Elevators and Hallways

One of my very first mentors taught me a lesson that is as appropriate today as the day the advice was first given. He said, “Your career is made in the elevators and hallways of the building, so always keep that in mind.” Great advice! I am often so surprised what people will say out loud in a crowded elevator, with no thought of who else might be in the elevator with them.

Quick, offhand comments made in public areas are often heard by others unintentionally, and can be misconstrued by the casual listener. Your professional leadership self needs to be “on” the minute you enter the door of the workplace – better yet, the minute you are in the parking lot, because who knows who you’ll see on the way in. One unguarded remark in front of the wrong person can leave a negative impression that will take years to change.

Leadership and Change

When I meet people and they find out I’m a professional development and executive coach, the conversation inevitably turns to a boss or co-worker they want to change.  They will say, “My boss does this.  How can I change him”? or “How can I get someone to stop doing such and such”?  Too many times, we want to focus on changing someone else and their actions.

Ask yourself, what is truly in your span of control?  Ghandi is famous for his quote “We must become the change we want to see.”  We are quick to want to change others.  But while we can suggest, cajole, or entice someone to change, we don’t control the ultimate outcome – - they do.

So the next time you are pointing the finger at someone else’s leadership style, remember the old adage of how many fingers are pointing back at you.  Develop  YOUR leadership skills, and be the leader you want everyone else to be.  You’ll be amazed at how many workers are just looking for someone of substance, character and integrity  to follow and emulate.  You will create change in others by focusing on your own personal change first.

Leadership and leashing cats?

The other day I was walking my dog, and we came across a very unusual sight – a cat on a leash.  Surreal.   I’m sure there are some cat owners out there who will tell me this is possible, but I just thought it was so incongruous.  Who puts their cat on a leash?  Everyone knows cats do what they want, are aloof, finicky – -  they call the shots. And they don’t like leashes.

Needless to say, this cat did not like the leash, and the owner was having a devil of a time trying to convince the cat it would work.

I see leadership parallels in everything, so indulge me here, but how many times as leaders do we try to put a leash on a cat?  And this is different than “herding cats” which denotes a certain “Keystone Cops” kind of hilarity.   Do we try to control situations and people in ways that just don’t work?

If you feel your team isn’t working to their potential, look inward.  Are you possibly leashing cats?  Try taking the leash off and unleash their potential!!