I have a choice to stay trapped in the past or to move on with my life. Hence, the question: Am I living what if or what now?
This blog entry captures my personal LinkedIn posts for August 2 through August 6, 2021.
What good is good judgment?
Well duh! Why ask the obvious? Because there are so many examples of the damage caused by poor judgment, that’s why!
Granted, good judgment doesn’t guarantee a successful outcome. But, I believe it beats the alternative!
So, how do we get there? Some factors include: critical thinking, wise counsel, and drawing from past experiences. Then, be guided by integrity.
What else would you add to this “building good judgment” list?
The Precept: Proverbs 29.4 says there’s a connection between sound decision making by leaders and a flourishing organization. proverbsforprofessionals.net
How bad is bad judgment?
Really bad, that’s how bad! Why? Because good judgment can be crowded out by:
1). Careless haste
2). Lack of data
3). Bias in my reasoning process
4). Undue influence
Thoughtfulness can address # 1-3. I believe leadership integrity addresses undue influence.
What pressures crowd out your good judgment?
The Precept: The last half of Proverbs 29.4 notes the relationship between poor decisions by leaders and influence peddling. proverbsforprofessionals.net
Everybody does it!
What an excuse. Actually, it’s designed to side-step accountability for my behavior.
What’s the problem? There’s no clear line that says “stop here!” Thus, “everybody does it” may facilitate poor choices.
For a leader, when you push boundaries, admit the risk. Call it what it really is. And, if things blow up, take responsibility.
Are you using “everybody does it” as a way to avoid thinking deeply about potential consequences?
The Precept: Proverbs 30.11-14 sounds like an old person complaining about the younger generation that keeps saying “everybody does it”! proverbsforprofessionals.net
Am I living “What If” or “What Now”?
What keeps me trapped in “What If”? That is, I constantly replay in my head “What If” I had said or done differently.
But, the goal isn’t to learn and move on. Instead, I’m trapped in an endless cycle of speculation.
Why? I think that staying in “What If” avoids the hard work and self-reflection required of “What Now”.
To live in the present of “What Now” I must focus on what I can control. Stop wasting time on “What If” that’s out of my control.
Instead, move forward by grasping “What Now”!
So, what’s worked well for you to turn the “What If” spiral into “What Now” progress?
Negative self-talk about yesterday’s shortcomings doesn’t propel me forward toward success today! proverbsforprofessionals.net
WFH – The Leader’s Role
What’s the ideal balance between work from home (WFH) and working on-site? Well, who’s asking?
If you’re an employee with child-care issues or serious health concerns, you have one viewpoint. However, if you’re the employer who must staff for public-facing roles, expect a different answer.
Then, between these two extremes are jobs that readily fit WFH. They’re easier to accommodate. But, if you operate an assembly line then WFH doesn’t work. Instead, you have other issues, such as requiring proof of inoculation.
As such, “ideal balance” is situational. We’re in for a lengthy adjustment period. Case resurgence and re-inoculations are added complications.
What’s the leader’s role? Here are four:
1). Listen openly to the concerns of the workforce
2). Recognize that many candidates are choosing options other than work-at-all-costs
3). Know the facts about the level of threat in your community and workplace
4). Formulate policies that balance workforce concerns with being a going enterprise
Short-term, WFH is likely to remain challenging.
So, what’s the ideal balance? It depends! Be the leader who effectively balances these competing needs.
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