Category Archives: Leadership

“We Walk Together” – Unity Leadership

08 Friday Sep 2017

Posted by in Attitude, Culture, Leader, Leadership, Power, Servant, Team, Unity

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“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing themselves.” – Leo Tolstoy

 


 

 

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When you think of unity, what comes to mind? I would assume most of you would say something like “coming together as one” but is it that easy and simple? How many times do you hear of leadership as it relates to unity? Do you believe that leaders actually want unity? This will usually depend on if the leader is servant-minded or self-serving minded. I guess if we knew these answers, we would all have unity in our leadership.

Leadership unity requires an investment in others. The hard part is getting others to invest in you. This is true… people either agree or not agree with your leadership direction. The problem lies with those who may agree and support your leadership but not invested. Because someone supports your leadership does not equate with unity with your leadership. They follow you on the surface, go through the motions to make sure all is well and the “apple cart” does not tip over.

If people invest in you, then your leadership has power. This is a good thing. Why? Because they are “with” you. The “with” means they want what you want. They commit to your vision. They have your back. They have the backs of others. Most of all, their investment in you shows in public and private. No one likes the “two-face” leader or follower.

So… why is there not more unity with leadership? Do you realize how many different people have different agendas? There is so much negative out there and that negative becomes contagious. I am sure we can provide an infinite list of reasons… Conspiracy theory or not, there are actually people who want to see your success not happen.

Leadership unity provides a path for success. Our job as leaders is to bring people together. Together for a common cause, for the good of all. As a leader, you either help or hinder the cause for unity. Unity is essential for leadership. When unity happens, “we walk together” becomes a reality. Mindsets change, personal agendas are set aside and total contribution of all exists.

As we move forward with our leadership, let’s put a focus on unity and see what the outcome will be. I would dare say the results will be positive and you will find that “we walk together.”

Remember… THINK LEADERSHIP

©2017 J Clay Norton

Follow me on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/thebookchamber

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

 

Chain Reaction Passion

01 Friday Sep 2017

Posted by in Inspiration, Leader, Leadership, Passion, Uncategorized

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“A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events and outcomes.  It is a catalyst and it sparks extraordinary results.”  – Wade Boggs, Former MLB player of the Boston Red Soxs

“Hey! I like what you have…”

“Ok… what do I have?”

“Passion.”

“Passion?”

“Yep… Passion! If you did not have it, we would not be having this conversation.”

“Ok…”

“If you are not careful, it could cause a chain reaction and when it does, it is going to affect a lot of people.”

 

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A small fictitious dialogue that has a lot of meaning.

Almost all of us are passionate about something. But, let’s ask two questions regarding your passion…

  1. Do others see it?
  2. Does it cause a chain reaction?

Question two will not have an answer if the answer to question one is NO.

So… Do you know your passion? It is easy to figure out, determine what you value. Find that one thing which “stirs the heart” (compliments to Doug Dickerson for this phrase) and let it be life transforming, for you and others. Defining your passion is key to leadership success. If leadership is to be effective, passion has to be one of the most important characteristics. The time and effort we invest in our passion allows us to burn a blazing path. A path that does not wander but one that focuses in a single direction with purpose.

As leaders, we have to know that everyone is not always on the same level when it comes to passion. Many times we are not sure what directions our passion will or should take. Will it inspire and resonate with others?

To have someone’s passion visible is inspiring. You are able to see their passion in their lives as pure joy. If you love something, then show it. If we use our passion for fulfillment of others, it will in return provide fulfillment for us as well. Passion creates happiness for all stakeholders. Start that chain reaction of passion and see how many people it can affect. One thing is for sure; it is exciting to see how one’s passion evolves into a leadership mindset.

Passion also allows leaders a reason to persevere, even during the hardest times. Having that blazing path of passion gives an inward drive that we can reach down deep inside and use. See it as a baseline for what “stirs the heart.” There has to be something that creates a fire in a leader. Passion is that fire.

Believe in your passion. Let it be enjoyable.  Please, let it become a chain reaction.

The alternative… It’s boring to be around someone who doesn’t even seem to care about what they are saying or doing.

Here is a great video about how something so small can cause a chain reaction. Let your passion be as such…

 

 

Remember… THINK LEADERSHIP

©2017 J Clay Norton

Follow me on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/thebookchamber

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

You Decide…

25 Friday Aug 2017

Posted by in Deciding, Heart, Humility, Leader, Leadership, Servant, Understanding

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“Every moment is a fresh beginning.” – T.S. Eliot

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Ever have that moment when two or more are gathered and a question comes up like… “Where do you want to eat?” Answer: “I don’t care, you decide.”

“You Decide”…

Two very simple words, yet very powerful. Why? Because those two words have power. Power in what? Power in the ability to decide within itself. You now have the opportunity to have a voice and make a difference. In fact, the other members of your group relinquished control of the situation.

Everyday, when we wake up, we can assert some power on the day with these two words, “You Decide.” It becomes a mindset. Now, there are going to be days when so much bombards us with so much “stuff” that it becomes overwhelming. But… how we decide to handle those and every situation shows the heart of your leadership.

As leaders, we have a responsibility to make good decisions. So, what is there to decide about? Whatever the situations are, when you decide to decide, you must have…

  • A clear vision – Do you know where you are wanting to take the decision? Do others know this as well?
  • A plan – How will you decision unfold?
  • The ability to convey – Will you be able to get your decision across to others?
  • A humble heart – Humility is the beginning of leadership. Please understand that it is not about you.
  • A servant mindset – Will you help others with your decision?

Each of these are unique on their own but when brought together, true leadership is evident. Others are able to see and feel your leadership. Often times, the first two will get us by. But the last three allows a leader to empower themselves by empowering others. Now, this goes against every bit of what society states leadership should be. Society wants you to have a “me first” decision-making mentality.

However, this one thing is true… leaders, no matter what type, face different decisions. Some decisions will be minor and may not affect anyone but themselves. Some decisions will be major and can affect many others. Decision making is a daily expectation. Being in a leadership role, makes decision-making very important.

If you are a leader, you must come to grips with and master decision-making. When we decide, we decide. This is good and bad. If our decision is good, then we look like a genius. If it is bad, then we are the goat (not the greatest of all time). But the other side of decision making is also true. When we decide not to decide, we decided.
One thing we do not want are leaders who are “wishy-washy.” As we ponder this idea, “You Decide” where your leadership is and where you would like to see it. Only change for the better.

Remember… THINK LEADERSHIP

©2017 J Clay Norton

Follow me on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/thebookchamber

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

 

 

 

 

 

Ideals, Leadership & Legend

18 Friday Aug 2017

Posted by in Ideals, Leadership, Legacy

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“Men make history…not the other way around. In periods where there is no leadership, society stands still. Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better.” — Harry S. Truman, 33rd U.S. President (1945–1953)

I’m a huge Batman fan when it comes to superheroes.  Why?  Because Batman does not have any superpowers, per se.  All he has, is just what he has…  Batman must use his mind, anticipate the actions of others, etc. He must use his human attributes to become a superhero.

Often times, we as leaders must carry the same mindset as Batman.  Now, let’s begin to think about that and how it can transcend into our leadership.

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In the clip below, Henri Ducard (Ra’s Al Ghul) speaks with Bruce Wayne (Batman) about what it takes to become a legend.

Here is the conversation.  The best lines are in red.

Bruce Wayne:  You’re vigilantes.

Henri Ducard:  No, no, no.  A vigilante is just a man lost in the scramble for his own gratification.  He can be destroyed, or locked up.  But, if you make yourself more than just a man, if you devote yourself to an ideal, and they can’t stop you, then you become something else entirely.

Bruce Wayne:  Which is?

Henri Ducard: A Legend, Mr. Wayne.

This is what we should want to do in our leadership.  As leaders, we must devote ourselves to an ideal.  When we do that, passion and fire are evident in our lives.  And… We usually will not let anything stand in our way.  When we find an ideal of leadership we believe in and others buy into it, that is when our leadership can take on a legendary status (Note: There are also very bad ideals and leaders out there).

We have all had certain people in our lives that have influenced us with their leadership.  What were their ideals?  Why did you “follow” them?  Leaders who have had a “special touch” on our lives, we see as legends.  If we look back on history and look today, we can see the “pillars” of leadership.  Their leadership became legendary because their ideals were for the good of others and not themselves.  Those are the ideals we should strive for, an ideal of being a servant, putting others first.  

What are you doing today, this week, this month, this year, this life to make your leadership legendary?  If we do not have a leadership ideal to strive for, then we are just going through the motions.  Too many times, all we do is follow.  Be the leader who is devoted to an ideal and let your leadership become legendary.  Society is waiting…

Remember… THINK LEADERSHIP

©2017 J Clay Norton

Follow me on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/thebookchamber

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