Don’t know what you think of Time Warner, but their CEO just emerged victorious from a major corporate battle. Take a peek at this Wall Street Journal interview with Richard Parsons.
Its always insightful to get a view from someone who has fought for what they believe in…or so it appears.
Do you know what you know? Sounds strange, but are you familiar with your talents and strengths? If someone asked you to give your personal "elevator speech," could you do it?
Knowing what you know is why we were supposed to create vision and mission statements. Sadly, those statements have become stale because we write, print and forget. If you’re not careful life can go that way.
One fascinating thing about true successes relates to their ability to know what they know. Don’t think that only famous athletes understand this. Ask Rick Williams of the Violet Baptist ChurchViolet Baptist Church in Pickerington, Ohio, or Larcel McGhee of the Flip Flippen Group are two individuals that come to mind who live this out.
Start now by writing down what you know, and start getting to know what you know.
I believe we are shaped by the things that shake us. But not many of us have encountered what Eddie Lampert did. He was kidnapped a few years ago. Mr. Lampert is obviously very successful in terms of money…I think there’s more to the story though. Check out the last exchange between the writer, Mr. Lampert’s mom and Mr. Lampert himself.
As in music, the last statement will put the rest in perspective.
Do you have time to put off those goals?
I wonder about the identities of high-level executives in today's corporate world. To be fair, I wonder about your identity. This is not meant to judge you, but to express my concern. Sorta like, if you knew I was planning on driving drunk, you'd tell me to hand over the keys. Identity isn't always that straight forward, but it is as important.
Maybe like the CEO, you're someone who became what the organization demanded or seduced you with. What about that burning desire to perform? Regardless, somewhere along the line, a career of imitation began. Now before you say that I'm picking on executives or corporate types here, these statements are for all of us.
Are you who you really are, or are you an imitation? What does the face-behind-the-face look like?
Being authentic requires a willingness to be real. It requires the courage to say, "I don't believe in this crap." Pardon my frankness, but maybe that's where authenticity begins. Saying what we really feel. I'm not recommending that you just blurt something out just because you "feel it." I am recommending that you be honest with yourself by admitting and doing something about it.
So what gives with the imitating? Find the vision and you'll realize that you don't have time to be anyone other than who you are.
In the end, the only people who matter are those who dig the authentic you.
Found this link to a Barron’s article profiling Carl Ichan. Obviously, the article is about an investment. But can you read between the lines?
For those that think leadership is soft…HA!
I read once where an entrepreneur spoke of having a greater fear of regret, than of failure. What a powerful statement! If some fears are healthy, then the fear of regret is a good one. Regret…that cold reality of something lost, that will never return.
If you find yourself questioning your vision or destiny, think about the regret factor. I am of the mind that if a person pursues their true vision/destiny, they will not fail. They will hurt, they will suffer loss, and thankfully they will be shaped by God (He is the author of destiny).
Here are a few tips on avoiding regret:
I saw a this article about Lush Cosmetics and the creative brain that runs the company. I like his approach and energy.
Don’t think for a moment that only certain kinds of companies can be creative and dynamic.
Leadership implies vision…
What happens when a insecure leader is given power? If you were thinking of chaos, you would be correct. But I want to take a look at another manifestation…decisions and outcomes.
First, an insecure leader will more than likely be very hesitant about making decisions. He or she will view a decision as a statement about them personally. Obviously, this will create a very dysfunctional environment for the followers. Especially, since most insecurities are driven by fear.
Outcomes are a little trickier. Outcomes are usually traced to the deciisons made, but I’m speaking of those that the leader assumed would happen from the beginning. This is the habit of thinking that because of their power (title, office location, pay package), that things will "go" as the leader wishes. And I mean wishes…we are talking about insecure leaders here.
Power is a lethal force (for good or evil). In the hands of insecure leaders, it can be downright deadly. If you’re a leader driven by insecurities, then go deal with them. If you’re about to hire an insecure leader, I hope your organization has a "real" influence development program…you’re going to need one.
Most would agree that we are a culture that loves the individual. This talent article proves my point. But whatever you do, don’t forget that no one is successful alone.
Now, if you’ve identified what’s calling your name, we’ll examine the power of preparation. This can be tricky…you might want to take things into your own hands. If you act in a rash manner, you’ll assure a disconnection. It will be difficult, but if you truly want destiny (not compromise), you’ll be willing to allow things to "come."
I can’t stress enough of the importance of preparation. In my own life I’ve seen how God shapes and molds for destiny. Epic Living does not fit my past pursuits. I was a man seeking riches and fame to soothe me from a world of rejection. That was my usual tact, but then I realized there was only so much time for me to be what I was made to be. Preparation is so important…very much like practice is for the professional athlete. Without it you don’t win.
In the spirit of preparation, ask yourself the following: