Undone

My friend who is an HR consultant had a conversation with the Chairman of the Board. He told the chairman that he is a work in progress. The chairman is a fair old man, fulfilled, had influenced many and notable in his wisdom. To my friend's surprise, the Chairman smiled and said, "I'm also a work in progress."

Tell me, how many managers will admit that they are a work in progress? Then, how many of us will swallow our pride and profess that we are a work in progress?

This world has taught us to be tough. Our leadership might have been walking up to our head. We forget that the moment we reprimand a staff, we are dealing with a person, not an animal nor an idiot.

When was the last time we spend time with our colleagues and chat about personal matters? Is the world we are living still connected?

We are all a work in progress. Everyone deserves a second chance. Even a third and fourth chance. If you leaders want to be successful, I challenge you to develop a person who would gladly follow your steps. Sometimes, the reason they are not performing well is because we leaders don't have time mentoring. That's the main reason you are sitting in that high chair. Now, if your staff didn't understand you, it's not that he's a fool. This requires you to check yourself. You might be running out of patience.

We are all undone. Always remember that.

Just a note. Companies have cliches in hunting good people to join their team. They are looking for people who can work with less supervision. This is quite good for them. Save time and work more. And of course, outstanding professionals work with less supervision.

I'm just afraid of those companies because they are communicating me that there's no mentor inside- all are managers. Maybe they should just buy machines or acquire a robot with programs installed. The leader is a person, so as the staff.

Timing

In all decisions, timing is very important.

We may have the best idea, the greatest conclusion and the most effective strategy in mind. That's really possible. The next most important thing to consider is the timing.

When to decide? It's up to you. You may be too early or too late. Sometimes, it's really impossible to hit the perfect timing. If you did, congratulations.

If you are to make a decision, think how it will affect your present and future. Dig your past experiences and evaluate them to guide you to have the right decision.

How could you know if it's the right time? I believe a door will be opened. When you started to see the opportunity rather the negative probabilities, make a decision. Just make sure your decision is right if you have the right timing.

Test yourself. When is the best time to...

...propose to marry your girl?
...shift your career?
...eat ice cream - when you are happy or depressed?
...buy a (an expensive) laptop computer?
...become an entrepreneur?

Just Before You Lead

Real leaders are willing to be coached. They listen, understand and learn.

A coach is someone who's passionate of helping others reach their goal. He operates by love and sincerity. His words are encouraging. And, as meek as possible. He's there to comfort, guide and inspire. He must be rare, sometimes expensive. In a season, he must be strong to squeeze you and extract your inmost being. Leaders, the learning process could be painful. But, it is worth a million.

Today, if you want to be a real leader in any field, find a coach. And, find someone to coach.