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Don’t Be Fooled

I hate looking foolish. No, that’s not strong enough…I loathe looking foolish. The reason I know this is that I’ve done it so many times, I’ve come to understand just how much it bothers me.

How Are You Being Fooled?
Have you convinced yourself you’ve figured it all out? Or that you’re making the right choices? Or you believe without you the organization will fail? Of perhaps you’ve convinced yourself that there is a special leader at the center of the universe named “you?”
What do you think the people around you (and me) are thinking when we behave this way? Does our credibility rocket skyward; or; have we compromised the trust we believe (read here => convinced ourselves) we have with our people?

Its A New Day
If we’re thinking in terms of teams, integrating ideas, difference, conflict, good data, and making a difference in our organizations and communities we’re on the right track. So how do we move from a self-absorbed focus to one that actually provides some leadership?

One step at a time, that’s how. Changing styles (and I don’t mean personalities…they never change) is a slow process. Find a mentor, even if you’re a “seasoned” professional, and accept their feedback. Critically examine your impact on the workplace through open lines of communication. Look for criticism. Yes, that’s right…look for it. You may have had a bunch of bobble-head yes-men around you for years…now its time to get real….if you have the courage to try.

How About You
Are you willing to step up and get out of your employee’s way? Its a difficult choice, but so far I haven’t met anyone, including myself, who likes playing the fool.

I’d love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

pic courtesy of svprojectmanagement