Uncommon Common Sense

There’s a lot to be said about common sense and good judgment. Both of which come from the same well of truth. Unfortunately, most well locations have dried up from neglect and what seems common or sensible to you is uncomprehendible to someone else.

The practical approach to the use of common sense and good judgment requires two elements: open eyes and an open mind. The reason Dr. Phil gained such popularity is not based on his university degrees, doctorate work, or his professional practice. It had everything to do with him merely speaking in common sense terms to the masses while using his best judgment in the moment.

I like to think that common sense and good judgment grow on the same tree and that tree isn’t found very often anymore. With that, it’s important that these element farmers are working daily to see that seeds are planted, ideas and discussions include these valuable attributes, and more people are trained in there use and benefit.

We seem to have gone a few decades with diminished investment in common sense and good judgment and now is the time to reestablish daily engagement with these valuable tools for personal and professional use. 💚

Too Old to Have Dream?

I still have dreams. I’m 62 years old and I’m not afraid to tell you I still have dreams.

I’m not talking about waking up in the morning and recounting a fanciful tale of a meeting with a famous person, a visitation with a long lost relative, or times spent inside the Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory. I’m talking about aspirations, goals, plans, and still trying to figure out who I want to be when I grow up. 😊

Dreams are incredibly important. I was not one of those children whose healthy parents fanned or encouraged my outlandish juvenile ideas. You have to start with healthy parents, and my ride through childhood didn’t provide me a set of those.

While attending a comedy show last night, the comedian started asking audience members to share their dreams. Who did they think they would be when they grew up? I couldn’t believe how hard it was for people to share that detail.

Some people in the audience related that they were too old to have dreams. How incredibly sad. Either they had been beaten down by this life or someone along the way forgot to tell them that having dreams are some of the best ways to motivate yourself to get up each day and move forward.

What are your dreams? What are you holding onto that is drawing you forward? If someone steals your dreams, they steal your future. Hold onto your dreams, and keep trying, keep pushing, and keep believing. All things are possible. 💚

The Time to be Stand and Be Seen

A note to fellow leaders:

When things aren’t going well, budget projections are off, projects are failing to meet expectations and timelines and priorities have become unclear, now is the time to step up and be seen and heard.

Set the tone, take responsibility, hold people accountable, protect your team, and then make the needed changes to steer the organization towards success.

Speaking of success, when it’s happening, when employees are thriving, projects have been completed, and things are going well, sit down and let others be highlighted. Those leaders around you need recognition and credit in these times.

The best leaders know when to sit down and when to stand up.

If you start thinking as the leader you’re the reason for the success, you don’t just have problematic thinking, you are clueless about the team’s accomplishments that brought the organization to this point. Sure, publicly mention your pride in the team and highlight those leaders and employees at the forefront responsible for that success.

Remember leaders, your position is never about you. When you do it well take the hits and stay strong. During prosperity and success allow others to shine.

Your success should be grounded in allowing others to rise as great things happen under your watch. When your ego is at play, be assured you will be missing the personal and professional mark that the leadership position requires.

…and through it all, keep having fun. 💚

Daily Leadership Choices

Reflect on your purpose.
Reflect on your contribution.
Reflect on your impact.
Don't waste time pleasing people.
Don't waste time on processing regret.
Don't waste time on past failures.

You have choices daily with your leadership mindset. Make wise choices today because what you spend your time on impacts what becomes your outcomes. Your thoughts limit or unleash your greatness as a leader and we need more great leaders.

Imagine the Possibilities

Ego and agenda are two elements that collide in a continual struggle for more. We love to be recognized. We love to be seen. We love to be at the front of the line. We love to take credit. In the end, what we do for others brings more joy and satisfaction. When we are in the place of helping meet the needs of those around us, we have a deeper connection to our purpose.

I have learned in my short 62 years on this planet that life is not all about me. I can get more accomplished working with others than I can doing it by myself. Sure, I am uniquely gifted in ways and some things come easier than others. Then again, what is hard for me, is probably easy for someone else. That is the balance of the universe and a reminder that together we can accomplish more.

Today, and the days that follow, remember this simple quote from former president, Harry S. Truman. When you remove your ego and agenda from the discussion, just imagine the possibilities.