Talent and drive become liabilities when you’re off the rails.
#1. Success-Induced Complacency
Success makes you underestimate your need for growth.
I ask audiences to raise their hands if they’re smarter than the person sitting beside them. We laugh, but overestimating yourself derails growth.
#2. Living by Urgencies Rather than Priorities
Urgencies make you feel important. But they are derailers.
Effective leadership requires priorities.
Three things obscure priorities:
- Pressure.
- Problems.
- Opportunity.
The most dangerous urgency is opportunity.
Priorities enable “no.”
#3. Pouring into Others but Not Yourself
You run out of steam when you pour out but don’t pour in.
Warning phrases include:
- “I’ll take time off after…”
- “Just this time.”
- “I just need to finish this before…”
“Next time” gives failure permission to continue.
Stay on the Rails
- Frequently reflect on yourself and your journey.
- Turn values into behaviors.
- Connect with mentors and coaches. Avoid those who pressure you to be like them.
- Define yourself by your values, not external expectations.
A note: Being yourself is never an excuse for laziness, indulgence, or flaunting weaknesses.
One lesson brings leaders back to center. Jim Parker, former CEO of Southwest Airlines, told me fifteen years ago, “Be yourself.” (Jim was CEO during 9/11.)
It’s not about being indulgent or arrogant. It’s about becoming your best self every day.
Which of these three derailers is most dangerous?
What have you learned about going off the rails?
Off the Rails From: Ideas for Leaders
