Release It – Part 2

Last blog, I wrote about following our instincts and acting on those nudges, using our gifts and blessing the world with who we are and with what we have to say.   

This week I want to talk about something a little more difficult, but important to leaders.  

What about the times we have to be, do or say things that aren’t easy or pleasant?  What if we have to say something or do something that isn’t “sunshine and flowers”? 

Now let me be clear.  Too many people in this world use this “clause” as an excuse to be an ass in the world.  Please do some reflection to determine if you are making the world better or just being an ass.

We see this phase often when working with dysfunctional organizations, especially when folks aren’t willing to examine their own behavior.   “I am just looking out for the mission, the company – someone has to”  

Here is another phrase seen often, “s/he was so mean and evil, so it is okay if others are mean and evil – s/he deserved it.”  By that justification, we should all be running around harming each other.  

I used the example in my last blog that leaders should think of themselves as air purifiers.  We help take in the bad, clean it up and put back out good.  That is what truly defines a leader.  We serve the greater good.  Society – we want a better world for all.  

A leader doesn’t care about being right.  A leader doesn’t care if someone deserves something.  A leader acts a certain way because of high standards and values they have.  A leader doesn’t say or do something to get back at someone or to prove something.  A leader is only trying to “purify” the surroundings, to make the world a better place.  

Here is our test, leaders, for everything we do, say and for how we want to be.

Is it for the greater good?  What greater good?  

Is it aligned with our values?

How will it make society better?  

Am I showing compassion?  

Not does it make me happy, but does it bring joy to the majority of those it effects.  If not, does it harm people?  If so, how am I addressing this?  

As a leader, we may think that we are only in one leadership role, but we have the opportunity to lead in everything we do.  That is how we change the world.  

Do we put more negativity and toxicity in the world or do we take in the negativity and toxicity and clean it up and put back out something profound and good?  

I am reading a great book right now and it reinforces what I believe about leaders.  It isn’t the loud, dictators that build the best companies.  And I assure you, the loud dictators don’t change the world for the better either.  The best leaders are humble, compassionate, driven to the cause, inspired by humanity, moved by purpose and build lasting companies because people trust them.  They have succession plans in place because they have no ego and success is bigger than self.  This seeps into the people around them, into relationships and into society.  

I challenge you, be a leader.  Leaders change the world.   

With purpose,

Kelly

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