Disney Brand Loyalty Keynote Speaker
Five daily blogs about life's 5 big choices on five different sites.
“The reason they want you to fit in is that once you do, then they can ignore you.” — Seth Godin
Bet most of you have never seen it from that vantage point before. Have you? Not me.
Until today.
Standing out, or being remarkable, usually makes others uncomfortable. Everyone’s so competitive.
When was the last time you saw people rushing to become the most homogeneous?
Think. Think Tank. Think it over. Think before you act.
Think things through. What will people think? I can’t think.
What would your parents think? No time to think.
Think before you speak. Think you know it all, don’t you?
When we are aware of the reasons why we don’t think -which causes us to slowly start to wither as a vibrant, inspired individual – we have the opportunity to really do something about it. You know, to reverse it.
But that might be too hard for you, I think.
I mean, what do you think?
Hell Heck yes it’s difficult. Why the hell heck do you think so few people have the guts to change anything, let alone change themselves.
PS. This is the conversation I just had with myself. This happens all day, everyday. My mind is a battlefield of what I want to do, should do, and actually do. I think.
“Attempt the impossible in order to improve your work.” — Bette Davis
Trust. Distrust.
Like. Dislike.
Do you trust your leader? Do you like your leader?
Take President Barack Obama, or any President for that matter. Usually, at best, a President receives between 50-60% of the popular vote. More or less half. Stay with me here.
What this means is the other half don’t like and don’t trust the President, relatively speaking.
And it’s the same in large organizations and small businesses. Seriously, it is.
Why do we try so hard to be liked, when in reality, the best we can ever hope for is about half.
Take Simon Cowell, from American Idol (yes, many of you hate Simon and the show), while many people do not like him, everyone trusts that he will tell the truth.
And the reason we know Simon will always tell the truth, is because he always does. Sounds simple, but Simon is consistent to a fault. He’s honest even if it’s “bad news”.
And yet, he’s crystal clear about his mission – select the very best singer. Period. Determine the “Gold Medal” winner. Select the next American Idol.
Most don’t like him. Most absolutely trust him.
If trust is the most important leadership characteristic, who gives a flip about being liked?
You know what? Maybe it’s integrity that’s the most important leadership characteristic.
Yes, definitely, integrity has to be the most important leadership characteristic. How could it not be?
Isn’t integrity the most critical of all leadership values? A great leader must have integrity.
Someone who adheres to moral and ethical principles. A person with sound moral character. An honest person.
All of this sounds great – a leader who is honest, with sound moral character. A perfect person. This makes a great leader.
Waaaaait a minnnnnute. Who knows anyone who is perfect?