Respecting Relationships

Our relationships with others are an important part of our life and the world we live in.  Sure, how those relationships work and thrive has changed over the years.  Email and social media has modified how we interact but it is still a relationship world.  There is nothing more important than face to face interaction to cultivate a relationship.  But the immediate gratification and constant communication aspects of our society can negatively impact our relationship time, so can our just plain bad habits. 

 

Here are a few ways that you may be undermining a relationship when carrying on a “live” conversation.

·         Constantly looking at your phone

·         Lack of eye contact

·         Interrupting

·         Being late

·         Poor listening

 

These are obvious, and we all know better, but how many of these do you still do?  Value the time spent in face to face conversation with others.  Respect that relationship!

 

Are You Watering Your Grass?

When was the last time you made an intentional effort to improve your circumstance or better yourself?  We often covet other people’s jobs, lives or situations.  It is the old “grass is greener” theory.  The fact is that our grass is in our control.  It is our yard to work and play in.  Consider this…

"It is a myth to think that grass is greener on the other side. The truth is...the grass is greener where you water it."

-Keith A. Craft

 

Don’t spend your efforts on the lawn across the street.  Do what you can to make your lawn more enjoyable; join a networking or peer advisory group, read a self-help or leadership book, become active is a trade organization, take continuing education classes,  or a Bible study group at a church. 

 

Quit worrying about the grass being greener elsewhere, water your own grass!

The Willingness to Lead

Successful leaders must be willing to lead.  That may seem like a statement of the obvious.  Many people aspire to be leaders, others consider themselves leaders, but are they truly willing to lead? 

 

To become an intentional, respected, servant leader one must be willing to lead.  I use the word willing because it implies a desire to change, to do what it takes.  One does not simply become a true leader because of their age, status or title.  Leadership requires work and is developed over time.  It requires a willingness to change and adapt.  Successful leaders understand themselves as well as their followers, and they adjust accordingly.  They are intentional about reading people and analyzing situations to determine the best course of action. That approach is about the greater good of the project or organization, not the individual good of the leader.  Great leaders are willing to acclimate to personalities, circumstances and challenges.   

 Are you willing to lead?       

Responding to Setbacks

How do you respond to a setback? Consider this quote…

“Every strike brings me closer to the next home run.”    - Babe Ruth

What if we viewed each setback we encounter as moving us closer to an accomplishment?
• Every rejection brings me closer to my next sale.
• Each time I make a mistake I am getting closer to perfection.
• Every bad run or workout I have gets me closer to my fitness goals.
• Each time I have to counsel an employee or a child brings them closer to their capabilities, and strengthens me as a leader and parent.
• Every piece of negative feedback helps me adjust and perform better.
• Each bad day I have just means the next one will be better.
• Every time I say I am sorry teaches me a lesson and provides the opportunity to not have to say so again.

How will you react to a setback this week?