Git 'er Done!

One of the best qualities of Interstates is leaders who want to make a difference for their clients, help their teams, and solve problems (e.g. the Git 'er Done mentality). This attribute has helped build Interstates and our reputation of being responsive and providing great service to our clients, which is awesome!!!

Could this same strength become a weakness? I hate to say it --- Yes it can. You might be thinking, "sounds like a crap sandwich, Scott!" Maybe it is; maybe it isn't. Let me explain and then you give me your take on it.

If we as leaders only focus on getting things done by jumping in and solving problems, then it will become a weakness. We will focus on the challenge. We will set the direction at the beginning and then forget about it. We will also forget about the people. We and our teams will become lost in the challenge. Think back to your leadership challenges in EIL. As the challenge moves along, we forget about the direction/the goal. We become more intense and more focused on getting it done (winning). That is when this strength moves from an asset to a leadership liability.

The next time you are faced with a challenge:

• Set the direction
• Embrace this strength
• Remember the direction/goal during the whole process of overcoming the challenge 

If you do this, it will be a great example of how to Lead the Interstates Way. 

So, what's your take on it?
Scott Peterson

 

 

10 Leadership Thoughts and 1 Challenge

Are you working to keep your leadership platform strong? To help you continue to build a strong leadership platform, the leader team is challenging you to an assignment. In the next 48 hours, take 15-30 minutes to:

1. Read the "10 Thoughts About Leadership from Jon Gordon" below.
2. Identify 1 item from the list that you could focus on in order to develop one stronger relationship and thus, a stronger leadership platform. As Nike would say (everyone together) - "Just Do It!".
3. You're down to 47 hours 59 minutes and 15 seconds.
4. Please post your focus area in the blog comments. The goal is to see at least 10 comments showing how we are working to strengthen our platforms - and I'd love to see you blow that number away. With 13 current EIL participants, 13 current mentors, and many leaders from EIL2 and refresher classes, we can get there.

10 THOUGHTS ABOUT LEADERSHIP from Jon Gordon

 

1. People follow the leader first and the leader's vision second. It doesn't matter if the leader shares a powerful vision, if the leader is not someone who people will follow, the vision will never be realized. As a leader, who you are makes a difference. The most important message you can share is yourself.

 

2. Trust is the force that connects people to the leader and his/her vision. Without trust there is a huge gap between the leader and the vision. Without trust people will stay off the bus. However, if people trust the leader they will hop on the bus with the leader and will help move the bus forward toward the vision.

 

3. Leadership is not just about what you do; but what you can inspire, encourage and empower others to do.

 

4. A leader brings out the best within others by sharing the best within themselves.

 

5. Just because you're driving the bus doesn't mean you have the right to run people over. Abraham Lincoln said "Most anyone can stand adversity, but to test a man's character, give him power." The more power you are granted the more it is your responsibility to serve, develop and empower others. When you help them grow, they'll help you grow.

 

6. Rules without Relationship Leads to Rebellion. Andy Stanley said this and it's one of my favorite quotes. As a leader you can have all the rules you want, but if you don’t invest in your people and develop a relationship with them they will rebel. This applies amazingly to children as well. It's all about relationships.

 

7. Lead with optimism, enthusiasm and positive energy; guard against pessimism and weed out negativity.

 

8. Great Leaders know they don't have all the answers. Rather they build a team of people who either know the answers or will find them.

 

9. Leaders inspire and teach their people to focus on solutions, not complaints. (The No Complaining Rule)

 

10. Great leaders know that success is a process; not a destination. One of my heroes, John Wooden, the legendary UCLA basketball coach, never focused on winning. He knew that winning was the byproduct of great leadership, teamwork, focus, commitment and execution of the fundamentals. As a leader, focus on your people and processes, not the outcome.

 

 

Thanks and keep leading the Interstates Way!
Scott Peterson