So, what’s humility got to do with anything? Well, as it turns out, a whole lot!
This blog post contains my personal LinkedIn weekly entries for the month of May 2023.
Who Cares About Out Stuff?
We collect stuff that represents our life. It has meaning to us.
But, will that stuff have any meaning to our children and grandchildren after we’re gone?
Today’s Observation: In one sense, ultimate value is defined by an individual. Thus, like beauty, value in the eye of the beholder.
A Question: Value should have an objective measure. What measure do you use to assign value to possessions, accomplishments, and relationships?
The Precept: Proverbs 3.14-15 teaches us that wisdom is far better than precious metals or valuable jewels.
Ultimately, what’s left after we are gone will become a problem for our children and grandchildren to deal with! proverbsforprofessionals.net
The Layers of Leadership Confidence
Self-confidence is critical for a leader.
As is confidence in the strategic vision shared by that leader.
Likewise, is the leader’s confidence in their team and in the goals adopted by that leadership team.
Today’s Observation: Leadership confidence has several layers that parallel the areas where a leader has influence.
A Question: For you personally, is leadership confidence a factor of big wins, or more a function of daily effectiveness?
The Precept: Proverbs 20.2 suggests that confidence and strength are important aspects of leadership presence.
We’re told to “let your light shine.” Truly, that light is the unique value proposition we offer to others. As such, our light differentiates us, empowers us, and is evidence of our self-confidence. proverbsforprofessionals.net
Friday Short: Why Change?
Sometimes we change because we’re bored.
Other times we change because what has worked no longer works.
Today’s Observation: Change that’s part of an intentional strategy is most impactful because it carries us to a defined end-point in life.
A Question: What motivates you to change?
I dramatically increase the number of choices I have for change in my life when I am both proactive and deliberate about where and how I adopt new practices and new directions for my life. proverbsforprofessionals.net
Linking Purpose and Person
We best maintain focus by having a clear sense of purpose – our WHY.
Before pursuing our WHY, we must know our WHO, our authentic self.
Hence, Begin With WHO!
Today’s Observation: Ask how an activity fits into your life purpose. How does it support who you are?
The Precept: Proverbs 4.23 instructs us to guard/protect our heart – our character – above all else we do. So, know WHO you are and protect that essential self.
A Question: What practices have helped you build a deeper sense of who you are as a person?
Know your authentic self, your WHO. Then, use your distinctive voice to live, write, and speak your life passion! proverbsforprofessionals.net
Linking Head and Heart
Is wisdom mostly head knowledge or mostly heart insight?
Well, actually it’s both!
Today’s Observation: With a learner’s attitude I actively seek new facts, while converting that new knowledge to experiential insight that’s highly applied and very practical.
The Precept: In Proverbs 3.3 Solomon tells us to make mercy (a heart response) and truth (head knowledge) the centerpiece of our character transformation. Thus, learn to live in balance.
A Question: What are some indicators in your life that you are out of balance between heart and head?
We should carefully distinguish between self-worth that’s created by what we do in life as opposed to self-worth based on who we are! proverbsforprofessionals.net
Linking Mindset and Heart
Our mindset reflects the level of self-worth in our heart.
As such, our heart or character influences a positive mindset.
Today’s Observation: What we know – the factual knowledge we have – is of marginal value to us if our head is in the wrong place because of negative self-talk.
The Precept: Proverbs 1.8-9 notes the importance of listening to a mentor. As such, if I’m teachable, I’ll work with a mentor because they guide personal growth by influencing a positive mindset!
A Question: What are some of your lifestyle practices that build the habit of a positive mindset?
We believe the principle of a positive mindset applies to athletes, but it’s really true in most areas of life. proverbsforprofessionals.net
What’s Humility Got To Do With Anything?
Well, as it turns out, a whole lot!
“Leadership is influence” is one, widely-held definition of leadership.
But, what are sources of leadership influence?
When leaders lack humility they dramatically reduce their ability to influence others.
Today’s Observation: As a leader, I touch the life of no one when I’m arrogant and self-consumed. Instead, to have lasting influence, I must be humble.
The Precept: Proverbs 15.33 teaches that humility is a prerequisite to having influence – not just as a leader, but in any life domain.
A Question: Beyond humility and exceptional performance, what are other sources of leadership influence?
One mark of sustainable personal growth is deciding to live your own life as your own best self! proverbsforprofessionals.net
Want to Self-destruct? Become Arrogant!
Really? Yes, really!
Why? Because when I’m arrogant I no longer listen to wise counsel. Worse yet, I believe I’m indestructible, so I take extreme risks.
Today’s Observation: I’m impactful in the lives of others to the extent that they accept my influence. However, arrogance and overconfidence destroy my influence.
The Precept: Proverbs 18.12 warns us that an arrogant character precedes destructive life outcomes. See also Proverbs 16.18.
A Question: What was it like if you worked for or with someone who believed that the rules didn’t apply to them?
My deepest impact on others comes when I’m thoughtful and authentic. Why? Because shallow and artificial doesn’t cut it! proverbsforprofessionals.net
What’s That Thing?
So said my 12-year old grandson upon seeing a digital camera for the first time!
Not to be outdone, his 17-year old brother asked how he was supposed to take a selfie with that thing!
Their mom’s response: “What have I done wrong?”
Hope this brings you a smile.
Dramatic change in my life is possible when I change my mindset about what’s truly possible. Even if that involves using a digital camera! proverbsforprofessionals.net
Humble = Teachable
Humility suggests I’m open to the wise counsel of others.
A willingness to learn helps me become wise-hearted.
That is, to know wisdom by living a precept-driven life.
Today’s Observation: A learner’s attitude, paired with being precept driven, produces life outcomes such as influence.
The Precept: When I pursue a right relationship with God, and I’m merciful, the outcomes are a deeper faith and influence on others, hence an abundant life! Proverbs 21.21 paraphrase
A Question: There’s a catch to wise counsel – it must be wise! What helps you separate good advice from bad advice?
We cannot dramatically change our life outcomes until we’re willing to dramatically change the processes and reasoning patterns that are producing those life outcomes! proverbsforprofessionals.net
No, Really? Yes, Really!
Saying NO can reinforce our self-worth.
At the same time, it’s an important aspect of our self-care as it enables us to avoid being overextended.
Today’s Observation: Not acting on every “distraction disguised as an opportunity” enables us to focus on the one thing that’s our highest priority.
The Precept: From Proverbs 17.24 we learn that it’s foolish to lack focus by having our attention all over the place!
A Question: What helps you ignore everyday distractions?
It’s good to be present with ourselves, and at the same time, to be at peace with who that self is right now. proverbsforprofessionals.net