A Call to Action: Grow Up and Lead

What does leadership mean to you?  If it means being brave, being bold and leading through roadblocks destined to derail, we are thinking the same. 

There is too much at stake for leaders to be derailed by the challenges they face. Yet, many are. They look for easy answers that are not to be found. Or, they look for excuses. The one place they don't look is to themselves. Sadly, leaders may forget why they've chosen to lead or they lose themselves in the process. It's time for a change.

I submitted a proposal for a leadership manifesto to ChangeThis. The proposal was accepted and now the fun begins. I am stacked up against nine other proposals and those with the most votes on January 4, 2013 will be selected to become a manifesto.

I want this. My ideas are right on (although my  1980s band reference in my proposal is off.) The "almost lead" I had a few days ago is lost . . . would you help me grab it back? You can read my proposal and cast your vote with one click by clicking and following this link:

Grow Up and Lead

Thank you for taking a look and to everyone voting so far, THANK YOU for your support. So, what was the right band and year?

Handling What Life Throws Your Way: A Day in the Life Sunday

They say life doesn't give you more than you can handle.  I don't know who "they" are but they obviously are not the dual-income parents of a 'tween.

iStockphoto

I have been steadily losing ground to a sinus infection for over a month. Between the daily inner-battle of going to work versus staying home, there was that deer-Honda-insurance incident to address. This week, 'tween angst was on the agenda when a routine morning drop off was foiled by uncontrollable tears for a friend facing a personal challenge. The same afternoon brought a new development and we ended our day skipping swimming practice and reading The Period Blog. Calgon, take me away.

Overwhelmed and keenly aware I had not worked a full day yet that week, I quelled the doubts and did what needed to be done. And you can too.

When confronted with a multitude work-life challenges:

1. Reach out to others. Be it a trusted teacher, a respected educator or a resourceful family friend, there are people with experiences, perspectives and a desire to help. Ask and you may be pleasantly surprised at what you receive.
   
2. Let the work go.  You tell your staff that the work can wait, now show them. You hired the best so let them to do their jobs. People hear your words, but they remember your actions. What do your actions say about your values?
   
3. Always chose the kid. There are touch points in a child's life that requires the love and attention of their parents. They are not predictable or planned and, when they occur, nothing can replace the family.
   

Finally, if you haven't done so lately, let the husband know that his girls are strengthened by his presence and support. He doesn't even have to say a word.

What do you do to keep an over-zealous life from getting the best of you?