Why a Blog on Leadership?
Leaders are instrumental in changing the world. This is why I have a passion to focus most of my time and energy on developing, launching, and supporting leaders. So, why am I launching a leadership blog? There are so many out there that you and I enjoy, so why add another one to the list?
Here is my goal: I want to provide practical tools, language, insights, and ideas that can quickly be used to make us more effective as we lead. As I do this, there are a few things worth noting that I won’t be doing.
- Criticizing other leaders: In this culture of critique, we can find many blogs, posts, and tweets that break down the strengths and weaknesses of leaders in politics, business, and religion. Negativity is low-hanging fruit, and people are making it their brand to take cheap shots and assume the worst in others. I hope to focus on tools and principles that build all of us up instead of tearing others down.
- Proposing solutions to the culture wars: Issues are important, but learning to lead in the midst of tension and cultural debates is even more important. Learning how to be civil and composed and learning to facilitate helpful discussions are vital leadership skills. Hopefully, this blog will avoid the polarization of today and help us wisely navigate our challenging times with empathy, insight, and skill.
So here is a look at what you can expect.
- Tools for leading: I am a geek about leadership tools. Tools make things so much easier. Having the right tool for each situation makes all the difference in the world. I am committed to sharing proven tools that make our jobs easier and that make us more effective leaders.
- Insights that help us overcome some of our leadership roadblocks: We all have roadblocks that stop or that impede our progress. Insights can help us break through some of the barriers that keep us stuck.
- Resources: I am a leader who loves to learn. And I have a lot to learn. I also know people who are great leaders. There are so many good leadership resources out there, so I plan on highlighting some of the best leadership resources available.
With that long introduction, let me get us started by highlighting the most difficult job of a leader. By far, the greatest challenge for all of us is leading ourselves. We can cast vision, create strategies, recruit, train, speak, resolve conflict, and make the hard decisions. However, taking the time to lead ourselves and doing it well is our greatest challenge. Let me encourage us to consistently ask ourselves these three questions:
- What emotional needs do I have today?
- How full is my tank?
- What do I need to do today to get replenished?
Only you can answer these questions for yourself. Only you can lead you. You are too good to be neglected. Since all of us are uniquely wired, the plans to lead ourselves will also be unique and personalized. Take the time necessary to be a good student of you. Discover your needs and your best fuel source. Once you know your needs and your fuel, build a plan to consistently address those needs and to get refueled. Remember, your ability to impact others and change the world depends upon how well you lead you!