Category Archives: Decisions

Warning… A Disaster Waiting To Happen!

29 Friday Mar 2019

Posted by in Actions, Change, Character, Decisions, Humility, Power, Sacrifice, Servant, Teachers

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We have all heard this saying, “That is a disaster waiting to happen.”

 

A disastrous situation usually depends on what the situation is and who is involved; more or less – relative. Now let’s look at it from our dealings with those in leadership positions. What determines disastrous leadership? Do you believe a leader can be disastrous? Are they disastrous by nature or only with their actions and decisions? Better yet, let’s just say that some leaders can be disastrous causing.

Every day we are around leaders. We work with them, see them on TV, hear them on the radio, etc… What is it about them that misses the mark on being extraordinary as opposed to disastrous? Here are a few random thoughts that have been on my mind lately…

Disastrous leaders do these too often…

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Create turmoil…
Talk about stirring the pot; they are only happy when they are happy.

Easily frustrated…
At the drop of a handkerchief, I would say.

Unable to make mistakes…
It is not because they cannot or do not make mistakes, but because they are always right.

Do not want to see beyond the now…
They only change when they are forced to or if a change makes them look good.

The higher they climb, the more arrogant they become…
It is almost as if they have an “air” about them; however, they are only breathing in the smell of themselves.

For our leadership to be effective, we must be able to identify what is and what causes disastrous leadership. Knowing these characteristics and avoiding them enables you, your leadership, and others around you the opportunity to be the leader others need.

Yes, some things are a disaster waiting to happen. Yes, there is bad leadership out there, and often we feel the effects of it in our lives. However, we cannot live in a bubble. It is up to each of us, to find a way that enables and empowers others not to be a part of or create a disastrous environment.

©2019 J Clay Norton

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Is the “Leadership Force” strong with you?

08 Friday Mar 2019

Posted by in Attitude, Change, Choice, Decisions, Leader, Leadership, Purpose

≈ 1 Comment

I am a Star Wars fan, a big fan. I remember my dad taking me to the first Star Wars movie in 1977. Yes, that original one…

With a family of our own now, we still watch them periodically and even enjoy the newly added and spinoff movies as well. When our daughter reached the age to understand what was going on, we began binge watching all of them.

The idea that fascinates me so much with Star Wars is not only are they great stories, but they tell a story of good vs. evil, sacrifice, and team building. Some of the character’s EGO’s “get checked,” and most of all there are numerous leadership takeaways in each movie and with each character.

Sometimes I walk around our school and give the “Vader” breathing sound, or I do “Yoda speak.” Joking, I remind students that the force is strong with me (I really wish it was).

The other day, I did my “Yoda speak” and began to think about why strong leaders are strong and mentally shrugged thinking especially about Yoda.  Yoda had it going on…

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Yes, I believe there is a “leadership force” state of mind and great leaders use it every day. What they do differently, is what sets them apart. Here are a few thoughts on how the “leadership force” can be strong with you…

Change can be an agent of good
Yoda speak: Agent of good, change is

Leaders who are afraid of change will not take risks, even if it is a calculated risk. Leaders who are strong take decisions, weigh them out, per se, and limit the liability of what can go wrong if a change is made.

Are not puppets
Yoda speak: Puppets, need not be

As soon as you become a “yes” person, you have given away your power as a thinking individual, and you allow someone else to have control over you. Respect for others is one thing, but being fearful of other’s leadership is something else.

Celebrate others
Yoda speak: Others celebrate, they do

Let others be the focus. This goes back to what I have repeatedly said often… Just listen to a leader’s words. Any time success for others occurs, they will insert themselves into the conversation with “me” and “I” and move the spotlight on them instead.

Are not people pleasers
Yoda speak: Pleasers of people, they do not

Leadership is hard and lonely, and decisions that are made are not going to please everyone. Stay grounded to your core values and do not be afraid to speak up when something goes against the grain of right vs. wrong.

I am sure you can come up with other ideas of how the force can be strong in your and other’s leadership. The main idea is not to be part of  “the dark side of the force” also known as weak leadership. You are the only one who can take control and has the responsibility of making sure you remain “strong with the force.”

May the force be with you…?

©2019 J Clay Norton

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Do You Have “Drop Anchor” Leadership?

01 Friday Mar 2019

Posted by in Anchored, Decisions, Effective, Expectations, Leader, Leadership

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For the boater’s out there… Why do you ever drop anchor? I suppose you can come up with many reasons…

I do not own a boat but have been in a few over time. The times I have been on a boat, and heard the classic “anchors away” or “drop anchor,” I knew something was about to happen. A few thoughts I have never wondered were: is the anchor large enough to take hold, or is the chain or rope long enough to reach the bottom. If either one of these two is not what they are supposed to be, then dropping an anchor does not carry the value of its words.

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Now the only two reasons why I can think an anchor would need to be dropped is either to keep the boat in one place because you want to stop, or a storm is coming and you need to hold fast. Regardless of which reason, dropping an anchor has its effects on many around. Let’s look at a few implications (assuming the above premise is correct)…

Leaders whose leadership is anchored…

Creates a safe environment for others

When an anchor is dropped, everyone goes on about their business.  Nothing is amiss and everyone feels safe. People need to know that they can be themselves. Confident in performing their work and the freedom to know they can speak their mind. Their perspectives and point of view have value. Now that does not always mean that it will be accepted, but at least they are acknowledged.

Make decisions

To “drop anchor” you must decide. Anchored leaders make decisions. I can see it now, “Do you think we should drop here?” If this question keeps being asked, before you know it, you will be way off course. I am not promoting that there should not be some due diligence, but once there is, make a decision.

Know the lay of the land

A great leader does not “drop anchor” anywhere. They know their anchor weight and chain length. Their expectations are precisely what they need to be to succeed. Better yet, they communicate their expectations. Leaders are the ones who say, “Drop anchor.” To communicate effectively, a leader must know what is going on and where they are.

Anchored leadership is about sustaining success safely for all involved. Too many times we find leaders whose anchor is large enough but not enough chain or not large enough and too much chain. Either way, their “anchored leadership” never becomes “grounded,” and their leadership either drifts or is tossed.

Let your leadership be anchored.  Everyone around will be better for it.

©2019 J Clay Norton

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Square Peg, Round Hole Leadership

10 Thursday Jan 2019

Posted by in Actions, Authentic, Character, Consistency, Decisions, Facade, Importance, Integrity, Leader, Leadership, Purpose, Relationships, Servant

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“I can make it fit. No, you can’t, it is not going to work. You know it, and I know it. Fine, I’ll show you. Go ahead then, you will figure it out.” Moments later, “Why will this not fit?”

A square peg in a round hole… the classic idiom.

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We have all seen the pre-school hands-on learning tool, and we have seen children trying to figure it out. Never ceasing to be amazed at the comedy that it provides.

Oh, but how many leadership truths can be found in something so trivial?

Now, fast-forward to adults in leadership settings who are trying to do the same thing. Have you ever asked that question of, “How did that person get that leadership position?” The comedy increases, but it is not the same kind of harmless fun. It takes on a whole new level that could have a negative effect on many.

Bottom line, truth to be considered, is the fact that some people have leadership positions because of who they know instead of what they know. Yes, believe it or not, wrong people can be in leadership positions. Why and how, are questions that probably do not want to be answered. It happens, and we see it every day. Our society is running rampant with it in every area imaginable where leadership is involved.

While the outer appearance looks great, square peg, round hole leaders really do not contribute to the growth and development of others. Motivation is done through fear, and the assertion of their leadership only happens when mistakes are made, thus creating rejection.

Square peg, round hole leaders sell a facade of leadership that it can work and the main issue is that many “trick” themselves into thinking that it actually can, knowing all along that the square peg is not fitting in that round hole.

So, what to do? I have more questions than I have answers for this blog post, but I do know that time has a way of revealing everything for what it is worth. The one constant I believe that will always work is to be for others and the greater good and not your own self-interests.

©2019 J Clay Norton

Remember… THINK LEADERSHIP!

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