Things to Think About

Inspiring conduct has so much more of an impact than coercing it - Thomas Friedman

It’s such a simple quote, but it represents a concept that is all too often missed by leaders.  Leadership in the 20th century was all about status and authority, things that signaled the likelihood of a directive coming from someone that was to be followed without question.

Today, it’s a much different world.  Yes, status and authority are still with us, to be sure, but what gives status and authority real meaning today, with regard to leadership, is personal example.  And, personal example is what brings us back to inspiration.  A leader’s personal example is possibly the most powerful source of inspiration. Their example is a window into what is really important to them and it serves as a guide for others regarding their own behavior.

So, the next time you are pondering the performance of your team, the best place to begin might be to examine the example you represent vis-a-vis what you are expecting of others.

Good luck on your journey!