Like most Americans I began the New Year with some resolutions to make things in my life better. Also, like many, one of those things was to drop some weight and get healthier. I am pleased to say that so far, I’m succeeding at this resolution. My wife and I are doing it together and we’re both beginning to see a difference in weight and health. Although short-term and still aware that I’ve not yet changed life-long habits that will keep my weight off permanently, I can already pull a few lessons learned, and apply them to my leadership life. Perhaps you can too.
Let’s start with the question: Is their extra weight we are carrying which is inhibiting our ability to be the best leader we can be? I’m not talking about physical weight here, although that can apply because extra pounds cause our energy to drop and our long term health to suffer, but rather, are there extra pounds in the form of attitude, habits, and effort? Just as we do when we get on the scale for the first time on January 2, is it clear that there are things that need to change in order to help us drop the weight and become healthier? Even though it’s now February, I would encourage you (and I) to reflect on the areas of our leadership that might need a diet!
In attitude, it’s possible that we’ve slipped in our optimism which greatly affects how we lead our people, especially volunteers. For decades I’ve said that the leader of people needs to be the thermostat and not the thermometer, meaning that the leader must be the one to set the temperature of the team and not just reflect it. Our attitude toward the task, the people, and the mission has to be set where we want it to be, not where it might be at the moment. Likewise, there might be a habit that is weighing you down. Look at how you live, how you think, how you act, and how you lead. Is there any habit that you’ve developed that you really don’t like, or worse, one that you’d be embarrassed if someone else knew about? We can go on a diet and fix those habits, just like I’m doing with diet and exercise. Finally, we need to look at our work ethic. Ask if you are putting in the effort level that warrants being a leader of others. Just as I can see a difference in my health directly proportionate to my effort, so too can it be seen in my efforts and work ethic as I lead others. Another foundational approach to leadership that I employ is that I will never ask a volunteer (or staff member) to do something that I’m not personally willing to do if needed. Work ethic is extremely important.
Here is one last thing that has really helped me this month. I mentioned that my wife and I are working together on our resolution to drop weight and get healthy. I’ve lost weight before on my own, but I must say that it is easier and more enjoyable to do it with a partner, one that supports and celebrates along the way. This is true of leadership too. Leading others is hard work. There are days when you want to give up and go eat a brownie. But, if you lead alongside other leaders who support you when you’re down and celebrate with you when you win, even in small ways (like .4 of a pound), it is much easier to stay on track. So, enjoy your diet and I will try to as well!
Lead well.