Category Archives: Uncategorized

The “Lights” of Leadership

30 Friday Nov 2018

Posted by in Christmas, Consistency, Inspiration, Leader, Leadership, Relationships, Uncategorized

≈ 6 Comments

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year…,” until you have to deal with the Christmas lights!

As we decorate each year, all of our Christmas lights are in one bin. Every year when we “undecorate” I take the lights, wrap them nicely, put them in a bin and close the lid. By the way, all bulbs of each string of lights are working…

Fast-forward eleven months and something has happened. Obviously, someone has gone in and tangled the strings together in knots, thus making many of the lights not work. I believe that the Gremlins have come back from the ’80s and are living in my attic. Anybody working with me? Have you Gremlins and lights not working too?

f6fb339ccaf818fc8f6c0f3e475ce7c2

So, where is this going with regards to leadership? Let’s see if we can turn the lights on and make a connection…

When you plug the lights in, one of three things is going to happen. Every light lights up, some light up, or none light up — only those three options. What happens when you plug your leadership in? Let’s let the lights represent characteristics of our leadership.

Those same three ideas are present when you plug your leadership in; your characteristics either all work, some work, or none work. Only one of three is for the best. Have you ever notice when you buy a box of lights they give you a “few” extra bulbs (just in case one does not work)? You cannot replace every bulb.

The question to be asked with regards to your leadership is, “Are the lights working?” Not some, not a few, but all. Think of it this way… Do the “lights” of your leadership shine? What type of connection are you making? Are there a few “lights” that are not working well? A much bigger problem is when not a single “light” comes on.

In leadership, we must regularly check to see if our “lights” are working; even changing a few bulbs out along the way. Sometimes we might just have to throw the whole string away and start new; and you know what, that’s ok too. Leadership is about finding what works.

Now, about all those strings being tangled up? I am going to blame that on the Gremlins… Someone fed them after midnight…

©2018 J Clay Norton

Remember… THINK LEADERSHIP!

Follow me on WordPress, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram

The Golden Rule – It would be great if…

08 Friday Dec 2017

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ 2 Comments

“We have committed the golden rule to memory; let us now commit it to life.” – Edwin Markham

golden

First, watch this video on the “Golden Rule.”

Second, this is not an endorsement for Marriott.  I just really liked the message of the video and thought about the connection it has with leadership.

Now, the video begs the statement, “It would be great if….”  Well, it would be great. Simple but direct thoughts as to why we should and how we can use the Golden Rule. There are numerous great one-line statements in the video.  The statement that stands out the most to me is, “It would be spectacular if the golden rule was golden to every man.” So easy to say, so hard to do.

The video made me consider how would someone practice and live the Golden Rule.  I convinced myself the reason more people do not, is because they, themselves get in their own way.

How can we be better stewards of the Golden Rule? Here are three ideas that we can think over…

You need to know who you are.
The real you is inside, and it will eventually come out. Great leaders know who they are. They know their strengths and weaknesses. It is hard to live the Golden Rule, as a hypocrite. The Bible is very clear on this, “You will recognize them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:16, English Standard Version). The difference is leaders who think they are great need someone constantly affirming their “greatness.”

Do right by people.
Doing right by people does not mean “give them their way.” When we “do right by people,” we put ourselves in their shoes and consider them first. I believe this embodies the Golden Rule more than anything else. That notion of “treat others the way you would want to be treated” does not go both ways. We want “right treatment,” but do not always give “right treatment.”

Have humility.
Humility does not come naturally for some. Some of us even find it the hard way, if you know what I mean. It is hard to help others and do right by them if we are always looking out for “me.” Humility is part of being a servant leader; it is not stepping on them to help yourself.  Do something for someone without always looking for something in return.

The Golden Rule puts others first, and it shows sacrifice on our part. It is what we want for ourselves, so why not give it to others? “It would be great if…” we truly tried the Golden Rule. A lot of the statements in the video could be turned into reality.

Let’s look for ways we can use the Golden Rule in our leadership.  Be intentional and watch how others will appreciate your service to and for them.

Remember… THINK LEADERSHIP!

©2017 J Clay Norton

Follow me on Twitter at 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

≈ Leave a comment

“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.”

 

4939659-chain-reaction-quotes-quotes-about-chain-reactions-quotesgram

 

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.

Mirror Mirror on the Wall, Do I See Any Leadership At All?

05 Monday Jun 2017

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ 2 Comments

“Truth sounds like hate to those who hate truth.” – Unknown

MIrrorTheme-300x224

Why do we look in a mirror?  To see what we look like.

When we look in the mirror, all we see is ourselves and I know this sounds corny but it is the only place we truly see ourselves.  The mirror is where we come face to face with the self-reality of our leadership.

Our leadership “check” is the mirror.  It is the only place we can have an honest evaluation about and with ourselves.  And it is very hard.  Why do you think this is?

Because we are the only ones that know the truth. We can hide, disguise, suppress, etc..

When we are faced with having a leadership self-check, does it help?  Why or why not?

If yes, then we have become broken, humble and our EGO has not gotten in the way.

If no, then we believe we are better than we really are.

Here a few “we will” leadership check thoughts as we look in the mirror…

  1. We will compare ourselves with those who we are better than.  This way we will make sure we always look good.
  2. We will never compare ourselves with those who are better than us.  Why? Because we have no desire to look inferior.
  3. We will always seek out those who think like us.  This will give us the answers we want to hear.
  4. We will rarely seek input from those who do not think like us.  Why?  See #3.
  5. In our own minds, we can justify anything to our benefit.

Looking in the leadership mirror is hard.  Accepting what we see in the reflection is even harder.

Let’s make sure that the leadership reflection we see is the leadership others want us to have.

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.