I’ve been meaning to write about this topic for a while now.
I’m frustrated. By the volumes upon volumes of leadership "how to" books, blogs, podcasts, articles...... All focused on the skills every leader needs to succeed.
It’s such BS.
The endless lists of things “Every leader should know”. Or do. Or accomplish before breakfast. Or read. Or…..
The reality is you can suck at a lot of things and still be successful.
How do I know?
Look around.
Who’s successful in your organization? Who's been promoted?
If you were to grade them on a list of “Top 10 Things Every Successful Leader Must Do”, how would they score?
Look around at the business leaders you respect. How would Steve Jobs do? Elon Musk? Jeff Immelt?
Leaders are flawed. They don’t conform to the countless lists of things “Every Great Leader Does before Breakfast”.
They suck at a lot of things.
And they're successful.
I’m writing this because it I see leaders working towards an idealized version of what leadership is.
It’s not the way to success.
Success is messy. Imperfect. It’s flawed people leading flawed teams in flawed organizations. And accomplishing a few spectacular things.
Why does this matter?
You have a small window in your day, your week to focus on your own development. And that’s all you need.
Make peace with the fact you’ll suck at a lot of things. Be mediocre at others.
So will your team. Your organization.
Spend your time figuring out the few things that will make the biggest difference.
For you. Your team. Your organization.
Focus on those.
That's where success lies.
Last month, we looked at three ways to develop your leadership skills in 2020. One of those options was reading.
Ready to figure out what to read?
I’ve got a few ideas.
If I work harder, I'll be more successful. And if I'm more successful, then I'll be happier.
Is this part of your formula for success?
What if it’s wrong?
The start of a new year. The perfect time to take stock and plan for the year ahead. For some of you that includes an interest in developing your leadership skills.
2020 is almost here. It’s the perfect time to take a step back and think about what you want from your career. And your life.
If your life is on track, this post may not be for you.
If you’ve been following my blog, you know I’m a big fan of redefining retirement. For those of you looking beyond golfing and grand-kids, here’s an entertaining and inspiring 7 minute video that offers a different path.
I was having breakfast with an amazing friend. Let’s call her Sarah. Fancy pancakes on a lovely fall morning. The food was great and the conversation even better.
As usual, we spent the bulk of our time sharing what was new in our work lives. I told her about a new coaching program I was working on. For retirees who want to work. They don’t want the 9-5 grind. But aren’t sure what to do instead.
Last week I wrote about getting started managing your career. (insert link)
This week we’re going to focus on engagement - really liking what you do.
Managing your career. It can be hard to know where to start. Many leaders I’ve worked with tell me it’s something they know they should do. But life is so busy, it feels like one more chore to add to an already lengthy to-do list.
It doesn’t need to be.
Last week we looked at a few ways to get started on your leadership development. One option was to start reading a little every day.
That seems simple, right?
I was having lunch with a friend several months ago. Let’s call him Sam. During our conversation, I asked what topics he’d suggest for my blog on leadership. Things he’d like to read.
There was only one suggestion.
Where to start.
I’ve been meaning to write about this topic for a while now.
I’m frustrated. By the volumes upon volumes of leadership "how to" books, blogs, podcasts, articles...... All focused on the skills every leader needs to succeed.
It’s such BS.
Welcome to Part 2 of Leaders are Readers. If you missed Part 1 you’ll find it here
Today we look at magazines, articles, videos and online courses.
Ready?