One of the concepts from my graduate studies in leadership that has made a difference in how I see things is Margaret Wheatley’s application of the laws of thermodynamics to organizations. Closed organizations that do not take in new information die. Organizations that stay open and adapt to new information live.
Interestingly, Michael Simmons reports that working in an open network happens to be the greatest predictor of career success.
http://www.businessinsider.com/top-predictor-of-career-success-2015
All posts by Jerry Strausbaugh
The importance of being present.
I have always considered myself a multitasker. Lately though, I have had a growing awareness of how this keeps me from being the supportive leader the people in my organization need me to be. In fact, one of the most important things I can offer all of the people in my life is my undivided attention. Turning away from the computer, setting down my tablet or phone, or putting down my notes to look at and really listen to the person who has asked for my attention is essential to a caring and supportive relationship. By focusing my attention I am sending the signal that the person who has asked me a question matters, what they care about is important to me, and that even though I am busy I have time for them. I can think of few more powerful messages a leader could send.
Granted, there are times I do not feel I have a spare moment to listen. If that is the case I try to schedule a time I can listen rather than trying to act like I care while emailing or texting someone else. I want the people in my life to know that they matter.
As leaders, we are always communicating by our actions. Try sending the message that the people in your organization matter enough to set aside the distractions, look them in the eye, and really listen.
Whether you are the manager of someone at work, have a friend , or are the parent of a child with ADHD, this article shares some good reminders.
As a manager, administrator, and parent I like things to be organized. I like point A to lead to point B. Knowing and working with people who have ADHD helps me grow out of my linear mindset. Sometimes the path zigzags and loops around a couple times… and that is a blessing.
20 Things to Remember If You Love Someone With ADD
http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/20-things-remember-you-love-person-with-add.html
God-Given Foes and Faith
I love this short devotional from John Piper. Whether you are involved in for-profit, nonprofit, or faith-based leadership, you likely have someone you work with who challenges you. Piper reminds us that our “opponents” may be part of a much bigger process.
God-Given Foes and Faith http://dsr.gd/12t0zVk
The Best Leaders Are Insatiable Learners
This article discusses two things I have found very true in my walk as a leader. The first is its reference to John Gardner. Gardner’s book, On Leadership, does the best job explaining the tasks that encompass leading an organization. The second is that my experience of feeling like I am perpetually learning how to lead is not a bad thing.
The Best Leaders Are Insatiable Learners – http://pulse.me/s/2B9bYm
This week with a smile.
Three experiences and realizations this week:
1) I have been amazed at how my Heavenly Father provides. He does things conventional wisdom says wouldn’t happen. He does what he wants, when he wants, and no one can stop him. Rest and wait.
2) Sometimes buying a dozen doughnuts to share with coworkers is called for.
3) I hoard coffee because I am afraid to run out.
A little reminder for an anxious morning.
This morning at breakfast my teenage daughter had an anxious look on her face. She has several big things on her plate this weekend. I could tell she was worrying. I reminded her of two things. The first came from her youth pastor, Greg Summers, last night. He reminded a group of kids who were dealing with a tragedy that “Whenever you start to get overwhelmed keep your thoughts focused on the Great I Am. Look at our great and mighty God, not the circumstances.” Second I reminded her of my favorite quote from Dan Allan, our senior pastor, “If you have a small god you’ve got BIG PROBLEMS; but, if you’ve got a BIG GOD, you’ve got small problems.”
We all need to be reminded of these things from time to time.
God’s pursuit.
One lesson from the story of Jonah in the Bible:: God is relentless in his pursuit of us.
Looking for the “headwaters” when problem solving.
One of the realities of leading is that there are always many voices trying to make a point and sway the decision about how to solve a problem. I find that I need to have good tools to help me sort out the truth. Lately I have really been forcing myself to peel back the layers so I can see the problem at its source or “headwaters” and develop the solution beginning from there rather than adopting a fix that is targeted merely at the symptoms.
Powerful life lessons about how to change the world from the commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command
Remarkable and inspiring advice on how to change the world. From the difference always making your bed can have on your day to singing when you’re up to your neck in mud, Admiral McRaven gives examples of how a person’s approach to life’s daily challenges can change the world.