Leadership and Warning Labels – What is your message?

21 Friday Apr 2023

Posted by The Book Chamber in Actions, Attitude, Authentic, Conflict, Consistency, Decisions, Education, Educational Leadership, Influence, Insecurity, Integrity, Kindness, Leader, Leadership, Passive-Agressive, Perception, Perceptions, Sensitive

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When is the last time you read a warning label on a product? Some are quite funny, while others seem plain dumb with the question, “Who would do that anyway?” But nonetheless, they are printed right there on the product (fine print sometimes).

Here are just a few…
A cup of coffee – Caution, content may be hot.
Hairdryer – Do no use while sleeping
Wheelbarrow – Not intended for highway use
Baby Stroller – Remove child before folding
Nyquil – May cause drowsiness

You get the idea. I often wonder who made the particular blunder for that specific warning label?

Segue to leadership…
It is often said that perception is not reality. But can everybody be wrong? A very good friend of mine says, “Everybody can’t be wrong about the same thing.” Perception becomes a way of understanding or interpreting things. At the same time, reality is the state of things as they actually exist rather than as they may be perceived or might be imagined. That said, what if we had a warning label about us for others to see printed right there on the package, that package being us?

Here might be a few…
Warning:
Do not think on your own – I micromanage
Do not disagree with me – I am moody
Do not cause conflict – I am insecure
Do not outshine me – I am passive-aggressive
Do not have a different opinion – I am highly flammable
Please handle with care – I get my feelings hurt easily
Be a yes person – If you are not, I will find fault
I’m sure you can add to the list…

How refreshing would it be if these warning labels were reversed?
Warning:
Think on your own – I delegate
It’s ok to disagree with me – Does not mean that you are wrong
Sometimes there will be conflict – I will not run from it, and I will support you
Outshine me – The better you are, the better we are
Have a different opinion – I encourage diverse thinking
Please handle with honesty – I will not get my feelings hurt easily
Do not be a yes person – I do not want minions around me

However, I believe the leadership we lead with does carry labels. You might say, “Well, that’s not how I lead,” or “I don’t care what someone else thinks.” But at the same time, we would quickly say that’s not the reputation we want. Well, is everyone wrong, then?

What are you doing to ensure that you have positive leadership labels instead of warning labels? In the end, we are all wearing some type of leadership label. The question is, what does your leadership label say about you?

Go be a great educator and leader today… Our future needs it…

Remember… Think Leadership and Be For Others…

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The Value of Tears…

29 Friday Apr 2022

Posted by The Book Chamber in Actions, Affection, Clarity, Communication, Connections, Emotion, Heart, Leader, Leadership, Manipulation, Passion, Sensitive, Value

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I saw this quote the other day for the first time ever, “The most expensive liquid in the world is a tear, made up of 1% water & 99% feelings.” I’m not sure if you have ever seen or heard it, but… it got me thinking.

First, let me say that there are some who “cry” at the drop of a handkerchief and those who fake their tears to manipulate… I’m not here to discuss them. They do not deserve the thoughts…

My initial thought was that when we shed tears, we let go of a value for someone or something we have inside ourselves. I have cried for and cried at others, and I am sure others have done the same for and at me. Contrary to popular belief, I have an emotional, sensitive side. Just ask those closest to me. As I thought about the quote above, I realized how true it is. There are happy tears, sad tears, and angry tears, and all tears exhibit personal feelings that are ours alone.

One of the hardest things to do is fight back the tears. You might hear someone say, “This is not the time nor the place.” Well, I believe tears show our humanness and trust. Being able to shed tears allows others to see the courage we have and the passion we are comfortable admitting. When something or someone is really important to us, with emotions attached, our authenticity can be seen, and the value of what we hold dear comes out as tears.

Showing emotion is not a weakness. Tears equate to a conviction. Tears sometimes are the words that cannot be said. Yes, there might be some vulnerability to shedding tears. Still, it can show others that we are in touch with reality and provide “relateableness” (yes, I made that word up).

And as for leadership, I much rather be around those who can express and exhibit emotions. There’s a HUGE difference between that and a person who is just emotional. When it comes to that, those who can express themselves are usually those who respond, whereas the “emotional leader” will only react.

So… let yourself be who you are. If you shed tears, then go ahead. If you don’t, ok… But what not to do, is stereotype. Because the tears that belong to others, those tears are theirs, and only they can determine their value.

I end the blog with this quote… “There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power.” – Washington Irving

Go be a great educator and leader today… Our future needs it…

Remember… Think Leadership and Be For Others…

Want more Leadership Thoughts? Follow me on… Twitter @thebookchamber or follow the blog directly.

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Sensitive Leadership? It Just Might Work!

24 Friday Jan 2020

Posted by The Book Chamber in Actions, Authentic, Honest, Leader, Leadership, Sensitive, Trust, Understanding, Value

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Ok… You are not sure about the title. Well, if it makes you feel any better, I’m not sure either. For what it is worth, I have never been known to be overly sensitive. Now, that is neither good or bad, but…

The question I want to tackle today is it ok for a leader to be sensitive? The answer probably depends on who you ask, and maybe where they are in their leadership. With anyone, the easy answer could be for some to be less sensitive, while others should be more sensitive.

I genuinely believe there are times when both need to be exhibited, and there is a very fine line between the two. But in any case, I can see it being more of a strength instead of a weakness. True experience is the greatest teacher here.

Quality leaders are sensitive to the realities of others. Consider that statement as it applies to you. Are we aware of the leadership battle that rages inside each of us? Do we realize that to walk in quality leadership, that is for others, is to live a leadership life that shows sensitivity to the things that go on and around us?

I’m not saying that you have to carry everything and everyone on a silver platter with kit gloves. That is not it at all. But to acknowledge and be in tune with the lives of the people around you speaks volumes for how you lead and, more importantly, how people will follow you.

Are you willing to step out behind that “Wizard of Oz” curtain and let others see that it is ok actually to care? There can be some level of security in being sensitive toward others in your leadership. Once you acknowledge this, be assured that others will also. When it happens, everyone will be better off.

Do not be known as the “leader” who flippantly shows the facade of caring. Be the leader that others know that what they see behind you, is the true meaning of your leadership… that you do care.

Remember… Think Leadership and Be For Others

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