Confusion is common.
Confusion is the gift of those who think they know but don’t.
Wisdom seeks clarity. Evaluated experience delivers it.
Ken Blanchard and Mark Miller clarify, “The Secret,” of leadership in five letters:
S.E.R.V.E.
S.E.R.V.E.: See the future – envision and communicate a compelling picture of a preferred future.
- What do I want to be true of the future?
- Why should anyone care?
S.E.R.V.E.: Engage and develop others – recruit and align people for the right job.
- What invited my engagement in the past?
- Which of these factors are missing in those I lead?
The future is about people not programs, projects, or products.
Mark Miller on the role of failure and success in developing leaders (1:35):
S.E.R.V.E.: Reinvent continuously – continuously focus on improvement.
- How do I need to change?
- Where do I want different outcomes?
Successful leaders address and correct problems without creating negative environments.
Mark Miller on reinventing continuously without becoming negative (2:53):
S.E.R.V.E.: Value results and relationships – generate measurable results and cultivate great relationships.
- Which is my personal bias as a leader – results or relationships?
- How can I compensate for the area that’s not my personal strength?
Leaders who are great at results and relationships reach the highest.
S.E.R.V.E.: Embody values – live fully aligned with stated values.
- What values do I want to drive behaviors in my organization?
- What are my actions communicating?
Ultimate leadership question:
“Am I a serving leader or a self-serving leader?” (From “The Secret“)
“The Secret” won’t take long to read but it takes a lifetime to live.
Which letter in the S.E.R.V.E acronym do you find most important?
Most challenging?
Entry for the book giveaway is now closed.
****
Bonus material:
Free Chapter of “The Secret: What Great Leaders Know and Do.” (No email required.)