I see the world in a certain way. I don’t think that’s a bad thing; in fact, I’m not sure how I could see it any other way. I’ll always have those unconscious biases playing in the background and influencing how I think, speak and act.
The challenge, of course, is what to do about those biases as I become aware of them?
My Lens
The lens I use to see the world is clouded with high expectations, little tolerance for excuses, and even less patience when it comes to repeated leadership failures. I’m not trying to be cute here…failings in these areas send me right over the edge.
That clouded lens of mine has served me well, but it has also been a source of much frustration. So, where is the gap?
Savvy
The value I place on being a savvy leader is not merely because it is important. Quite the opposite…everyone who is actually paying attention to the practice of effective leadership understands it’s importance.
The challenge lies in helping those leaders who don’t understand what it means to be savvy. You know who they are in your organization. They use lots and lots of words, yet somehow for all of their “knowledge” they fail miserably when the moment comes and they have to be savvy.
In the moment.
Without thinking.
Without running to a supervisor for guidance.
Acting with the full knowledge of what is at stake, and the accompanying dynamics that will play out.
…and they have to do it instantly.
Is this difficult to do? Of course it is.
Are we supposed to wait and wait and wait and wait while our “leaders” take an inordinate amount of time to “get up to speed” and be savvy?
Absolutely not.
How About You
Achieving results for our organizations does not happen because we make excuses. We do not grow, open new jobs, pay our people, or create an employer brand that is second to none while simultaneously justifying why the same errors are repeated.
Be the savvy leader your organization needs. Push yourself to be what you’ve always wanted to be. If you’re not ready…don’t pretend. Everyone can see through your talk. Instead, be humble, listen, learn, ask questions, and give yourself a chance to take your career to the next level.
I’d love to hear from you.
No Excuses.
