As a leader, we need to keep an eye out for our team members who are going through a hard time in their lives, at work or at home. This is the most important time for us to be aware and to act. Not for our sake, but for those we have an opportunity to lead. If we act with a pure heart of authentic love, we can have a significant impact in people’s lives that could result in lasting ripples.
If you were going to rate yourself on your listening skills 1 to 10; level 1 being not very good and level 10 being a great listener. How would you rate yourself? Every leader needs to score a 10 on listening. It is a key attribute that enables a leader to develop a deep relationship with people that creates real trust. I witnessed this on a recent backpacking trip. Here’s the story…
What is your passion? Do you have a creed? When was the last time that you reflected on it? When was the last time that you pursued it? I hope you are pursuing it, but if not you're wasting time; time that won't always be there. I was reminded this by someone very close to me who pushes me to be all God intended me to be. Hoping that this blog will inspire you to get off your butt and follow your passions; passions that will have an impact in people's lives.
Has someone every shared their journey with you? How did it impact you? Sharing your journey with someone not only impacts that person’s life, but it also impacts yours. If you want to impact someones life, take a minute to read my blog. I hope that it inspires you to share your journey with someone else so that you continue to grow as a person and a leader as you impact others lives all the while.
I received another one. Every week since I started working with the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), we received an inspiring message from the acting Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV), Thomas B. Modly on the Navy’s public blog site where he posts communication to the Sailors, Marines and civilians working for the Navy. These messages were called “Vectors”. The name struck me for some reason, so much so that I wanted to find out why he called it this.
Using the skill of decisiveness is not only used in the workplace and when you are working with those you have the opportunity to lead. It is used in all aspects of your life. Would you consider yourself decisive? If you are wondering and want to reflect on it a bit more, take a few minutes to reflect on my thoughts about the topic.
Where has the road led you and what have you learned along that road? I am learning as I grow older that it IS all about the journey; the journey of life as a leader. I think it is important to keep our eyes focused on our destination, but if that is ALL we do then we will miss so much along the way.
During a conversation I had with one of my life mentors, Rick, he shared with me some challenging words that he had heard at a conference earlier this year. He told me about how we, as people, go through life so quickly and how much of life we miss because we live this way. The biggest opportunity that we miss is the impact that we could have in people’s lives if we would just slow down.
Last summer I traveled with my immediate family to Rhode Island and New Hampshire to be with my extended family for a wedding. All the activities were amazing and fun, but I think one of the best parts and a part that I always look forward to is the time I spend with my brother. As I have written before, my brother and I always end up on some adventure; usually more than what we had planned for.
So Ross, a close friend of mine and amazing endurance junky, threw a question at me late last fall and asked, “Do you want to do a road bike ride with me this spring?”. Now I had not ridden a road bike since I was in elementary school, but did ride quite a bit with my Dad back then. I had actually acquired my Dad’s old Miyata touring bike from him just before this and because I always like a challenge, I said, “sure”...
Learning Leader, LLC | Paul M. Perrin
