What Are You Going to Do?
01/27/04
Colonel John Ripley, a highly decorated U.S. Marine, shared a number of thoughts on leadership to the 3rd Annual Leadership Conference at the U.S. Naval Academy this month. One of his insights is definitely worth remembering in your own leadership role: “Combat is a verb. It isn’t a place. It is an act. Do something! Now, what are you going to do?”
You may not see yourself as a leader in combat, but in these competitive and changing economic times it starts to look more and more like we are all leading in a battle of a different kind. You don't just work at an organization or inhabit a role; you are called to do something and to get others to do something...something that makes a difference! Is there enough evidence in your journey of active choices to show that you are a leader of action?
In the stream of consciousness that combat leaders get used to, action is at a premium. The question that intrudes over and over again is always a challenging one--"What are you going to do?" People are looking at you. People are depending upon you. The longer you stand still, the easier it is for the enemy to target your position. Your objective is always the same--achieve your mission any way you can. Make a move and then move again. Find your way one choice at a time. Send information back to central command as often as you can so they have a sense of the big picture and opportunities that surface. Are you an action leader? Maybe it is time to ask you that same question every day--"Well leader, what are you going to do?"
A PAULSON QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"Is there enough evidence in your journey of active choices to show that you are a leader of action?" --Terry Paulson, Ph.D.
MONDAY'S MIRTHFUL MOMENT
Fire Captain Bob via Dan Poynter provides this week's mirthful moment--Some insights worth exploring!
I was thinking about how a status symbol of today is those cell phones that everyone has clipped on. I can't afford one so I'm wearing my garage door opener.
You know, I spent a fortune on deodorant before I realized that people didn't like me anyway.
I was thinking that women should put pictures of missing husbands on beer cans!
I was thinking about old age and decided that it is when you still have something on the ball but you are just too tired to bounce it.
Employment application blanks always ask who is to be notified in case of an emergency. I think you should write, "A Good Doctor!"
I was thinking about how people seem to read the Bible a whole lot more as they get older then it dawned on me . . they were cramming for their finals.
When you keep your eyes open for mirth, you just may find it! Hope this kicks off your morning and helps get your mood adjusted for the week. Now, get busy MAKING CHANGE WORK and have some fun along the way!...