Dangerous Stories Leaders Tell

The stories you tell shape the emotions you feel.

Emotions can’t distinguish truth from fiction. You feel real fear watching a horror movie. Novels produce sadness, anger, compassion, and joy.

We cling to the emotions our fantasies create.

Be the architect of your perspective, not the victim of your fantasies.

3 Ways to Ignite Commitment

Pushing uncommitted people is like driving a car without gas.

Commitment solves:

Foot-dragging.

Excuse-making.

Constant supervision.

Commitment turns intention into action.

Compliance is forced. Commitment is given. The difference is relationship.

3 Ways to Ignite Commitment

7 Unexpected Ways to Exceed Expectations

Rituals establish expectations. When someone says, “Good morning,” you respond in kind. When someone extends their hand, you extend yours.

You exceed expectations by disrupting patterns.

Exceed expectations by disrupting comfortable habits. The unexpected wakes sleepwalkers.

Don’t simply manage the routine. Interrupt it.

Defeat Negativity

Negativity is a way of explaining. Change the explanation. Change the outcome.

Pessimists explain problems as: Permanent. Personal. Pervasive.

Optimistic leaders explain problems as: Temporary. Specific. Changeable.

“Finding temporary and specific causes for misfortune is a sign of hope.” Martin Seligman

Challenge All Requirements

Reject requirements you can’t defend.

Dead policies scare people into submission. Established practices need an exorcism.

Are today’s requirements good ideas gone bad?

“Simplifiers are accelerators.” Jon McNeill

Learn five questions that challenge requirements.

10 Warning Signs You’re Off Track

You go off track when you’re busy. Hectic schedules hide drift.

You’re off track when…

#1. You deal with the same issues repeatedly.
#2. People don’t challenge your ideas.
#3. You’re working harder than everyone else.

MORE….

Plus: 4 Ways to Avoid Going Off Track