“The chief danger in life is that you may take too many precautions.” Attributed to Alfred Adler
Caution weighs risks. Look both ways before crossing the street. Excessive caution never leaves the sidewalk.
Caution prepares. Excessive caution demands perfection.
Caution acts with incomplete information. Excessive caution demands certainty.
How to choose courage over self-protection…
Two leaders I coach aspire to tell compelling stories. A no-nonsense leader might scoff, “Just the facts.” Skillful leaders don’t simply share information. They create experiences.
Facts fill minds. Stories move people.
Stories bring ideas to life. The “Good Samaritan” gives life to “Love your neighbor.”
Learn the secret to moving people with stories.
A leader I coach mentioned that people seem disappointed when new problems keep showing up.
The reality is that yesterday’s success won’t answer today’s challenge.
The Navy SEALs say: “The only easy day was yesterday.”
Leadership isn’t for people seeking comfort. It’s for people determined to make a difference.
Learn the truth about problems and success.
#1. Oblivious jerks: don’t see how their behavior harms others. Thinks people should grow up.
#2. Coldhearted jerks: see how they drive people crazy, but don’t care.
#3. Visionary jerks: believe vision justifies walking on people.
Listening is harder than talking.
What would happen to people if you were more excited to listen than speak?
Ears expand influence.
The more you need to do, the more you need to listen.
The secret to expanding your influence is in your ears.
Learn the 7 Powers of Listening.
“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” Carl Rogers
Self-acceptance is the starting point of change. Controlling leaders loosen their grip when they accept themselves.
Accepting yourself isn’t complacency.
Acceptance precedes transformation.
Gain insights about self-acceptance in leadership.
