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to our free, private monthly newsletter for fresh ideas Topic: How are you leading like you? This is your IdeaShape monthly newsletter, Aug. 2001, with ideas on leadership and life for executives, managers, consultants, and executive coaches. By Pam Fox Rollin, IdeaShape Coaching & Consulting http://www.ideashape.com Contents A. The Big Idea B. Ideas in Action C. Resources D. Note from Pam KNOW ANYONE WHO MAY ENJOY THIS? Feel free to forward this newsletter to interested friends and colleagues. For a complimentary subscription to this monthly newsletter, they can mailto:newsletter@ideashape.com ================================================= A. The Big Idea: How are you leading like you? "Sometimes you have to play for a long time
to be able to play like yourself."
-- Miles Davis
Yes, first learn your craft. Then what? Are you still working like your first manager trained you? Are you still handling conflict like your parents did? Are you still leading like your first hero? Now, at 30, 40, 50, whatever, maybe you've paid your dues. Maybe you've learned the basics. Maybe it's time to let go of everything that's not you. Are you ready to play like yourself? ================================================= B. Ideas in Action: So, how will you play and lead more like you? 1. Become more clear on you Who do you think you are? What are you great at? What do you want to make happen on this planet? 2. Accept your quirks When we make peace with our weaknesses and foibles, we take away their power to derail us. We can acknowledge them, get over ourselves, and move on... perhaps with a little compassion for the next person. What are you wasting your energy fretting about? 3. Get good help Whatever our quirks, customer calls still need to be answered and the bills paid. If doing these things doesn't enrich your life, hire someone who wants to do them, and go do your thing. 4. Challenge your assumptions You've heard how a circus elephant is trained not to run away... they tie a strong rope around her leg when the elephant is young. When the elephant is older, she could easily break the rope, but doesn't. She's not prevented from leaving, she's discouraged. Are we that different? What have you stopped trying? What flimsy ropes are holding you back from the life you want? 5. Find your courage Do you hear a voice inside that says, 'if I do it my way, maybe it won't work'? Can you also hear the part of you that has the courage to play like you? What will you choose to believe, in spite of fear, to lead your most rewarding life? ================================================= C. Resources YOU. Take a few moments to reflect... am I leading like myself? Make the time to become more aware of what influences your actions, challenge your assumptions, and choose your next steps. Three of the most powerful resources I know for self-discovery are Temperament theory, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (especially the Step II version), and the Enneagram. While these are best explored with a skilled guide, you may want to introduce yourself to them through books, such as these: "The Wisdom of the Enneagram" by Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson (1999) "Please Understand Me II" by David Keirsey (1998) (on Temperament and Type) "An Introduction to Temperament 2.0" by Linda Berens (2000) ?Play to Win" by Larry Wilson and Hersch Wilson (1998) Terrific book on shifting your thinking from playing it safe (playing "not to lose") to living with courage and integrity. ================================================= D. Note from Pam I love the "aha" moment when clients suddenly see as an asset something that's often embarrassed or annoyed them. Maybe they get their brilliant ideas two hours before the deadline, which they've heard is unprofessional. (Never mind the ideas are great.) They "care too much" which apparently is silly or dangerous. Or they are "too logical" which labeled is cold or rude. We pick up so much crap along the way! Many years ago a project manager told me that I have "great interpersonal skills, which aren't needed in consulting" ... seriously, he viewed this as a blemish on an otherwise promising career. Amid glowing reviews for a workshop for executive coaches I led in June, was someone's admonishment that my enthusiasm "trivialized" the topic. I love that one! There IS a risk. Sometimes when we "play like ourselves" we'll lose people who want us to be different than we are. Ultimately, we each have to decide for ourselves where the intersection is between usefulness and our own style. How are you doing in separating valuable feedback from the junk? Each month you receive this email with ideas and resources you can use to shape your success. Some of these ideas may strike you as obvious... I invite you to step back and look at how this is actually working in your life. Others may seem far out... I invite you to consider how much choice you actually have. If you'd like to get in touch about any of this, please email me. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Pam p.s. During the summer and fall, I’ll be taking short periods of time away from my office for reflection and adventure. I'll respond to emails when I return; if I am gone, my assistant, Suzanne, will return your calls. ================================================= ================================================= WHAT WOULD IT MEAN TO YOU TO... Expand your capacity to take on bigger opportunities? Lead your organization to bring out the best around you? Be your most creative, focused self in your work? Shape a life that consistently fulfills you? Contact us for coaching, facilitation, leadership development, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®, and related services that help executives, fast-trackers, teams, and professionals achieve their goals faster and more easily. TO CONTACT US To offer feedback, submit ideas for articles or resources, or explore working together, mailto:pamfox@ideashape.com We want this newsletter to be a valuable source of ideas and information... your feedback will help us accomplish this. Thank you! To unsubscribe or change your email address, please mailto:newsletter-change@ideashape.com. Feel free to forward this newsletter to your friends and colleagues! For a complimentary subscription to this monthly newsletter, they can mailto:newsletter@ideashape.com We request that you keep the broadcast intact, including our contact and copyright information. Copyright (c) 2001, all rights reserved. |
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