Sometimes to lead, you have to self-actualize; spend time reflecting on oneself, ones actions, and ones purpose. If you don’t, you risk losing sight of why you lead which is a risk no leader should be willing to take.
This weeks leadership post is in honor of Self-Awareness. As you aspire to inspire your teams with greatness may you take a moment to commit yourself to the following…
BE THE ONE…
- Who doesn’t blame another before asking what could I have done differently
- Who gives empathy always, and sympathy when appropriate
- Who doesn’t define success through the eyes of another
- Who is humbled by accomplishment and understands that leaders give credit far more often than they take it
- Who doesn’t accept the “Status Quo” – just because it has been done one way for a long time doesn’t mean it is the best way
- Who has the courage to ask – whatever the question may be
- Who chooses to embrace failure and then allow it to make you better
- Who leaves a mark on everyone you connect with – a catalyst for positive change
- Who seeks to make a difference each and every day you walk this earth
- Who doesn’t give up – Choose to persevere
- who always walks the talk
- who encourages honesty, inspires passion, and lives with integrity
Are you the one? If so, I thank you for your positive contribution. If not, I challenge you to be…the world needs you!
I’d like to thank Tristan Bishop (@KnowledgeBishop) for introducing me to the hashtag #BeTheOne on Twitter. It was this hashtag that has inspired me to write, share, and hopefully inspire with this post.
Some great insights. One addition, clearly and regularly state and live out your BELIEFS the core to WHY you.........John
johnlaffan1 action is the key!
My latest conversation: Buyer Beware: The Social Media Bio
To lead as a boss in a company, one must first know the goal of managing people.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYtNvZYDwtQ
Then it is necessary to understand what leadership is!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlWoF1etFP4
After that, we will need to know from scientific research what motivates us, all of us.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6XAPnuFjJc
I won't go into exactly what to do to achieve the goal, but I think you have the big picture.
Best regards, Ben
Leadership is a science
http://www.bensimonton.com
I know I'm late reading this Dan - you were sitting in my inbox for ever but I LOVE it. LOVE it.
I am the Pres. elect of my Alma Mater's (Milton Hershey School) Alumni Association and we've been plagued with too many 'political/ego' issues in the past. I am handing this out at my strategic planning session if you don't mind.
GREAT STUFF.
AmyMccTobin Thank you Amy - honored by your kindness and support. You can share away - heck Skype me in ;)
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Daniel great post to have leaders stop. think. dig deeper. act! The one thing I have noticed with this list, sometimes you can't learn these things. I think it is in your right brain wiring!
keithprivette Interesting point- awareness is a key- but it is a good question to ask if these are things that can be "Learned"
Daniel,
You are speaking my language with this. The more people we can rally to inspire leaders to redefine their understanding of leadership the better. This reads like a short manifesto. I can see a whole series as you dive a little deeper into each of the items listed. Go for it my friend.
All great and important points. It's hard to find one person who exhibits all these characteristics ALL the time, however it does not hurt to try. The three I focus most on are:
1.) Not defining success through others' eyes. This one is very liberating and allows you to "be yourself," which typically increases your probability of success and leads to less internal conflict.
2.) Not necessarily "embracing" failure, but not fearing it either. Often times "failure" is quite subjective and it's possible to lose many battles and still win the war.
3.) Not giving up. If you are trying to accomplish interesting things and willing to challenge yourself, you will run into roadblocks. By having a 'never give up" attitude, you can get most anything done.
Thanks, Daniel. This post was interesting and thought-provoking.
CompanyFounder I agree - in fact I don't know a single person out there that exhibits all of these. However, it is something to strive for. Keep pushing right? That is what I do each and every day. Thank you so much for stopping by.
danielnewmanUV Looks like you have your hands full, but if you do start to exhibit all of these, let me know and I want ask you to run one of my businesses or one my clients' businesses. :-)) Good to meet you. Paul
CompanyFounder Well nevertheless - let's connect sometime. Love to meet those who have the fire and passion to lead change!
danielnewmanUV Sounds good. Same here!
Hi Daniel, I’m so glad Tristan introduced you to the #BeTheOne Community on twitter! It's always great to have more contributors with positive inspiring thoughts. We also have a monthly chat on the first Saturday of each month and hope you’ll join us. You can see some of our previous chats and learn more about us on our Be The One Blog here: http://betheoneblog.wordpress.com/
Bridget Haymond I am going to check it out and if I can join the conversation one of these saturdays I most certainly will! All the best to you.
Great thoughts on taking personal responsibility. There's an amazing connection between being comfortable in your own skin and being able to take responsibility for your actions. If you are grounded and know where you stand, you won't feel compelled to offer excuses. Thanks for the inspiration, Dan!
Be absolutely dead perfect, yes? Maybe if we weren't human beings, we could actually pull this off (or you could simply change "always" to "most of the time"). This looks like the kind of blog post made for "Great post, Daniel!" comments.
Just saying :)
Is being your best self "most of the time" much of an aspiration? I think I'd rather say "always", then appreciate those who let me know when I get it right, and KINDLY let me know when I get it wrong.
danperezfilms You know how I feel - But I have always aimed high and I'll challenge you to do the same. How is that for bringing the real world to Woodstock?
This is an inspirational reminder Dan! I appreciate all that you do to connect with people on a daily basis.
I also enjoy the #BeTheOne Community. A great place to share content and find others with similar passions.
As a leader I aim to walk my talk daily. Honestly, some days are more clear than others. Reality teaches me this is not always easy to accomplish on a consistent basis. Real inspiration comes from within first...this is truly the only way to fire up others on your team or in your social community. Leadership action speaks volumes.
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Daniel, thank you for contributing to the #BeTheOne community in such a powerful way. I look forward to your future tweets and articles. Follow me pdncoach
pdncoach So glad to have you stop by and read - look forward to joining the #BeTheOne conversation
danielnewmanUV You've helped me realize that I have never written specifically on BE THE ONE in my own blog. Going to have to take action on that now. Thank you. Join me at The Intersection of Purpose and Now.
danielnewmanUV Just posted my attempt at http://www.purposeandnow.com/2011/09/75-ways-to-be-one.html, with an homage to you, Daniel.
I just found you, Daniel through a tweet of Aaron Biebert's. Twelve excellent points to keep in mind: you're certainly leaving a mark on everyone you connect with, being a catalyst for positive change--my kind of guy and you're in Chicago! Just followed you on Twitter (both monikers); let's get to know each other. I have Cubs season tickets, Daniel; perhaps I can take you to a game at Wrigley next season; just invited Aaron to one, too.
Robert Terson Robert - thank you so much for reading and stopping by - let's definitely get together soon. Although I'm a Sox fan - I'm always happy to visit Wrigley :)
Love it, great list Dan! Be the one who owns it. Be the one who is fair. Be the one who stands up for your people.
Dan, thank you for being the one.
This post is a great way to start the week. I'm going to go share it now on twitter. :-)
Biebert I agree it's a great way to start the week. Even though I try, I'm sometimes NOT the one I want to be. This is inspiration to keep getting it right - or trying to at least.
jeanniecw It is always worth while to give it a shot :) That is what I do - just give it my best
jeanniecw Jeannie, I'm also not what I want to be sometimes. It's hard. That's why it's key to read Dan's blog for reminders like this.
Biebert Hey Aaron - notice the number above is 12? Perhaps one for the leadership section????
danielnewmanUV Well Dan, that would be awesome. I'm writing one right now too.
Biebert perhaps let's update and get it in the queue for the next few weeks?
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