Sometimes, I know better than I act. It was a particularly busy day. I was juggling multiple plates in the air. The phone was ringing and I rushed to answer the call. I barely mumbled out a hello and there was a short silence on the other end. I knew in that second I had messed up but the brave caller politely confronted me on it. He let me know I should have sounded more enthused and he was right!
He deserved better. If I really wanted to be that leader I've written about before (AND have even been on some days!), I need to walk that walk consistently. I know how to do it and know leadership isn't about 80% some days and 100% on the easier days. It's about 100% to the best of my ability every day. And, every day, I can meet each colleague with enthusiasm and an open heart. It's the least they deserve from me.
Each of those interactions become deposits into the memory banks of colleagues. And those deposits become an exercise in paying it forward. Each and every interaction, each and every day.
He deserved better. If I really wanted to be that leader I've written about before (AND have even been on some days!), I need to walk that walk consistently. I know how to do it and know leadership isn't about 80% some days and 100% on the easier days. It's about 100% to the best of my ability every day. And, every day, I can meet each colleague with enthusiasm and an open heart. It's the least they deserve from me.
Each of those interactions become deposits into the memory banks of colleagues. And those deposits become an exercise in paying it forward. Each and every interaction, each and every day.
"That's me. And that's three people. And I'm going to help them..."
Super brave of you to share. This is how we grow, by learning from times when we aren't as on as we want to be- plus it adds to the building evidence that you're a real person! ;)
ReplyDeleteI am a real person! The best compliment you've ever given me. :)
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