Category: Authentic Leadership

The power of reflection four years on

On 22 February 2011 my son Thomas was visiting his grandparents in Christchurch. Thomas and Dad were in the basement of Ballantynes when the earthquake struck.

It was a dreadfully concerning ten minutes waiting to hear they were okay. I thought at the time it was an hour. Cellphone records showed otherwise.

That’s nothing compared to the loss that hundreds, probably more, family members and friends of those killed still feel.

Seems like the other day so I read my blog of the day after to remind me. I am reminded it was also a big and sad day for Tim for completely different reasons.  I’d completely forgotten.

Keeping a journal of reflection can keep memories and insights alive.

Stephen

Who knows you?

Not who you know. That’s what was suggested to me at lunch time with a challenge “there’s a blog for you!” He’s not wrong. It got me thinking. The idea is that if you need to spread the word about yourself then it’s a far better measure of who is talking about you than who you can connect with.

The power of leverage. But it raises a more significant question. What are you known from? What might be being leveraged In a wider network? Or maybe it doesn’t matter: “There is only one thing in life worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about”.

In a strategic approach to marketing yourself you will want to grow connections (virtual and real) and ensure people are talking about you, and what you have to offer.

An authentic leader won’t be too concerned about the message which is being spread but rather they will embrace Wilde’s message, comfortable about the message which is spread.

But more importantly, the authentic leader will have answered the question posed by my friend and this blog.  By making certain they know themselves first.

So yes, it’s a blog alright! About you. And me.

Stephen

302 and 303

Apart from the colour they looked quite similar. 303 was a creamy white while 302 chestnut brown. They had two friends, but we couldn’t see their numbers. At our first viewing up the drive from our holiday house 303 seemed quite taken aback and aggressive. it didn’t look like they had too much in the way of human interaction.The curious leaders

They were good looking cows (however you measure looks on a cow I’m not sure!) and were pretty happy in their field of grass, flowers and weeds.

Next time down the driveway, same thing, 303 was on full alert while his mates showed some interest then went back to their grazing.

Each time was much the same, so we called 303 the “boss”.

Once we stayed a while once. Curious. Which is what 303 was. A little aggressive at first, probably unsure, but he seemed just plain curious about us.

Curiosity. Something you want in your leader.

Authentic balance

I have to admit that the concept of work-home life balance hasn’t happened lately. In fact for quite some time it hasn’t. The demands of work seemed to have just keep on going and as I write this at 10.30pm it’s probably the equivalent to 7.30pm for others. Dinner just finished, now time to relax.

Authentic Balance means less worry

Should I be worried? If I’m damaging my health or my family and personal relationships probably yes. If not, I quite enjoy my work which provides me with quite a high level of satisfaction (as well as something to pay the bills with), so it’s not overly worried me.

I do get tired however, and need to watch that I am getting enough sleep (something my parents tell me about still!).

In this morning’s NZ Herald there is an article about Scott Maxwell who has a theory that the easiest way to get more work done is to work less hours. It sounds counter-intuitive, but I think I need to try it if for no other reason that I can write the occasional blog and get some more sleep.  I failed on my first attempt today, but I’ll keep giving it a go and see what happens.

Hopefully, it will ensure I don’t fall into the trap of believing that living only for work is actually justifiable as I did only three paragraphs ago!

That is neither authentic, or in balance.

Stephen