TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE WE MUST VIEW THINGS DIFFERENTLY

We often receive an unexpected boost from motivational quotes. Many inspirational thoughts originate within the world of sports BUT life is more than playing games, it is about dreaming what might be our reality if only that which is could become what we hope and wish it to be. It is about reaching beyond our wildest expectations to grasp a slice of reality from a pie not yet baked. It is about setting goals beyond what is achievable so we will be forced outside of the box in which we are comfortable while moving towards things yet to be considered. We all stumble and fall while travelling through life but the difference between success and failure is whether we stay down or we get back up. How great a success (or how serious a failure) is often measured by what we learned by falling.

Some people seek comfort from every storm, preferring to remain within the safe harbors of life without venturing outside the protected coastal waters.  They accept as their treasure the remnants and wreckage washed upon the shore. They accept what they have or what others might give them as all they may ever receive, allowing others to conquer unknown territories and discover treasures far beyond their ability to imagine. As a gull finds sustenance in things discovered that have been discarded by others, they make the most out of what is rather than reaching out for what could be. A gentle breeze may become a raging storm to one seeking tranquility in life – their security disrupted by even the smallest pebble tossed into the sea if calm is the only acceptable outcome.

Others seek adventure, preferring to march head on into the storms of life. They hear the howling of the wind and seek to identify where it came from (rather than seeking shelter from its power), watching the disruption left in its path as it races away.  They accept that the wind cannot be seen and recognize that it cannot be contained yet dreaming of riding upon it to overcome the gravity attempting to hold them back. They prefer to identify opportunities as they move boldly forward in life rather than seeking comfort in what they have accomplished. They would prefer to be a hawk hurtling down towards an elusive prey as they are unable to tolerate being a scavenger relying upon what has been left behind by others for sustenance. Their need for autonomy and independence is far too great to accept the paths forged by others as being the best (or only) ways to do things as they seek opportunity rather than safety...challenges rather than calm.

To move forward through life we must fill our emotional pantries with thoughts of grandeur rather than beliefs that doing as we have always done will produce different results. Stagnations occurs when one believes that “where they are” is “the best that could ever be.” In order to move beyond this false ceiling, take time for the “little things” to become big rather than expecting all things to become significant without thought, effort or consideration. Do not move so fast that you fail to enjoy the journey while seeking a destination. Make time to help others along the way for when the going gets tough, others may be the only lifeline available to keep you going. Find peace and joy in all you say and do, seeking comfort (and reward) from your ability to make discoveries rather than discovering comfort only from what has been done. In order to experience gain within our lives, we must realize change. We must keep our eyes on the prize as we move relentlessly towards it – taking two steps forward for every one that we might fall back – if we expect to grow. The “motivational and inspirational” quotes referenced earlier in this article can often encourage us to move forward rather than giving up along the way. Some thoughts of encouragement – particularly during these unpredictable times – might include:

·         Dreams take time, patience, sustained effort, and a willingness to fail if they are ever to become anything more than dreams. (Brian Linkoski)

·         We are here to add what we can to life, not to get what we can from it. (William Osler)

·         The greater danger for most is not that our aim is too high and we miss, but that it is too low and we reach it. (Michelangelo)

·         We know what we are but know not what we may be. (William Shakespeare)

·         When the winds of change blow, some people build walls while others build windmills. (Chinese proverb)

·         If all you seek to become can be defined by what you have accomplished, accept comfort in who you are.  Those who truly know you, however, may mourn the death of what you could have become. (Dave Smith)

There is no limit to what we, as people, can accomplish when we seek results and conclusions rather than recognition and credit. We accomplish many things not yet imagined and bring to fruition countless things not previously realized when we seek and claim success during the journey – counting and acknowledging each step taken as we run the race – rather than waiting until our quest has ended to look back finding satisfaction in the results of our effort.

We cannot allow our eyes to drift from the prize if we seek to move from “good” to “great.” It takes commitment, determination and intentional action to move beyond the storms that darken our lives to the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. While there is nothing wrong with finding comfort within an accomplishment, one cannot move forward if they are so attached to their short-term success that they allow their long-term potential to pass them by. When we fail to seize opportunity it is often lost. When we chose not to act we have defined a course of action by omission and must accept the ramifications of our contentment rather than enjoying the rewards “of commission” not yet revealed. Make a difference in life by approaching things differently as you move forward. Perhaps your life can become a “motivational and inspirational tool” to those around you as they seek to change – a sail helping to leverage the power of the wind pushing them to new heights rather than an anchor holding them securely within their tranquil harbor.  It is well known that one cannot expect to experience different results by doing things the way they have always been done.  Perhaps it is time that we all focused on what MIGHT BE rather than WHAT IS as we fulfill the ultimate goal in our lives – to make a difference by being different.

UNINTENTIONAL (OR THE AVOIDANCE OF) ACTIONS OFTEN BRING UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES

Were we to live in an ideal world, everyone would focus more on new beginnings than on conclusions or endings.  “Drawing a line in the sand” would define more our intent to move forward than to keeping us from stepping (or falling) back – to establish that we are initiating a new path or direction rather than celebrating where we are or have been.  People far too often think that closing one chapter is more important than opening the next.  I prefer to think drawing a line in the sand should serve as a springboard launching us into the not-yet realized reality existing within our mind, heart and imagination – a destination that cannot begin to materialize unless and until we intentionally start the journey.  We must also recognize we will never experience the differences we seek unless (or until) we take intentional action to move from where we are to where we wish to be.

INTENDED actions usually result in planned and expected results BUT can also result in UNINTENTIONAL consequences if we do not monitor progress towards a goal and take steps to change our course should we become lost along the way.  Unintentional actions (or missed opportunities) almost always set wheels in motion that often stop rolling in places we had not considered, planned for or expected PARTICULARLY should we simply not act.  INTENTIONAL actions typically create INTENDED consequences but progress must be monitored to make sure that what we anticipated is coming to fruition. 

Should we wish to change the direction and/or course of our lives we must do more than think about what has to be done – we must put into action our thoughts and intentions.  When moving forward we should reflect upon the past (rather than holding tightly to it), embrace the present (while looking ahead to where we might wish to “land” as we are letting go), and seek to clearly differentiate our dreams and/or goals from the relatively easy extensions of our current circumstances as we act intentionally to bring them to fruition.  We should allow each day’s sunset to bring closure to life so the nighttime mist can nourish the dark before it gives way to the morning light offering a fresh new perspective on where we are and what must be done.  We should never be content to find shelter within what was nor seek sanctuary in a new beginning that does not lead to altered expectations or a uniquely different destination.  Far too many well-intentioned individuals stagnate just beyond their line in the sand because they were more concerned about moving from where they once were than they were with charting and planning a new path that might lead them in a different direction.

We have nobody but ourselves to blame when we intend to do something but “do not get around to it” should an outcome turn out to be different than we expected.  Intending to be early for a meeting does not guarantee an early arrival if we actually leave ten minutes late.  Intending to work hard around the house does not mow the lawn if we do not intentionally start the lawn mower.  Intending to get good grades in school does not assure us of a stellar grades unless we have intentionally decided to study.  Intending to visit a shut-in friend or relative does not constitute support until we intentionally and deliberately invest our time and efforts to do so.  Our best intentions are just that – intended thoughts not put into actions.  Whenever we think we SHOULD do something but we choose not to (for whatever reason), we initiate an unintended action.  When we choose not to act intentionally, however – examining the alternatives and acting (or NOT acting by design) we often change the course of our (or someone else’s) life.

Nelson Mandela once wrote that “another may forget what you say or what you do but they will never forget how you made them feel.”  When we choose to help another out of a jam (rather than wishing them well as we watch them flounder) we make a difference in their life.  Caution should be taken, however, that such help does not become enabling.  We should teach those around us how to manage their problems so they might be avoided rather than hiding from them while seeking outside intervention, help or assistance.  We will not change, however, until we choose to act no matter how noble and honorable our intentions.  Action might translate into finding a program or class, securing employment (or new employment), seeking guidance from a knowledgeable resource, initiating a new relationship or intentionally doing things that will move you from your “comfort zone” into unfamiliar territory.  Regardless of the action, a conscious decision to take intentional action must occur – even if intentionally and knowingly choosing not to act – in order for “change” to happen.  We cannot travel a new road until we first INTEND to move then put that intention into action by venturing forward.

We cannot change our (or another’s) future – contribute to anyone’s good – until we CHOOSE to act.  In order to either consciously change or intentionally maintain the status quo we must do things differently than they have been done before OR know why we are doing them the same until something different is warranted.  Simply failing to act can be an expression of good intentions – a hollow consideration that will not produce a desirable consequence.  Do not let yourself live a life of unintended consequences by either failing to act OR acting in a way that would ensure failure due to your lack of planning or intentionality.  Do what you say, say what you do – or what you intend to do – then ACT.  Do not let your lack of action define and/or invalidate your good intentions, rather bring your intentions to fruition by focusing your actions and moving deliberately forward towards the accomplishment of your yet to be fully defined or discovered dreams.

ACHIEVING YOUR TRUE POTENTIAL

Sometimes an individual is able to succeed, grow and prosper because of a unique perspective, appropriate timing (right place/right time), or plain good luck in spite of the things that are consciously done to create the success.  More often, however, much planning, analyzing, modeling, and “sweat equity” go into bringing dreams to fruition (the assumption being that dreams, hopes and/or goals are set so that a definition of accomplishment exists).  An individual must selflessly invest his or her time, money and effort to realize the returns that inevitably come when one mortgages short-term leisure time for long-term rewards.  While the creation of jobs and the return of wealth to a community may be offshoots of profitable business, they are simply the byproducts of an individual realizing his or her dreams and leveraging the abilities of many to bring to harvest the seeds planted and nurtured to maturity. 

One must closely monitor progress and constantly identify obstacles that could hinder the accomplishment of goals – either avoiding or minimizing their negative impact – to help guarantee success.  Changes to established plans should be considered carefully before acting, but actions should be intentional (rather than reactive or simply the avoidance of taking action) to deter any situation that left unaddressed could disrupt or encouraged could enhance a potential result.  A business will never reach its full potential should a leader focus too intently upon the path rather than the prize at its conclusion.  Similarly, an individual will never reach his or her full potential unless a destination has been established and a path considered before beginning the journey that would lead to success is initiated.

Business success can be directly linked to the ability of stakeholders contributing freely and creatively to growth.  In order to leverage the power of people an organization must foster and encourage personal development.  Though focused training (or even encouraging employees to use an organization’s educational reimbursement program) can help to develop individual strengths, abilities and self-confidence, encouraging employees to envision the future and where he or she may fit then empowering them to speak openly about their ideas are necessary for an individual to reach their goals BUT one must establish an objective before it can be successfully achieved.  When expected to think about what they WANT to be, WANT to accomplish or realistically EXPECT to achieve, people will take on a totally different perspective than if they are told to do something.  To taste success one must start with a conclusion - a goal or set of expectations – before embarking upon the path that would lead to accomplishment.  Without an end point, one will never know when they have arrived, how far along the trail they might be or how far they might yet need to travel.  Life without purpose can be eventful but is rarely satisfying – it may be full of new beginnings but may meander meaninglessly without “ends.”  In fact, doing what another says may move someone towards the accomplishment of another’s goals but rarely will it cause someone to act on their own so any harvest will be limited to the expectations expressed and expected by another.  Actions will become important to individuals only when they see and believe that something is important – when they see the potential gain is far greater than any possible loss.  Recognizing that failing and losing are a natural part of winning and gaining is essential – people must give themselves permission to fall as long as they internally establish an expectation to get back up and move forward.  Learning does not come from failing – it comes from recognizing what caused the shortcoming and avoiding making the same mistake twice.

Once a goal has been established an individual must determine how it could be accomplished.  What knowledge or ability must be attained to equip one with the experience and resources necessary to achieve the goal?  Who must be brought into the solution (and who might it be better to exclude from its execution)?  Training (or even planning) is far too often an afterthought to the accomplishment of a dream.  When we start “doing” without first thinking we may taste limited success but our accomplishments may be achieved in spite of ourselves rather than because of anything that was intentionally done.  Organizations can play an active role in this providing the environment in which individuals can experiment, the tools or training they may need to gain experience or knowledge, and the climate in which they can succeed – but “providing” is often not enough...expecting engagement and holding one accountable for results are both necessary to produce tangible results.  An accomplished and educated individual may or may not be able to leverage their past experiences to achieve great things.  To achieve greatness, people MUST steadfastly advance towards the realization of their dreams – something that is impossible to do unless and until one thinks about what they want to do and where they want to go – what they hope to become and how they wish to contribute – in life.  In order to continually move forward, systems must be put in place to identify obstacles that could hinder progress AND grant permission to individuals that they can act to make warranted changes.  An individual will never reach their full potential should he or she focus too intently upon the path rather than moving towards the prize at its conclusion.  Likewise, an organization will never leverage the power of its people if they are kept in the dark, expected to “do” rather than to question, and stifled by a fear of failure rather than being allowed to grow and learn from making mistakes.

Some may hold onto the memories of their past, reveling in thoughts of what has been accomplished while finding satisfaction in where they live within the moment.  They often find comfort in living a life of “good enough” as they validate their worth by being “better than those around them” (even if they have to bring others down to make themselves feel better).  They are content to live just within another’s shadow as long as they are free to bask in the warmth of their past glory. These individuals are like “good” employees – the may do nothing wrong but rarely do anything outstanding.  Others tend to look through the windshield rather than through the rear view mirror as they travel life’s highways.  They frame their lives by questioning “Why...?” or “What if...?” as they move forward, always seeking to expand their capabilities by developing their resources.  They rarely see “good enough” as being acceptable because they constantly “reach for the sky” rather than being content to stand upon the floor that the limitations of others has established.  Those that seek to live up to their full potential establish internal goals and expectations that build upon who and what they are.  While seeking to be better each day they compete against themselves by challenging their own ideas, expanding their abilities and seeking to be more than they are rather than pulling others down so they look better.  Success comes to those seeking it, NOT to those seeking to keep others from achieving it. 

One’s potential is not measured by what he or she has done but rather by what he or she is capable of doing.  The potential of an individual is not an accounting of where he or she has been nor a comparison against the accomplishments of others.  It is anticipating what the future could be IF NOT limited by past accomplishments or present comforts.  In order to reach your full potential you must build upon (rather than being content within) all you have done as you intentionally seek all that you might yet do.  Take the time to chart a path upon which you can travel and set your targets high in all that you do, say or wish to accomplish.  Unless (and until) one begins, he or she can never expect to finish their journey.  Unless he or she has an objective it is rare that one can “finish the race.” A line drawn in the sand is meaningless unless one moves forward intending never to fall backwards beyond the self-imposed boundary.  In order to ACHIEVE one’s potential one must first realize that he or she HAS potential then must do everything within his or her power to bring that potential to fruition.  Everyone has the ability to do more with what they have – to reach goals they once thought unreachable or to accomplish things once thought to impossible. Visualize your objective, reach beyond where you have ever stretched and you will find yourself accomplishing more than you ever considered possible.

INSPIRED LEADERSHIP - NOT JUST FOR BUSINESS

 

Most people have met inspirational leaders during their lives.  They tend to be understanding or even introverted – rarely seeking attention for what they do as they prefer to find their recognition in what has been accomplished.  They do not worry about who gets the credit for an idea or a job well done – they prefer to share in the positive results and selflessly distribute praise to others involved.  They are typically the first to accept responsibility for failure and most vocal in shielding those that may have been involved but were not accountable for whatever may have misfired. Inspirational leaders tend to go through life as the base of a pyramid, providing support for the whole – the cornerstone bearing most of the weight - rather than seeking to be the stone elevated to the top that everyone sees but truly serves little purpose. 

Inspirational leaders are not always the captains of industry.  They can often be the power behind the throne, making things happen through their subtle influence rather than their obvious demands.  They are typically great communicators – be it through the written or spoken word, a poignant pause, a raised eyebrow, a strengthening smile or an encouraging nod of the head.  To truly inspire others towards action – influencing their DESIRE to perform as required rather than DICTATING what must be done – we must first understand what motivates ourselves before we can begin to motivate others.

Different things motivate different individuals, but everyone is motivated by something.  Money?  Success?  Comfort?  Recognition?  When we manage people it is imperative that we identify what is important and meaningful to them as we ensure that our own motivations never supersede the needs and requirements of those being led (which can only occur if one truly takes an interest in those being managed).  Recognizing that “mature” workers prefer rules (and their consistent application) to an individualized approach of employee discipline, for example, helps us understand why they might react differently than a worker just out of college who would prefer “group-think” and “second chances” (and might think/respond/react differently should we apply rigid and absolute interpretations of rules or procedures).  Understanding that sales people often prefer public recognition, freedom from structure and broad parameters in which to operate while administrative professionals would like enforceable standards of conduct and measurable objectives helps to clarify the friction that often exists between more structured “anchors” and more free-spirited “sails.”  Values, experiences, socio-economic status, learning styles, and “stage-of-life” all strongly influence behavior at work and must be considered before attempting to lead. 

Beyond age, aptitude, experiences, and social status, there are subtle motivational influencers we must acknowledge when leading others.  These less obvious critical human factors would include:

• How one wishes to be recognized for their accomplishment
• When (and in what manner) credit is preferred for contributing a good idea (or correction is best and most productively heard)
• How much freedom an individual needs (wants or simply desires)
• When should a person be allowed to learn from failure without fear of reprisal (vs. being stopped and corrected before failure becomes reality), and
  
• How confidence can be instilled in others by their knowing someone is there to “support them and pull them along” rather than to “push them into unchartered waters expecting immediate results” 

As a parent would raise a child, a manager often finds him or herself in situations where both praise and punishment must be administered – and understanding an individual’s personality, upbringing and values becomes invaluable when leading them to seek success without inhibiting their growth.  Inspirational leaders treat those being lead with dignity, respect and EQUITY (rather than equality) as they know every person has been given different tools, abilities and resources that must be blended into the workings of the whole with each contributing in a manner that allows them to achieve both personal and organizational success.  Expecting (or implying the expectation) that everyone will contribute equally to the resolution of a problem or situation unfairly burdens those that would prefer (and are good at) “doing” while holding back those that are creative, innovative and willing to take well-considered risks.

A good leader demands respect – a great leader receives it without asking.  A good leader is able to accomplish change – a great leader initiates change exponentially greater than he or she could anticipate by leveraging the creative power of each individual working for him or her and channeling it towards the accomplishment of a common goal.  A good leader pushes his or her people to perform – a great leader creates a vision then gets out of the way so that his or her people can move forward together towards its accomplishment without fear of reprisal should they need to learn from failure along the way. 

Great leaders often minimize what someone cannot do or how he/she might be different than everyone else preferring to focus instead on individual strengths and the value of including diverse experiences, perspectives and ideas within the decision-making process – and how those unique characteristics can be leveraged to develop and implement creative solutions.  Recognizing and acknowledging our own motivators will help us to be better leaders – understanding them will help us become better individuals.  Providing an environment in which everyone can operate to their highest potential will help them to become good employees – creating an environment where they are able to work together towards a common goal without fearing resentment or failure as they contribute equitably to the implementation of potentially alternative solutions will help them to become better people.

Truly great and inspirational leaders put others ahead of themselves as they become the wind beneath the wings of those encouraged and allowed to soar to great heights.  They rise with those around them, being pushed upwards by the group’s accomplishments rather than stepping upon individuals beneath them as they climb the ladder to personal success.  Leadership is not innate as it takes much study, self-sacrifice and practice to transform a good manager into a great leader (and it is made easier if an individual is “wired” to lead and that strength is recognized through appropriate profiling before being given the opportunity to lead).  While management techniques can be learned and applied to create a specific outcome, leadership is an art that must be demonstrated by how we react and respond to others and in the way we live and act everyday – the consistency that allows others to count on you doing what you say you will do whether they like it or not.  While leaders and managers are both able to get things done, a strong manager demands obedience and compliance while a great leader instills confidence and trust. 

Individuals forming successful relationships within a non-supervisory or leadership capacity (whether inside or outside of work) share the same tendencies but they are rarely acknowledged.  Instead, terms like “kind, warm and understanding” rather than “tough, selfish and self-centered” are more often used outside of the workplace when, in reality, the same characteristics that make a leader great tend to make a person great within their personal relationships.  Putting another (rather than yourself) first, understanding the needs of others before prioritizing and communicating your personal needs, allowing another to learn from failure – even if it might hurt – are subtle characteristics that can create (or destroy) effective and meaningful relationships.  Inspirational leaders often work behind the scenes to accomplish what must be done.  The same is true within relationships – supporting another to encourage their success while finding joy in what others might think of as being mundane (though their work is often the “glue that holds things together” rather than the polish that everyone else sees) and caring more for another than you might care about yourself are behind the scenes strengths that are too infrequently praised.  Dominating, dictating or “winning at any cost” are attitudes that tend to poison relationships (much like they destroy mutual dignity and respect within a workplace setting).  While we all may want to “leave work behind” when we go home (or leave what happens at home outside the door when going to work), do not leave behind the positive characteristics that make us good at what we do because they are often the same strengths that make us good at being who we are.