Attitude

I have written before, as many have, about the importance of attitude.  Most such writings focus on the power of a positive mental attitude.  Rightfully so, much credit is given to the strength of a proper attitude.  The power of positive thinking is a popular concept and a valid one.  What about the power of a bad attitude?  Think about the impact of a negative attitude?  What is the cost of having the wrong mental attitude?  Consider the thoughts of the third President of the United States.

 Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude
from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the
man with the wrong mental attitude.

                                                        -Thomas Jefferson

Courteous

What does it mean to be courteous?  Are we always courteous to those around us, home and work?  It seems so easy to be discourteous in the fast paced world we live in.  Consider the definition.

Cour - te - ous

Adj. Characterized by gracious consideration toward others. 1: exhibiting courtesy

and politeness; "a nice gesture" [syn: gracious, nice] 2: characterized by courtesy

and gracious good manners.

Gracious consideration!  Think about that the next time traffic is frustrating you, or the guy in front of you at Starbucks is ordering 12 drinks!  Think about being intentionally courteous, it is a simple behavior that can positively impact your relationships on an everyday basis.  Think about it in the business world and perhaps even more importantly at home.  For some reason we easily forget to be kind and courteous to those we love.  

Be courteous this week!

Uncertainty

Life is filled with uncertainty. Like the line from a Rascal Flatts song, “Life’s like a novel with the end ripped out”, we don’t know how it is going to end.  We don’t even know what tomorrow will bring.  The only thing promised is the moment of the here and now.  That can be a little frustrating for those of us that are type “A” controlling and planning people.  It just seems like there is something in the way we think that makes us want to be in control and plan towards a specific outcome.  While there is nothing wrong with that, we must understand that ultimately we are not in control.  God has a plan for our lives and if you want to hear Him laugh just tell Him YOUR plan.

 You can’t jump ahead to read the end of life’s novel, but you can enjoy the read and know that a great ending is coming.

Leadership

Positions and titles can cloud the judgment of leaders.  Often when leaders reach a certain level, or status, they seem to think they are required to independently have all the answers.  It is like they believe that with the title comes the obligation to immediately have the correct answer to every question.  They put undue pressure on themselves to respond with authority, even when they may not be confident of the answer.  Great leaders do not fall in the trap of this kind of thinking.  They know that quality leadership requires a decision making process.  That process may require time, and it may involve other resources.  Good decision making does not come as the result of a title or a position, but is the result of experience, wisdom, and thoughtful processing of the circumstances.  Making the ultimate decision is different from feeling like you must have an immediate answer in every circumstance.  Great leaders are always prepared to step up and make a decision, but in doing so, they know they don’t have to respond immediately or have all the answers themselves.  They know to consult experts, conduct research and fully consider all options.  Our responsibility as leaders is to make sound, well thought out, and rational decisions, not to simply provide an answer.