Sometimes things seem to come out of nowhere.  Did you see that coming?  How did you miss that? 

An unexpected obstacle can leave us derailed, demoralized, and -yikes!- demotivated!  Here’s what you may have missed:  your very own power of foresight.  We humans have the ability to draw upon unseen, and unspoken, resources.  We are bashful about truly embracing some of our innate abilities.  We so often lament: “I should have seen that coming!”  But did you?  Believe it is so and it will be.  Do whatever it takes to explore and examine this untapped potential.  Hindsight is 20/20, but prophecy is king! 

Keyword for today: anticipate 

What is service?  Is it good to get, or good to do?  Does your company have an attitude of service?  Or is it one of being served?  Is there a difference? 

Traditional management is hierarchical.  As businesses evolve, and a service economy grows, our structures become flattened.  The journey becomes one of evolution toward self-directed work teams, and away from command and control.  But think now about employee engagement as a critical measure of enterprise performance.  Compare that same notion to your family life—is it command and control or is it collaboration and service to the greater goal. And, have we defined that greater goal with precise clarity?  Those who serve only themselves are not participating in the success of a team or family. The bottom line: if none are serving, then none are served.  If all are serving, then all are served. 

Keyword for today: serve 

Does your team seem stalled?  Have you lost critical momentum?  Perhaps there’s been a setback, or a stumble.  Sometimes you just feel like you’re “just spinning your wheels”! 

This is a normal plateau that all great leaders face through their own evolutionary career segments.  Patience can present as a challenge for dynamic entrepreneurs.  But remember the great designs and projects that have not happened spontaneously.  Think:  The Temple of Solomon.  Think:  The Great Pyramids.  Long term commitment is the key to any sustainable business.  It will not be setback-free.  Rather it will evolve–as do we humans. Hold a review.  Take a step back.  Conduct an inventory of progress.  Remember where you have come from. 

word for today:  build 

Managers are constantly “putting out fires”.  Does this type of urgency present as obstacle to success and progress?  Is there joy in your day, or are you in survival mode? 

Now let’s talk legacy.  Think of the long view.  See the future, while being solidly present in the now.  We are in this for the long haul, and we expect our businesses to be here for generations to come.  We are pioneers and Argonauts.  We are the wise ones.  Remember, leaders evolve, too.  As they grow, they rise.  There’s a wider view, and it’s a beautiful one.  Find time each day to catch the view from the top.  You’ll never want to go back! 

Keyword for today: survive 

Can you hear me now?   

Talk to me. 

Keyword for today: communicate

What journey are you on?  Is it fun?  Who designed it?  Are you leading the quest, to find the New World? 

Leadership is a heroic journey.  Think Homer.  Think Jason.  He knew his purpose, and he built his squad of argonauts.  Your path is your own, and the path of a true leader is one of unwavering dedication.  And the true leader brings her team with her, for they are carefully selected for the success of the pursuit.  Think Knights of the Round Table.  Seriously!  To love the game of leadership, is to revel in the drama of epic victory for your kingdom.  You’re the creator of your own Odyssey.   

Keyword for today: explore 

Are you hiding something?  Is there a mess that you haven’t attended to?  Is it time for you and your people to muck out the stalls?  Something doesn’t smell right. 

Leaders are called to renew and refresh–not just ourselves, but each other.  Good leaders must always set the example:  never let your values collect dust.  In order to become a stronger leader, you must examine limiting beliefs and conditioning, and rinse them away.  Good leaders must work diligently to keep themselves pristine.  When you continue to polish your integrity and morals, you also maintain morale.  After the wild party, you and your team must work to set things right.  Watch for dirt that’s been swept under the carpet.  Clean up your act.  Wash up! 

Keyword for today: purify 

Is there dance in their steps?  Do you all hear music?  Can you see the colors, or are your people shades of grey?  More importantly, what color are you? 

The seer is “one who sees”.  The “eye of the beholder” is a phrase about perception.  When one is a creative genius, one has defined their own aesthetics.  You, the leader, are both the artist and the art.  Those who follow look to you as not just the master, but the masterpiece.  They gaze upon you with awe.  In watching you, they see the synchronicities that a great leader does naturally command.  They watch the unfolding of elegance upon the blank canvas.  Your success is a beautiful thing.  

Keyword for today: beautify