Note from Art: Starting with this post, 
the Weekly Leadership Message is a new Monday feature here at Management Excellence. Use them in good health and great leadership!
The only way I let myself watch football is from the action-side of an elliptical. I love the game, but don’t love the time investment or potential for calorie consumption.
Yesterday, while working out and watching the Saints chew up the Chicago Bears, one of the announcers commented on the work of ethic of Saints team leader, star quarterback and seemingly great guy, Drew Brees. His words were something to the effect, of, I watched Drew in practice this week, and no matter what he was doing, it seemed like he did it with purpose. He brings the same intensity to practice that he does to game situations.
Blog enough, and you’ll hear a post in just about everything. He had me at, “purpose” on this one.
No Timeouts in The Life of a Leader:
You don’t get time off from your role as a leader. There are no timeouts, no after hours hang-up-your-hat and become one of the gang situations. I’ve attended too many company after-hours events where the boss made an ass of himself or herself to know that NO ONE really wants to see the boss take a timeout.
The most effective leaders I’ve worked for, with and now coach, understand that every encounter, from the greeting in the parking lot to the hallway conversation to lunch to participation in meetings, represents an opportunity to do something positive for someone or some group.
Prepare Your Mind to Lead Effectively-Before You Walk in the Door:
One of my favorite examples is the senior manager who spends a few extra moments “prepping” for the day in her car in the parking lot before walking into the office. She’s not putting on makeup or fixing her hair. She’s preparing her mind to engage, to lead, and to remember that her focus is on others and helping them solve problems in pursuit of their priorities. This professional engages with purpose every single minute of her day.
7 Ways You Can Engage with Purpose Everyday:
- Your polite but focused questions help teach.
- Your thoughtful (never rushed or harassed) responses show respect.
- Your willingness to listen shows that you care.
- Your encouragement at a moment of failure accelerates learning and helps grow confidence.
- Your fair and constant reinforcement of accountability sets performance expectations.
- Your willingness to delegate decisions shows trust.
- Your interest in helping others advance and grow builds fierce loyalty and great teams.
- Your management of yourself models the values and behaviors of an effective leader.
The Weekly Leadership Message:
Manage yourself by focusing on others first. Make every encounter count as you engage with purpose.
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About Art Petty:
Art Petty is a Leadership & Career Coach helping motivated professionals of all levels achieve their potential. In addition to working with highly motivated professionals, Art frequently works with project teams in pursuit of high performance. Art’s second book, Leadership Caffeine-Ideas to Energize Your Professional Development, will be published in late September of 2011.
Contact Art via e-mail to discuss a coaching, workshop or speaking engagement.
Well said Art. I have seen bosses as well step over the line and frankly there is some respect that is lost for them. Your 7 ways to engage are great daily tips any leader can use, but I know I will use them especially when at practice with the cross country team.
Thanks, Eric! Use them in good health and in pursuit of great results! -Art