Leading Narratives

 Here are 10 leadership essentials: Create a positive work environment. You set, maintain, and change the tone. Model and encourage a positive one. Set clear expectations. Tell people what you expect, when, and how, or your day can be filled with surprises, such as, “Oh, you meant today?” Unclear expectations create an atmosphere of unease and frustration Give clear guidelines. As others participate in your organization, give them clear road maps. Don’t keep your processes a secret. Delegate. The added perspective on a job can create even more substantial results than you might create if it were part of your balancing act. Be enthusiastic. Enthusiasm is contagious and creates an energetic work environment. Demonstrate confidence. Believe in your product/service and yourself. Others will be far more eager to follow you. Provide necessary resources. Ensure that team members can access information and people to help them achieve their goals. Provide training. Provide team member...

  When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world. I found it was very difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my country.  When I found I couldn’t change the country, I began to focus on my town. I couldn’t change the town and as an older man, I tried to change my family.  Now as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is myself and I suddenly realized that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have made an impact on my family. My family and I could have made an impact on our town. Their impact could have changed the nation and I could have indeed changed the world. --Author Unknown

  A sea captain and a crusty engineer were talking one day, and they began to argue about whose expertise was most needed for the running of the ship. They decided that they should trade jobs for a day.  The chief engineer would be on the bridge, and the captain would go down to the engine room. Only a few hours into their shift, the captain emerged from below decks.  “Chief” he bellowed, “you need to get down to the engine room. I can’t get her to go.” “Of course you can’t, barked the chief, “She’s aground!”

Coaching, like politics, can be a world of compromise. It shouldn’t be, but often it is. A coach knows that his battles are not just in the sports arena. His battles are out of the arena, as well. Why? Because no matter what level of coaching you’re on, you are high profile compared to others in the community. And, because you are high profile, people enjoy taking pot shots at how you do things. Some people can even be ruthless in how they criticize you. The pressure can make you want to back down some. To compromise. Take heart. If you’re standing for good values, you are going to be under attack. There is a natural battle line drawn between people who stand for doing things the right way and those who either don’t or who don’t give a rip. So, don’t be alarmed when you are under attack because of what you stand for. No, you don’t have to go out looking for a fight. It may come to you. When it does, be diplomatic and considerate in how you share what you believe. Be understanding of th...