It's Tuesday at 2:00pm! (PST Time: I live and work from Southern California)
In this New Year I'm going to continue to explore some leadership quotes that might challenge us, inspire us or remind us of different aspects of the leadership journey. This is part of my personal journey to keep growing, learning and being stretched! Join me each Tuesday at 2:00pm (PST). It will take you just a few minutes to read through the 2 sections of this post, but don't miss the final section where I share some of the things I'm reading, listening to and enjoying this week.
You can find past posts on my website HERE.
Enjoy!
LEADERSHIP QUOTE:
“A good debate is not a war. It's not even a tug-of-war... it's more like a dance that hasn't been choreographed." Adam Grant
What does this stir up? Either write me HERE or comment at the end of the blog post HERE.
A LITTLE BIT DEEPER:
This month we'll continue to look at some quotes from organizational psychologist and bestselling author, Adam Grant. You can see the past posts HERE.
Looking at the quote above might spark some emotion in you.
I believe that we are losing the ability to disagree with people. We're not understanding that healthy conflict is a good thing, and we live in fear of sharing our true opinions.
If you can identify with any of these things, today I want to challenge you.
There are times that I simply choose to close my mouth because I don't want to derail a conversation or I know what peoples triggers are. Sometimes this is being sensitive to others, but other times this is compromising my perspective which might be helpful to others.
I like that word DANCE.
If you've seen me dance, this will make more sense.
I see a debate, a tug-of-war, or a conflict as a journey. It's an ongoing conversation, and I need to sometimes be open to going in a different direction. I need to be a learner. I need to listen. I need to share my perspective with humility and sensitivity, but I also need to be honest.
It's a dance sometimes, but it's worth the effort!
When you hear those words: "debate" "tug-of-war" "conflict"... do you want to run and hide? Why are those triggers to you?
DEEPER STILL:
Here are just some friendly reminders that I continually tell myself in many conversations where there's potential for debate or conflict:
LISTEN FIRST: Don't form an opinion first, but listen to the others perspective.
SEEK TO UNDERSTAND: This is classic Covey... I want to understand, I want to learn, I want to be challenged. Be open!
DON'T ATTACK THE OTHER PERSON: This is a conversation and I need to focus on the topic. Never attack the other person, attack the issue.
FIND PLACES THAT WE AGREE TOGETHER: Celebrate the places that we can come together and agree. Mark those things.
BE WILLING TO COMPROMISE: Sometimes, I need to change my perspective, my view or my approach. Don't be so closed to that as an outcome.
I remind myself often: "Take a deep breath Russ... Think before you open your mouth!"
Work on your dancing skills and realize that we all bring different perspective, experience and passion to just about every conversation!
Identify ways that you can change the conversation and honor people in the process!
Things I'm Reading, Listening To and Watching This Week:
Find out more about Adam Grant
I enjoy the rewards and benefits from my Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card. We use the points often for hotel stays and travel benefits. Check it out HERE.
We played the game Sequence recently, and our friends had this large game board to play with. I enjoyed that!
Gina and I are experiencing the Harbor Ministries Gathering this week in Colorado, celebrating with them 15 years of incredible impact. Check them out!
We me a new ministry recently, LikeWise Worship. They care for Worship Pastors and are really effective. Check them out HERE and introduce a worship pastor you know to their ministry!