What you need to know about the 'Law of Average' as it applies to Leadership (Corporate & Personal)Posted by David Benjatschek at 02:01 AM
"Next week is our launch week for a new year. There will a BBQ, fun and some pretty average preaching. So please invite your friends."
That was the ending appeal to our church service this past Sunday morning. No disrespect to the pastor who delivered it, he's a great guy and I didn't disagree with the true intent in which it was given (making sure people feel comfortable to hear an important message).
None the less I found myself strongly reacting to the word AVERAGE. It hit me like a boxer's blow to the gut.
Personally, I've come to dislike the word AVERAGE. So let me rant..
AVERAGE??? I refuse to settle for AVERAGE. I can't get excited about AVERAGE. I don't eat AVERAGE. I don't dream about AVERAGE. I've never chased AVERAGE. If I all i can look forward to is AVERAGE then I might as well just stop trying, stop dreaming, stop chasing, right now."
In the domain of leadership, both corporate & personal, aiming for average is a death sentence even if the accountant doesn't officially close your books and take down the neon OPEN sign on your business door.
A leader once said the formula to motivation is simply the existence of inspiring goals and having some tools to help us reach them. If our goals are simply average (while that sounds good on some days), how much motivation can there be? What is there to look forward to?
As humans we are motivated by achievement which can only come with challenge and growth. Our growth is fueled and enhanced by the sting of our failures along that way.
Despite the recent recession, the fact remains Canada's economy is heading for a severe labor shortage and "Please invite your friends" is going to become the Human Resource call of many companies. The question is will they come and want to stay? Will your organization or your team be an attractive place to work?!
If your leadership style settles for AVERAGE, don't count on it.
p.s.
If you are tired of average and want something better for your team & your life: Register for one of the upcoming 1st Time Managers Leadership Two Day Boot Camps.
Calgary's Workshop is just around the corner: September 14 & 15 at the Glenmore Inn and Convention Centre.
Click here to download the Fax Registration Form - or -
Register by Phone at (403) 874-1044.
Comments
David,
Finally someone who gets it. In the workshops I present my whole goal is to get people to see and stretch to reach their potential. I find too many people settle with the pack because it is easier, less stress, and comfortable. It takes more work to break away from the pack, but in the end the strides to the finish line will be that much more meaningful and fullfilling. With the changes to the recording measures in the United States and the upcoming driver shortages mediocre will not longer work for those looking for success.
Good blog.
Bruce Outridge
Outridge Consulting Services
Posted by: Bruce Outridge | September 20, 2010 11:26 AM
Any idea when the next one would be, or who I could stay in touch with to find out about future seminars? Heard about this one about a month too late. Thanks.
Posted by: Art Fisher | October 22, 2010 10:25 AM
Art,
Thanks for the post. I've emailed you some information.
For anyone in Edmonton .. The 2 Day Leadership Boot Camp is happening Nov 29 - 30th.
more info & registration at www.marketbeamer.com
David
Posted by: David Benjatschek | October 22, 2010 03:21 PM