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Be a Pam

  

This photo is a balloon that was placed in my office a few weeks ago. I came to work carrying a funk that was picked up on by Pam. For a brief moment I was out of my office and when I came back this was tied to a chair in my office. It lifted my spirit and my face looked much like the balloon.

A gesture like this for someone will cause them to stop the funk and think about things in a more smiling light. They will become more effective with their immediate tasks and have a better perspective. This prevented those around me from catching a funk that they had nothing to do with.

Pam also orchestrates monthly birthday celebration forour corporate office staff. She not only orchestrates the celebration, but she bakes the cakes, etc.

We all need to be a Pam for the people we work alongside everyday. What can you do today to be a Pam for someone? Find out someone's birthday and sing to them. If you have a bad voice, it will probably be that much better due to the comedic impact of it.

Connection to a Purpose

As I see video of the millions packed into the National Mall for today's inauguration there is one thing I notice as a detail of the crowd. It is the amount of younger citizens. Across the crowd are next generation Americans and they are from all races, gender and I am sure various faith's as well. Many of these citizens will not be able to audibly hear a single word from today's events. To hear a speech is not what they are there for. They will be able to read it in near real time from their cell phones if they wish.

They are in place and have been in place since 4 or 5am this morning - some of them walking three hours just to get there. They are therebecause they want to be part of something gigantic. Of course I am sure most of them voted for Obama, but it is not as much about the candidate today as it is about being connected to a major purpose and a major event. This purpose connection mindset is part of the next generation's wiring and today is a picture perfect example. This historical day is only going to inspire that mindset in them even more.

This connectivityy to a purpose desire is very important for leaders to be aware of and make a part of their leadership repertoire. If you are leading the dynamics of next generation talent, be sure you are connecting all efforts to a purpose larger than the bottom line. If you are part of the next generation - be sure and seek out or even create companies that have a purpose that people can connect to.

Too many organizations spend too much time on the old PDL - Policies, Disciplines and Legalities vs the new PDL - Purpose Driven Life of the organization and its people. We will see a continued shift towards the new PDL as time progresses and next gen leaders begin to assume roles of management and executive positions.

Senior leaders in organizations should work hard to connect purpose to people's jobs while teaching the many hard skills required to lead and run organizations. If you are a Sr. leader who works with a younger next generation - find out what your next gen leaders are passionate about. You might not be able to link their passions directly to your brand, but your interest in their interests will raise your leadership ability.

Common differences in color, creed, and belief are less and less an issue in the mainstream. A common belief in something large is not prejudice to its possessor - it is part of their wiring. We must keep asking and challenging ourselves how we can reach people that no one else is reaching and serving people that no one else is serving.

This is necessary thinking for businesses, churches or any organization that aspires to be successful for the future personalities.

Humor that speaks laughter and leadership

Obviously by the time frame since the last post, I took a break from blogging. Thanks to those of you who continue to visit everyday. I have missed interacting with you all and have been eager to return with a post or two each week. This recent cartoon was the trigger to come back to you all. I have never been an avid reader of the comic section of newspapers and periodicals, however,I noticed this one last week and it was excellent. I tired to snap a picture of it from my phone. Click on the clipping it to see it clearly. If it is not clear, here is what it portrays:

You have a suit from the auto industry coming to visit Santa Claus. He tells Santa, "I tell'ya what I want. Whatever it is that the Japanese Automakers have." To which Santa replies (this is my favorite part...."No unions, vision,patience, green innovation, smart and nimble leadership and a strong culture of honor and shame."

The suit from the auto industry offers a final thought and request by saying "I'll take cash."

Perhaps we can all learn from Santa's leadership mindset because in this case and all others, it is accurate. The leadership lesson in this little fable is the reality that too many people do not want to do endure the daily disciplines of leadership.

My thought to you however is not in relation to Santa's advice, it is in relation to our sense of humor. I am learning that a sense of humor in leadership is a necessary quality to be had. I am realizing this more and more during my own absence of it. I have fortunately caught myself getting too serious for long periods of time. A mood of staunch seriousness cramps my ability to see the best and lead others to it. Not having a sense of humor and neglecting to laugh out loud at myself ultimately hurts the organization and worse than all - brings a poor mood into my home.

I am finding that the simple act of cracking a joke or finding the funny in a situation has helped me and those around me.

This is not a call to be a joker when it is time to be very serious, but if you look for opportunities to calm yourself or a situation with humor - you will lead yourself and your teams better. You will be more approachable and authentic when you can have a laugh.

The magical leaders are the ones who learn the formula of the perfect balance in this. I am trying....