Recognition

Great leaders recognize the efforts and successes of those that work with them. Sincere recognition and appreciation develops deep loyalty and spurs motivation. But, when it comes to our own motives, we need not be concerned about recognition.  Great leaders do not worry about accolades coming their way.  They are focused on the direction, goals, and accomplishments of their team. Recognition comes naturally to quality leaders; they need not worry.  The satisfaction of leadership comes in recognizing others and developing them as people and as leaders.  Consider this quote from a somewhat well know President. Happy Presidents’ Day!

“Don't worry when you are not recognized,

but strive to be worthy of recognition.”

--Abraham Lincoln

Why do we care?

Why do we care so much about what other people think?  Too often we let that thought drive our decisions and actions.  I know I do; I care.  I want people to like me, or at least think positively about me.  We should not let that motivation change who we are, or what we believe.  We should never be too absorbed by what others think.  Taken one step farther, we need to be realistic about our ability to influence.  While I am a strong proponent of leadership through influence, we do not control others’ thoughts and actions.  We can model leadership behaviors.  How people chose to act in their own lives is not dependent upon our behavior.  As humans we are independent thinkers and make our own decisions, it is a power God has granted us.  As such we have influence but not control over those we love and lead. 

Just be careful about taking yourself too seriously.  It can be dangerous…

Don't take anything personally. Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.
- Miguel Angel Ruiz

Recognition

It is so important to recognize the efforts and successes of those that work for, and with, us.  Sincere recognition and appreciation can develop deep loyalty and spur motivation.  But when it comes to our own motives we need not be concerned about being recognized.  Great leaders don’t worry about accolades coming their way.  They are focused on the direction, goals and accomplishments of the team.  Recognition will come naturally to quality leaders, they need not worry.  The power of leadership comes in recognizing others and developing them as people.  Consider this quote from a somewhat well know President…

Don't worry when you are not recognized,

but strive to be worthy of recognition.

--Abraham Lincoln 

Fear

What are you afraid of?  Failure, public speaking, poor health, cold calling, old age, job loss, betrayal, heights, risks, all things that conjure up fear in our minds.  Fear is a great motivator.  When I started my own business several years ago I had a good friend (already a successful small business owner) tell me that he was motivated by fear every day.  He felt afraid of failure and fearful of letting down those who work for him.  Those fears drove him to work harder every day.  Those feelings have motivated me as well over the last six years. 

We all have our fears.  Many of them are business and financial related, others are more personal.  What sets us apart is how we attack and deal with our fears.  Notice I did not say overcome them.  I do not believe that is always possible.  There is something healthy about a certain level of fear.  The objective is to not allow fear to define us or let it paralyze us.  Consider this…

“Everything you've ever wanted is on the other side of fear.”
-George Addair

Move past your fears!   Have a blessed week…