An Attitude of Gratitude Part Tres
Last week we talked a little about articulating and casting vision. Being able to do so is one of the indispensable qualities of leadership. We even talked about the blessing of the life-giving perspective of the hummingbird. Finding that vision, though, is a prerequisite to articulating and casting. And that discovery can give us and our teams fresh, new life!
Finding that vision together as a team requires us to consider three things:
Awareness – As leaders, we must be aware of what it is going to take to get to the level of success we are shooting for. Knowing where the team is and where you are trying to get to is key to doing this well. This requires slowing down to collect the dots before trying to connect them.
Attitude – Getting into the right headspace to respond and connect the collection requires us to evaluate the path forward with a spirit of optimism and a mind set on growth. Maintaining that spirit and mindset requires a willingness to consistently choose growth and optimism throughout the process. It isn’t a one and done. It is a constant choice we as leaders must make.
Action – as leaders, our teams are counting on us to follow through. Lack of follow through is one of the biggest hindrances to finding and casting vision. When leadership lacks effective execution of the vision, the team’s buy-in and accountability doesn’t exist.
As leaders when it comes to finding a vision with our teams, we need to focus on building awareness and checking our attitudes. Together we need to take action.
Think with me for a moment:
Reflect – on your collegial teams for a moment. Who has been your biggest blessing and what have they done to support you recently? Use reflection to build awareness.
Adjust – Where have you stumbled in letting them know that? What could you have done better to reciprocate? Check your attitude and get into the right headspace. It will help lead you to the next logical step.
Collaborate – Play “phone a friend.” Find a thinking partner that also knows this person and brainstorm a creative way to let your “blessing” know what they have done. Make it specific and personal.
Activate – Do it. Follow through. Be brave and have the courage to get it done...and now! Don’t wait.
As we head into the rest of this week, my vision for all of us is that we would all take time to give thanks. It is so easy in the desert of fatigue to fly around with the perspective of the vulture. I wish for all of us that we would be the hummingbird, living on what is and what is to come. (if that doesn’t make sense to you, go back and read last week’s blog post 🙂)