Are you kidding?! It is November 4th in Michigan – what does that bring to mind? Blankets of leaves, Halloween-sugar-overdose, jackets, maybe even hats, and the prepping of snowblowers. Well, not today! It is 73 degrees in Michigan and the sun is shining – it is glorious! An afternoon appointment cancelled, so I managed to sneak away to the shores of Lake Michigan!! I just couldn’t resist – woohoo!
As leaders it is important to seize the day. Not only seize the day, live it to the fullest! Make the most out of it. I’m sure you know all the buzz-phrases. But seriously, are you leading joyfully? Or are you a bit downtrodden? If you’re not exuding your best and most authentic self (no, I didn’t say you should be (fake) positive) – if you’re not seeing potential and possibilities, you’re on a slippery slope. Based on the work I do, I meet quite a few beaten-down-by-the-onslaught-of-issues leaders. Everyday, I see them fade away a little bit more. Unfortunately it typically doesn’t get addressed until it is big enough to label it: Employee Disengagement. Each person within your reach, whether in your charge or not, whether consciously or not, is impacted by you.
I think of our attitude like a spiral, and with a few reactive moments/interactions/choices/thoughts, we can send our mood/energy/vibe spiraling down. And it always picks up momentum. Unfortunately. Kind of like these crashing waves. What starts out as a little ripple in the middle of this vast lake turns into this crashing, forceful wave, hitting the shore. The little ripple doesn’t have any idea what power and momentum it has put into place! So, Mr./Ms. Little-Ripple-Leader, what are you sending out there?
Hey…I’ve gotta go, there is a gorgeous sunset to view!
Lake Michigan Sunset Nov 4 (play this video for 30 seconds of sunset-bliss)
