Category Archives: Humility

Leadership Expectations

23 Friday Mar 2018

Posted by in Actions, Attitude, Authentic, Choice, Expectations, Humility, Integrity, Leader, Leadership, Purpose, Relationships, Servant, Trust

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“We expect because we trust. Otherwise we doubt, or do not expect at all.” – Anonymous  

What should your leadership expectations be and why?

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Photo Credit:  thetransition.org

 

Before we can ask that question; we must ask, what are you expecting?

  • Are you expecting awards and trophies?
    They will collect dust, thrown into a box, placed in the attic, and someone someday will throw them away.
  • Are you expecting relationships?
    Most people will let you down. Some on purpose, others unintentionally. They love you in the good times and forget your name in the bad times.
  • Are you expecting fame?
    Odds are, you will never be satisfied.

If these are what your expectations are, then you are for yourself. Just ask around, no one likes these type of leaders. If we believe we already have it “going on” or we are “self-sufficient,” then we are miserable.

So, since we have debunked the selfish expectations, let’s think about what our leadership expectations should be.

  • Our ultimate leadership expectation should be above ourselves and reaching to help others.
  • Great leaders strive to put others above themselves. They never push or pull them out or down; they push or pull them in, helping them beyond their own power and capabilities.
  • Great leaders are in some form or fashion are a creator and sustainer for others. People depend on you to be who and what you say you are. Many times, you are the lifeline that helps others to evolve into what they want to be.

What are your leadership expectations? As you reflect on today’s topic, consider how and what you do on a daily basis. If our expectations continue to be about us, we are not expecting much. When our expectations begin promoting growth, then much value can be placed on our leadership and we will meet our expectations.

Remember… THINK LEADERSHIP!

©2018 J Clay Norton

Follow me on Twitter at TheBookChamber

Subscribe via email to my blog at the top of the page

Aromatherapy Leadership

16 Friday Feb 2018

Posted by in Actions, Attitude, Balance, Clarity, Culture, Decisions, Humility, Inspiration, Integrity, Leader, Leadership, Purpose, Servant, Understanding

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“If you want people to respect you, be respectful.” – Lolly Daskal

I have a bottle of Aromatherapy “Comfort” Lotion sitting on my desk a co-worker gave me. The “Comfort” label states it contains vanilla + patchouli. The vanilla absolute is for calming the mind to encourage relaxation, and the patchouli oil is for creating a sense of harmony. The other day I took time to read the back of the bottle. It is almost funny to read what the “Comfort” claims to do. The Aromatherapy Tip: “Massage into skin after a long day for pure comfort. Breathe deeply for best results.”

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Photo Credit: Bath & Body Works

No, this is not a commercial or an endorsement for the “Comfort” Lotion, but it is for “Comfort” Leadership.

Ok, the question you might be asking is why I have that “type” of lotion? Maybe my co-worker was trying to tell me something? Actually, I have dry hands in the winter time and need some lotion every once in a while, and that is what she gave me.

As I thought more about this “Comfort,” I began to ponder how our leadership affects others. Does your leadership promote “Comfort?” Can you agree with the statements advertised on the label as it falls under your leadership?

Questions to ask…

1. Does your leadership provide a calm atmosphere? Or, is there a conflict because no one knows what you expect because of the cloudy storms that are scattered daily?

2. Does it encourage a relaxing environment where people can be themselves? Or, are they tense because they do not know what type of mood you are in from day to day?

3. Is there a sense of harmony where everyone is on the same page with the mission and vision? Or, is it wound tight where everyone is afraid to breathe?

When people can set aside their egos, it is amazing what can be accomplished. Our leadership must be able to see and be for the bigger picture. We should do the right thing because it is the right thing to do. Too many times, leaders do what they think the right thing is for themselves. Why? Because it is comfortable for them and then wonder why everything is in chaos and uncomfortable for others.

There is “Comfort” to be found in Aromatherapy Leadership. You just have to decide if you want to use it or not.  When you do, you will find it is as much for you as it is for others. Everyone can feel the effect and all will be better for it.

Remember… THINK LEADERSHIP!

©2018 J Clay Norton

Follow me on Twitter at TheBookChamber

Subscribe via email to my blog at the top of the page

 

An Approved, Pure, Blameless Heart For Leadership

02 Friday Feb 2018

Posted by in Actions, Attitude, Authentic, Heart, Humility, Integrity, Leader, Leadership, Servant

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“Great leadership usually starts with a willing heart, a positive attitude, and a desire to make a difference.” – Mac Anderson

This past week during our Wednesday night Bible study we looked at Philippians 1:10 and the focus on three words of the verse: approved, pure and blameless. While each of these has a spiritual connotation as to how we should live our lives, I began thinking about how each of them could help us live our leadership.

Each of these three words can describe if your leadership has a pulse or is dead leadership walking? There is a two-part test to determine which you have. One is to take a self-examination and admit short-comings. The other is allowing others to give us our grade. Whenever we begin to look within ourselves, while at the same time allowing others to see our leadership, it starts to take on a whole new perspective.

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As we look at each of the words, take time to consider the value they can bring to your leadership.

Approved
Is it authentic? Or, maybe we should ask, “Is it the real deal?” I like the word “genuine.” Having our leadership approved by others does not equate with having popularity. Having it approved by others means that it is what it says it is. Approved leadership is tested time and time again, always yielding the same result. Its value is consistent and will be rewarded over time with proof that it is real.

Pure
The idea here is finding out if your leadership passes the test when it is held to the light. We are talking about real light from the sun and not lights that are fake. Ever notice what all a sunbeam shows? It shines on everything and shows everything in its path. It is tough to hide weak leadership when the light shines on us. Bottom line… pure is on the same level as sincere. Do others see your leadership as sincere?

Blameless
Our leadership should be seen as blameless. Well, how does that work? Leaders should make every effort to make sure there is no wrongdoing. We should strive to make sure our leadership is appropriate. That is the meaning behind blameless. Is it the right thing for the right time? Or, does it provide guilt? I would dare say most people by nature do not enjoy feeling guilty unless you are just that evil of a person (but there are those who are). We need our leaders to be seen true and right, appropriate for what it should be.

When all three of these words are united within your leadership, it will not only be seen but also felt. Too many leaders carry the mantle of leadership title only without carrying the authenticity, sincerity and the appropriateness, especially toward and for others. Let your leadership be approved, pure and blameless. Have a heart for leadership.  You and everyone around you will be better off, and they will thank you for it.

Remember… THINK LEADERSHIP!

©2018 J Clay Norton

Follow me on Twitter at TheBookChamber

Subscribe via email to my blog at the top of the page

Intentional Leadership for Others… ACTS

19 Friday Jan 2018

Posted by in Actions, Attitude, Authentic, Clarity, Communication, Deciding, Humility, Leader, Leadership, Power, Purpose, Servant, Transparent

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“Leadership is a way of thinking, a way of acting and, most importantly a way of communicating.” – Simon Sinek

When you convey your leadership to others, what comes to mind about it? One of the most important ideas to remember is our leadership should be about others. It is never about you. With that being the case, the question of how should we deliver our leadership is important. Is it intentional? Does it carry a positive servant attitude? Does it…?

As a Christian, I learned an acrostic to increase and have a more purposeful prayer life. It is ACTS. Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. A prayer life that models this style enables you to make sure everything has the correct place and is meaningful.
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Now, what if we applied that same acrostic to making our leadership intentional? What would each letter signify? It could go something like this:

Intentional Leadership for Others… ACTS

ACKNOWLEDGE – When we provide leadership, do you focus on yourself or others? Steven Canfield, Lead Teacher for Life Action Ministries, said: “We should never look past others.” When I heard him say this, I had to camp out on it for awhile. Why is this important? If we are providing leadership, it should be for the benefit of those around us. When we acknowledge everyone in the room, the receptiveness of the group increases.

CONSIDERATION – Acknowledgement leads to consideration. It is one thing to acknowledge someone, but not to consider the value they could or can bring creates a downer. Considering others allows the quality of your leadership to enhance. Which allows the empowerment of others. If you want the attention of someone, acknowledge and consider them. Their thoughts and willingness could be a great addition to your leadership.

TRANSPARENT – Everyone needs help in some area. Thinking that you have it all together with your leadership leads to arrogance. What weaknesses we have should not be a secret. That is why transparency is crucial to leadership. People do not want to be around fakeness. Your leadership value strengthens when others see the example your leadership brings with transparency. True leadership is when you can express your weaknesses or acknowledge the weaknesses of others and help them. Weak leaders can do neither of these. Let others see the true you.

STEP – Go where you need to go next. Sometimes that might be a step forward or a step back. Know your audience. Trying to force your leadership usually backfires. Let your leadership be a living conversation that can go and change direction as needed. Be willing to adapt. Part of great leadership is doing what is best for others. Know where to step. Just make sure you do not step on others. (Thanks to Allen Marett for helping me figure out a word for “S”)

This acrostic might seem silly or simple, but how many times do we know if we are reaching our audience? If you do not ask yourself this question, then admit it is all about you. The next time you have the opportunity to provide leadership, try ACTS; acknowledge others, consider their thoughts and who they are, be transparent and know where and how to step next. Each one is intentional and builds on the other. When we do that, a connection is in the making.

Here is the idea of leadership… You can know right, do right, and still not be right.

Remember… THINK LEADERSHIP!

©2018 J Clay Norton

Follow me on Twitter at TheBookChamber

Subscribe via email to my blog at the top of the page.