Movement

 

Our goal as leaders, public speakers and thought leaders should be almost singularly focused on movement. It matters not what we say, the message we deliver, or the thoughts we convey, if they do not lead to movement. When I say movement, I mean action. I mean forward movement. I mean progress. That's what we want to instill in teams and organizations. Forward motion should be our constant goal.

Sure, we can speak on platitudes and concepts, but if they don't lead to action (movement) what good have we done?  Think about your next staff meeting. What about your next company address? How about your next one-on-one with your team leader? Are you conveying a message that creates movement? I feel like it's one of the greatest leadership questions we can face. Are we encouraging movement? Does our leadership result in action?

Who will you help move forward this week?

Character vs. Reputation

 

It occurs to me that character and reputation may at times become confused, the words even used interchangeably.  It is probably obvious, but they really are quite different. 

 

Reputation – The beliefs or opinions that are generally held about someone or something.

 

Character – The mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual.

 

We live in a world that is very image oriented.  What people drive, where they work and what they wear can dictate their reputation.  We all know these things have little to do with one’s true character.  Great emphasis may be placed on how we outwardly appear in public, but that is not what really matters.  Our character, who we are on the inside, what we stand for, what we hold dear, are the things that really matter.  We should concern ourselves more with those things than what others see on the outside.  When we do that, a good reputation will follow.  A person’s reputation is not insignificant, but it may not be accurate.  Our goal should be to be a person of great character on the inside which will lead to a great reputation on the outside.

Do the right thing

…even when nobody is looking. The true test of integrity is to do the right thing even when it won’t be seen by others. The right thing is always the right thing.  You know it in your gut. Don’t let the bright light of the public eye, or the darkness of a solitary decision influence what you know to be the right thing. 

As we celebrate Martin Luther King Day today, consider this quote attributed to him.

The time is always right to do what is right.

            -- Martin Luther King, Jr.

Do the right thing, even when nobody is looking.

Praise

Never underestimate the power of praise.  I have wrote before about making sure that praise is given in public.  More importantly, make sure that praise is given period.  It is a huge motivator for people.  For many it can be more powerful than money or advancement.  There is just something warm and positive about being recognized for a job well done.  For managers it may even make sense to combine both praise and constructive feedback in the same conversation.  It can lessen the impact of the negative and help provide motivation for improvement.  This is not just about your role at work.  It applies to home life and as well as any volunteers roles you may have.  You do not want to be known only as a negative critic.  The bottom line is that praise should be a daily part of a good leader’s routine.  Consider this quote…

“I have yet to find the man, however exalted his station, who did not do better work and put forth greater effort, under a spirit of approval than a spirit of criticism.”

-       Charles Schwab