Reputation

 

How do you define your reputation? What does that word mean? It seems intangible to me. Do you see people who try to flaunt a reputation? Maybe even market a curated reputation?

Your reputation is not your decision. You certainly influence it by your behavior and actions. But I don’t think you get to say what your reputation is. I don’t think we get to talk about our own reputation.  Your reputation is determined by others. It is talked about by others. Consider this…

Your reputation is not what you shout, it is what others whisper.

Are You Self Aware?

 

Do you ever stop and reflect on your actions?  Are you able to step back and honestly reflect on your own behavior? I am not only referring to what you do, but how you show up. How aware are you of the impact your actions and behaviors have on those around you? Do they have a ripple effect on others?

Self-awareness isn’t just knowing who you are, it is understanding how you show up in the world. Be curious about yourself. That’s where real change begins.

Have a great week!

Be a Waterer

 

ESPN.com headline last week…“Dusty Baker, manager of the Houston Astros, buys custom suits for American League All-Star coaching staff”.

He paid for a tailor to make a custom suit for each of the American League All-Star coaches. How awesome is that? Here is Dusty Baker’s wisdom behind his actions. “I was always raised in kind of the church of he who waters gets watered himself. If you’re generous to others, then you know, the Lord and people tend to be generous to you.”

We could probably all do a little more watering. I love the analogy. Be a waterer. I am not talking about your lawn.

“He who waters, gets watered himself.”

Goals

Set clear goals and standards for each person.

What gets measured gets done.

--Brian Tracy

Great leadership tip!  The establishment of clear goals is so important.  They should be specific, time bound and measurable.  However, the real key is actually doing the follow up and measuring the results.  Human nature is an interesting thing.  People behave differently when they know that their actions will be monitored and measured.  For some it is a motivator, for others maybe just an obligation.  Whatever the case, what gets measured gets done.  It is just a matter of human nature.  Goals must be set, clearly communicated and then measured.

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