Take action before you’re competent. You act without ability when you learn to hit a baseball, for example.
The less you do, the less you’re able to do.
When effort drops, tolerance for effort fades.
The more you do, the more you can do.
You learn to lead by leading.
Here’s how…
Isolation is destructive security. Use the “Call Five People” rule to shatter your silo.
When You Lead in Isolation…
Perception narrows.
Judgment dulls.
Mistakes multiply.
Influence shrinks.
Doubt amplifies.
Ego solidifies.
Failure compounds.
Who should you call? What should you ask?
The illusion of agreement produces disappointing action.
Fitting-in congeals complacency. Conformity doesn’t keep the peace; it puts people to sleep.
Constructive friction is a spark.
Jerk-holes rage against a dissatisfying world. It looks like courage, but it’s bluster.
Habitual discontent is an anchor. Constructive friction is a sail.
Two ways to practice constructive friction.
Everyone has potential. But you don’t run a rescue mission. Forget about coaching the incompetent. Train them.
The more capable the person, the more valuable development.
Elite performers in every sector have coaches.
Coaching won’t compensate for lack of aspiration or talent.
How to spot the coachable?
“Meetings have become weapons of mass dysfunction.” Rebecca Hinds, PhD
Attendance is not engagement.
Silence about bad meetings is permission for more.
Move status updates out of meetings.
Become a meeting minimalist.
Eliminate meetings that exist only to compensate for broken information flow.
The purpose of team meetings is to achieve something you can’t do alone.
MORE…
The courage to go first inspires those who follow.
The Wright brothers proved that powered flight was possible (1903). Later, Chuck Yeager became the 1st person to fly faster than the speed of sound (1947). Eventually, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the moon first (1969).
Here are 5 ways a leader inspires others by courageously going first.
