One of my
favorite ‘feel good’ movies is We Bought
A Zoo, starring Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson. What can I tell you, I’m
a sucker for sweet stories that include animals! The way that the characters
used language so creatively is part of what made it special for me as well. One
of my favorite quotes comes from Matt Damon’s character, Benjamin Mee. He
shares a life lesson with his son by saying: “…Sometimes all you need is 20
seconds of insane courage. Just literally, 20 seconds of embarrassing bravery…”
I think
that’s equally applicable to everyday leadership. In order to ‘lead from your
seat’ each day, you don’t need to be perfect; you don’t even need to be ‘on’
every single moment. What you do need are mini bursts of organizational bravery
throughout your work day – twenty seconds of insane courage – to challenge same
old same old thinking; to try something different and better; to do the right
thing; to behave as an adult; to help a colleague to be successful; or to
simply choose to be happy and optimistic.
Big doors
swing on small hinges --- it is the little stuff that we do consistently
throughout our day that adds up to big change and even bigger opportunity.
That’s what everyday leadership is all about!
Today, make
that your mantra --- 20 seconds of insane courage. Consider it a leadership
dare! And to jump start your thinking; here are some everyday examples of
organizational bravery:
- Avoid the temptation to join in on gossip or griping
- Ask for help or offer a helping hand without being asked
- Accept responsibility rather than make excuses or throw blame
- Warmly welcome a new member to your team
- Agree to try something that scares you – e.g. give a presentation
- Really listen to the feedback that someone is giving you, especially if it is difficult to hear
- Say no to an unreasonable request, suggest an appropriate alternative
- Mend a relationship, even if it includes apologizing and/or forgiving
- Discuss the ‘elephant in the room’ at a meeting
- Have lunch with someone new, who’s not part of your inner circle
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