plus clarity of purpose – your WHY, together provide momentum for productive living – that’s your WHAT! Where to start? Begin with WHO. proverbsforprofessionals.net
Proverbs 4.18 calls that recognition and pursuit of purpose “the shining light that shines more and more…”
Why persistence?
If you’ve endured over an extended period, why not switch your mindset to persistence?
Persistence is one aspect of a growth mindset!
Similarly, grit is passion and perseverance toward a goal. Moreover, persistence is a mark of high achievers.
It’s critical, I believe, to develop the ability to persist in the face of challenge.
In fact, by persisting we find a way to move forward in the face of life and career challenges.
Today’s Insight: We persist because we’re propelled forward by a clearly-defined life purpose, as guided by self-awareness and self-confidence.
It’s unrealistic to believe I have the physical or mental capacity to do everything I desire in the impossible time frame I imagine. But, it’s equally unrealistic to believe I can be no more and do no more than who I am and what I am already! proverbsforprofessionals.net
In the David and Goliath story, David picked up “five smooth stones.” Although he only needed one, he had extra resources to try again if needed. This, I believe, is the 1000 BC version of risk diversification! See First Samuel 17.40.
