Loving Leadership

As leaders, we cannot give passion to someone else BUT we can definitely squash it!

Our passion can serve as an example for those around us. Those we work with can feel the passion and ignite a flame within themselves. That is not passion given from us, but passion cultivated by the person we touch. It should be every leaders desire to model enthusiasm in all we do at work.

The greater concern, however, is not whether we are able to inspire those around us rather are we robbing the passion of those we lead. As leaders, when we degrade or demoralize someone in an attempt to wield authority we can douse the fire in those around us. There is nothing worse than calling someone on the carpet in front of their peers for a failed attempt. This is a blatant blow to the esteem of an employee and can create an environment where people shrink back and stop trying new things for fear of being chopped down publicly.

The less obvious cancer that can destroy esteem and creativity can happen without our knowledge. If we flippantly disregard or minimize someone's ideas without seeking to gain greater understanding and/or showing appreciation for the effort, we can be turning off the pilot light of their creativity without even knowing it. This creates an environment where the potential of the team is never realized and our most valuable resource; the mind power of the employees, lies dormant.

It is critical as a leader to be an example of passion as this may stir something in someone around us. It is more important that we use our words wisely, recognize ideas and coach carefully so as not to extinguish the fires in the bellies of those we lead.

Time To Paint the Paint Store

Would you ever go to a dentist who was missing teeth?

Ummm, heck no! Okay, that seems obvious but with any business we expect them to walk the walk, as well as, talk the talk.

We expect it of businesses but do we expect it of ourselves?

Have you ever asked anyone to do something that you didn't or wouldn't do yourself? I know I have fallen prey to this; like giving my kids heck for not cleaning their room when my office looked like a small tornado touched down.

As a parent or business leader, it is easy to live by the motto, "Do as I say not as I do," but in reality actions speak much louder than words. In his book, "All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten" Robert Fulghum said it best when he said don't worry if your kids listen to what you say, worry that they watch what you do.

Maybe, just maybe it's possible that parents, businesses and business leaders can be effective today by creating a clear vision of the end goal then acting as an example for those around them based on redeeming values.

Now go grab a paint brush...

Discipline Not Desire Determines Our Destiny

Thought is the initiator of everything in our lives. But make no mistake. Thought is only the starting point. We cannot think our way to health, wealth, fulfillment or happiness.



Those who teach the law of attraction are doing many people a great disservice. They are leading people to believe that you can simply plant the seed and grow a garden. But any farmer or gardner will tell you that planting the seed is a good start but you must water, fertilize and weed if you want to get the fruit worth eating.



We can have the thought of what we want in life and get a clear vision in our mind of what our life will be like if we take the steps to achieve it. We can even write down the action steps necessary to make our dream a reality. But if we don't have the discipline to take action it is only a dream.



Discipline not desire determines our destiny.



And as we walk in thankfulness, we can lift our head and pray for courage and wisdom to navigate the rough terrain rather than praying to find an easier road to walk. So walk. Be aware. Look around. Listen and learn. Each step can bring knowledge and skill as we learn from our successes and failures.



Surely with knowledge, skill, desire and a few daily disciplines we will develop positive habits that will propel us to realize our hearts desires.