If you are like most of the people I’ve personally spoken with about the election, you are probably sure that your preferred candidate of choice will win (or at least should win because why would anyone in their right mind vote for that “other person”) but you may have quite a bit of anxiety about it.
I had a tough choice to make last Friday. Finally I did, and Red Rocks won out. I listened to my ‘inner knower’ and, as usual, it did not let me down.
I am writing from a state of awe, humility and gratitude for all of what I witnessed that day at the ICF Leadership Conference.
Before I share all that though, I need to tell you I got to sing! Yes, that’s right! I sang at Red Rocks. Thank you Todd Musselman for that inspiring opportunity. I have always wanted to do something like that – and in spite of crazy jitters, I did it.
Has there ever been something you always wanted to do? But somehow, you – well, you just never have? Singing is that thing for me. I sing all the time – but with a mic? In front of other people? Whew!
Have you ever had an idea that you just know is really great? Something with real potential?
What do you do with it?
Have you ever just tried to mull it over yourself?
Are you inclined to keep it hidden because…..someone else might steal it? or, deep inside do you worry someone might laugh? Or think you’re an idiot?
Do you hold back exploring because you fear that you might track the idea in front of someone and then discover that it isn’t so great after all?
So, we hear this all the time. Don’t work harder, work smarter…. Well that sure sounds good. Doesn’t it?
How do we do it?
There is a concept I’ve worked with over the years and hear more about just recently called manage your energy. There was even an article in The Harvard Business Review (October 2007, Tony Schwartz and Catherine McCarthy) about this.
To summarize, Leaders are being required to produce ever higher levels of performance (PEAK PERFORMANCE). The old standard, to work harder and longer inevitably fails though – as individuals drain their own personal batteries dry and have an underdeveloped habit of recharge and self-mastery. We end up with sick, disengaged and burned out teams and those who are in this state are not leading their staff anywhere good.