Three Anchors to Release Before You Fly
Only a fools expect to get ahead with anchors tied to their feet. But, everyday, leaders cling to beliefs and behaviors that prevent success.
Success requires letting go.
The saddest decisions are the ones that seem helpful, but harm you instead.
Three anchors to release before you fly:
#1. Release the anchor of expecting ease. Make life easier for others, especially those with heavy responsibility.
Service has value when it meets pressing needs or makes life better for others.
- Think about giving, even when it hurts. Say, “Yes,” to opportunities to serve. Disadvantage yourself in order to advantage others.
- Set boundaries based on your values. Serving isn’t becoming a doormat. Learn to say, “No,” but say no sparingly. Don’t sacrifice your family in service to others, for example.
- Suggest alternatives if you must say no. Don’t just cross your arms like a rebelious toddler.
#2. Release the anchor of holding on to offenses.
People disappoint. People won’t notice some of the great stuff you do. You might not get the credit, even though you did most of the work.
- Bitterness pollutes you. You might think, “If they’re not going to appreciate me, I’m not going to give my best.” Who is harmed by that approach? You might as well fill your pockets with rocks.
- Bring up offenses with a generous spirit. Don’t barge in demanding your rights. Think about how to strengthen relationships, instead.
- Take responsibility for your part in offenses. Perhaps you should have communicated more clearly. Maybe you said, “Yes,” when you should have said, “No.”
- Explore solutions more than pointing fingers.
#3. Release the anchor of waiting for the perfect moment. Step out before things are “just right.” Imperfect progress trumps the myth of perfection every time.
Explain what you’re trying, not why you’re waiting.
What other anchors hold leaders down?
How might leaders release anchors that weigh them down?
I think it applies generally, leader or no leader. Nicely expressed. Thanks.
Thank you sir. Have a great week.
In teaching others I am so happy to share that this has been our philosophy. All of us benefit from this message and is why I shared it on my page. Thanks.
Thanks Patricia. I appreciate you sharing.
Thanks for this one. I needed it. I think I need to work on the second anchor a bit, but the third one is the one that weighs me down the most. I tend to want to know what the end looks like in detail before I take the first step. I love your concept of imperfect progress. It has helped, and continues to help a lot. I need to continually ask myself: “Explain what you’re trying, not why you’re waiting.”
I think “Imperfect Progress” would be my One Word… if it was one word.
Thanks Joel. I respect the transparency I read in your comment.
I know lots of leaders who grapple with #3. You aren’t alone. The higher you go the more challenging it is to step out.
Love your “one” word. 🙂
So true! I smiled reading this post because I began my career with this 3 anchors. I still need to work on the anchor 1.
Actually, I met some “leaders” with a fourth anchor : the anchor of feeling indispensable.
You think you’re the only one able to solve problems, you don’t delegate or not enough, and spend your days managing crises. On the one hand, you do so many things everyday and on the other hand, your team doesn’t improve and is not involved. Your team could produce much more!
Feeling indispensable is the best way to do all wrong.
Solution: delegate intelligently, improve the skills of your team, make people feel important and responsible.
Step back, think organization, efficiency and improvement !
Thank you Dan, your posts are always great!
Romain
Can anchor #3 be separated into the anchor of perfect timing and the anchor of perfection? Seems like those are some of the mind traps that many otherwise remarkable people are prone to.
I also would like to add the anchor of tunnel vision. During hectic times we all tend to become overly focused on the to-do list and inadvertently lose sight of the big picture. Crossing items off may help you to fill productive and accomplished. However, as a leader, it is crucial to not allow that kind of systematic approach replace systems thinking.
Thank you for sharing your brilliant insights, Dan. Mine can be found here – https://myquestforexcellence.wordpress.com/blog/.
I think the idea of “waiting for the perfect moment” is often an excuse to prolong or avoid the inevitable – leaders need to grab the bull by the horns, not in a commandeering way, but as a means of opening dialogue to whatever problem is at hand so it can be dealt with in a productive, collaborative manner. Plus, as most of you know, the “perfect” moment never comes.
Hello Dan: I have been sharing your messages to my team and I have found great help from these. I actually have been seeing a change in their approach of leadership skills. There is no day where I miss reading your articles. Infact my day starts with your articles. Thanks a lot. Let these keep coming!!!