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Intentional Leadership — D1, W3, M4 — Focus

Wow! We’re already into week three of our fourth month on this journey! Time flies…

What does clear focus do for you and your team? When I work with teams, I begin with team building (have to have a foundation of trust before anything else of significant value will happen), and once we have that foundation, we work on where the team is headed — defining and clarifying what their vision is. Then I walk them through plotting out the steps they will need to take to achieve their vision, how they will measure their progress along the way, and how will they hold themselves and each other accountable for their individual and team commitments.

As they begin to move forward, they will develop momentum, but they will also be dealing with the rest of their lives, which creates some distractions, both at home and at work. It’s critical they remain focused on the end game. Clear focus eliminates distractions, unifies activity, and guides decision-making.

When your focus is diverted, all kinds of things will come into your path to get you and keep you off track. You will find competing goals and your team mates will be pulled in other directions. As the leader, you must be the reminder, relentlessly keeping the team focused on your shared vision, championing that vision, and celebrating the work your team is doing and the milestones it is achieving along the way.

Think back to the Cold War. There were several different schools of thought about the approach we should take with the USSR: Befriend them and seek common ground; divvy up territories — giving them control of Eastern Europe and parts of Asia; others said they must be defeated at all costs.

Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher agreed with the final approach — defeat them at all costs. Our leaders had determined that the USSR having any significant control beyond its own borders was not an option that would be good for the rest of the globe. Each took a specific approach. Reagan framed it as a struggle between liberty and suppression. Thatcher focused on unraveling socialist policies at home and abroad. Together, they focused the resources and willpower of half the globe toward crushing communism.

What do you think would have happened if they didn’t have a laser-sharp focus on these issues?

What distractions threaten to sway the focus of your team?

What can you do — daily — to unify your team’s attention and activities?

Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work at hand. The sun’s rays do not burn until brought to a focus.   ~Alexander Graham Bell

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Intentional Leadership — D5, W2, M4 — Focus

It’s somewhat warm, humid, and rainy as I write this, and I am so looking forward to this weekend.

My plans are to rest and play… mostly! And, yes, there will be some work. On my business, on Empowerment Mentoring, on Women in Leadership Luncheon prep, but mostly fun.

I have flowers to plant in my boxes out front. Need to hit a local nursery to replace a few lavender bushes that didn’t make it last year (there’s always a risk when you buy them at 80% at the end of the season and they are totally root bound in their containers!). And on Sunday, will be the highlight of my weekend: An afternoon with a good friend, lunch, shopping, and painting. Yes, I said painting. We are going to a place called Uncork and Create for Mimosa Sunday. I’ve never been, but you go and paint a picture, and while you paint you may enjoy a glass of wine and snacks…if that suits you. I’m just really looking forward to the girl time and creative outlet. Don’t get me wrong, though…this activity will push me out of my comfort zone. I’m not a “visually” creative person usually. My creative juices normally flow along the lines of words, ideas, and concepts. So, I truly welcome this opportunity to get outside myself for a bit and see what happens.

Oh, and it looks like I’ll be spending a week in June, in Guatemala with John C. Maxwell, and a number of my fellow John Maxwell Team Members, teaching transformational leadership! How’s that for the opportunity of a lifetime? I’m more excited than I can say, and as you can imagine, there’s a lot of work to do to prepare for that!

Now, it’s your turn. What’s on your list?

Who really need your attention this weekend? You? Family? Friends? People you’ve not yet met?

What really needs your attention this weekend? Is it projects, rest, relaxation…?

What thoughts do you have about the level of focus you are applying to your life?

What’s in store for you this weekend, next week, and in the coming weeks? Are you taking the steps to set yourself up for success and fulfillment?

Have a great weekend, and I’ll “see” you Monday!

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Intentional Leadership — D1, W2, M4 — Focus

As we move into week two of this month on focus, I am reminded of John Maxwell’s Law of the Inner Circle (21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership), which essentially says that because no one person is strong in every quality, characteristic, behavior, or skill, we need an inner circle — people around us who are strong in areas where we are not. Strong, confident, self-aware leaders realize this and know it to be true.

I know this to be true. As an example, I am a strategist. I see the big picture. I thrive on concept development and deep discussions around ideas and problem solving. I can deal with the details, and have spent a considerable number of years doing exactly that, and quite well, but it’s a huge energy drain for me, and quite tedious. Not the best use of my time, energy, or talents. I have a number of skills and talents, and a number of other areas where I’m not the best. The good news is, I recognize this about myself. So, as I build my team, I will be wise to include someone who loves the administrative stuff, who thrives on dealing with the details, among other things.

This was also true of Anne Mulcahy, former Chairperson and CEO of Xerox Corporation. When she was appointed to the top position, a promotion she wasn’t looking for, Forbes Magazine dubbed her “The Accidental CEO.” While she was in an unexpected position, she was not unintentional about how she handled her new-found responsibility.

And a heavy load it was. At the time, Xerox was $18 Billion in debt and under SEC investigation for accounting fraud. Mulcahy knew she had to turn the company around, and to do this she — and her inner circle — would have to be bold and dauntless. Knowing her strengths and weaknesses, she was smart in surrounding herself with outstanding leaders in their areas of discipline, especially in finance and accounting. She expected them to challenge her instincts, to be transparent and blunt about what they found, and they delivered.

During this trying time, Mulcahy put the company through rigorous financial changes, including massive lay-offs (more than 25,000 jobs!), shutting down unprofitable divisions, and even relocated executives to less extravagant offices. All the while, she had her eye on growth, continuing to fully support Xerox’s Research and Development team because she knew the company would required new products to stay afloat.

You could say, Anne Mulcahy had crystal clear focus on where she was taking the company and what was required to get there, and she did this with the support of a strong inner circle. As a leader, you will also need the vision, insight, different perspectives, and support of others.

Who is in your corner and on your team — part of your Inner Circle, if you will — who helps you in your current role?

What skills do you have and what tools do you use to help you stay focused in your job?

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