The Shield

The Shield to Hide Behind

The Shield to Hide Under

(hiding from fall out, of course!)

Which Leader Do You Know?

This leader uses the title as a shield and to wield power. They believe that standing behind (or underneath) the title they hold, makes their people cower in their boots and jump to attention. Sometimes this leader uses their boss's title to attempt to get results or deflect decision-making elsewhere, especially in the case of unpopular choices.

For example, take Ms. Regional Manager. She has just informed the team that they will need to work on Saturdays. She realizes that this change will be unpopular so decided to state that "I, and the VP agrees with me, have decided that everyone needs to work Saturdays." In stating the decision in this fashion, Ms. Regional Manager has deflected some of the decision-making to the VP so that she is not alone being the supposed 'bad guy' in this scenario.

What should you do? If a leader is constantly hiding behind or under a shield be up-front and ask questions specific to the matter and how the leader feels about the situation. Focus on them, re-direct focus to the leader if they try to escape the concern.

Also - in the scenario above....be sure to ask specific questions about which other day you will be entitled to receive as a day off. How this is being scheduled and paid, especially if an unsalaried worker? Get a complete explanation of the reason for this action, when it will start, when it will end or will it be a new and permanent condition of employment.

What Spiderman Says

Movies give us fantastic lines.

A movie can hold great meaning just for the parallels the plot can draw to our lives...even if the characters don't quite match who we are, the story will resonate.

A line that I think about over and over again is from Spiderman:

 "With great power comes great responsibility". 

 How true it is. How true it feels. Power is tied to responsibility ....think of a leader of a country, a corporation, a church. In the hands of that leader, with great power, is the responsibility of the those they lead....their country, their business or their community.

How do you work with power and responsibility?

Do you have movie lines that inspire your leadership?  Share them here!

The P's of Leadership

Practical -thinks in terms of what is required by all


Persistent-works through issues to resolution

Productive-gets things done

Pro-active-looks ahead to see obstacles and prepare in advance

Peak performance- in good shape, mentally ready to perform

Passionate-focused and fired up

Possible-thinks anything can be done

Perspective-keeps focused on reality

Peace-quiet time to reflect, also keeps calm in sticky situations

Perceptive-can read people, events

Play-takes time out for fun, also has fun at work

Positive-looks on the bright side...

Power-understands that leadership brings responsibility to get things done

Potential-has room to grow and realizes that others do to

Promote-looks for succession planning, ability to move others ahead

Promise- his word is his bond

Push- moves ahead, projects, people, agendas, organizations

It's My Birthday!

My Gift to You!

Yes, today I move along the timeline to start a new year in my life. I try to take time at the beginning of the year to map out what I would like my goals to be, then on my birthday I check-in with myself to see how I am doing.

So far this year, I am behind on 2 goals and ahead on 3.  Not bad (last year was worse).  I have left behind some toxic emotional baggage that was affecting how I led myself and feel lighter and better for it.

I thought I would leave a gift here for you....just something to think about.

Find Power...

In your mind

Learn from mistakes and move forward

Look for opportunities to grow

Take a chance and do something new

Find Power...In your body

Push your boundaries of strength

Tap into your energy stores

Eat right and get SLEEP!

FInd Power...In your heart

Think of memorable moments

Say I love you

Be grateful!

Find Power...In your leadership

Be true, authentic

Live gracefully

Follow your dreams.