You Want to Contribute – What Really Holds You Back
What really holds you back:
#1. Unfocused intention.
Leaders rise to the level of their focus.
Intending something to happen doesn’t make it happen.
Making a difference in the world is an intention that requires specificity.
It’s normal to intend to make a difference. It’s exceptional to actually make a small difference for someone today.
How might you take action on your good intentions today?
#2. Unfinished action.
I tell audiences I have the attention span of a squirrel on steroids. Perhaps you’re always chasing the next shiny object.
If you’re like me, finish something today!
The ability to finish takes you further than the ability to start.
Starting is essential. But finishing is success.
What might you finish today?
#3. Unrealistic expectation.
Don’t create unrealistic expectations by presenting yourself as the savior-leader on a white horse.
Magic fairy dust isn’t real. And tough challenges DON’T have easy answers.
Occasionally we experience dramatic breakthroughs. Don’t expect them! Tough challenges and nagging issues are seldom solved with magic fairy dust.
Lower expectations if you’re stuck.
Your best and only option for progress is to learn and adapt as you go.
- Define the challenge in a sentence or two.
- Create three behavior-based solutions.
- Choose one solution. What will you do to move the ball forward?
- Evaluate results.
- Adapt and take the next step.
Tip: If you’re uncertain about the next step, do something that won’t cause harm.
I wonder if we chase trivialities because it gives the illusion that we’re important.
#4. Unchallenged assumptions.
Your wheels are spinning because you believe you’re doing the right thing but you’re wrong. It’s time to challenge assumptions.
You hold to wrong assumptions when:
- Pedaling harder is the answer.
- Your solution is THE solution.
- Your interpretation of the situation is THE interpretation.
Who might provide new insights or perspective?
What really holds leaders back from their best contribution?
Bonus material:
The Importance of Being a Focused Leader (RFC)
4 Ways Making Assumptions Can Ruin Your Life (Business Insider)
What really holds leaders back from their best contribution? I compare to like building a puzzle, you see the entire picture yet we need all the pieces. Each piece is component of the end product, so if the workers are the pieces and the leader is the builder we need to all see the end result in the same picture. If the vision is clear on the final picture than the assembly will fall into place. Happy Friday Dan…
Happy Friday, Tim! Love the puzzle illustration. Sometimes leading feels like putting the pieces together without seeing the original picture. In order to make real progress study the picture and being with the edges. Or, as you describe it. Clarify the vision.
I think we chase trivialities because it gives us the impression we are productive when, in fact, we are often just keeping ourselves busy.
Thanks Kim. Perhaps we’re addicted to busyness!
Leaders can be held-back from progress by presenting an idea, strategy or guidance without actually listening to comments, feedback, etc. from trusted peers, employees, etc. Ideas can be ugly in the beginning and when I allow myself to let an idea ‘breath’ or support the direction an I goes, I’m often surprised with the end result (better than I initially thought). By surrounding yourself with the right people, creating an environment where ideas and feedback is welcomed, and actually listening to feedback- an idea can turn into something far greater than anticipated!