Hurried and inconsiderate is the approach that most of us take in pursuing our time on the earth. We seem to chase seemingly self fulfilling deeds that we believe will somehow bring about gratification. Unfortunately, the more that we search for this satisfaction without self contentment; the more we are going to feel empty and further away from joy.
The problem is that the world is echoing that your need for… money, beauty, the newest and greatest, as well as other stuff to mask the true emptiness that each of us is susceptible to feeling. Authentic success is not contingent upon the world’s standard of triumph, but on the leadership qualities that you are genuinely implementing in your daily life.
Worldly achievement is not synonymous with peace and joy. Neglecting your family for a paycheck, or sacrificing your precious time with your spouse and children will sabotage the most important segment of your life. Your family should take precedence over any other activity. When was the last time that you turned the television off and had a family game night? Remember that you cannot rewind your life, and give back time.
What are your priorities? When is the last time that you have reevaluated them? Now is the time to recognize and implement a new strategy to succeed in life; it’s not too late!
Leadership is not just about being a team leader in the employment world. It is a lifestyle that permeates every part of your life.
JFH
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Change; not just the stuff in your piggy bank!
Why is change such a tough word to swallow? I do not think that it has anything to do with the action of change, but the uncertainty or insecurity one may have about themselves going through change.
Have you ever noticed that anything worth anything is hard? It takes sacrifice, hard work, and educating ourselves about the changes that need to be made in ourselves.
If we are unwilling to change, then we may miss an opportunity that would/ could transform your career or life for the better.
Next time you are confronted with change, open your mind and evaluate the benefits. It may be exactly what you need!
JFH
Have you ever noticed that anything worth anything is hard? It takes sacrifice, hard work, and educating ourselves about the changes that need to be made in ourselves.
If we are unwilling to change, then we may miss an opportunity that would/ could transform your career or life for the better.
Next time you are confronted with change, open your mind and evaluate the benefits. It may be exactly what you need!
JFH
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Planting Seeds
An effective leader is like a gardener planting seeds in their backyard. The first step is to prepare the plot by working the soil. Then after the soil is ready, the gardener carefully places the seed in the ground. Once the seed is planted the gardener waters the patch methodically while waiting patiently to see what results he will reap.
A leader ought to facilitate the effectiveness of their team in the same way, by getting to the ground level and measuring the acidity. While at the ground level it is the leader’s duty to coach the players around their strengths, and provide nourishment so that they are able to grow. The coaching and nourishment are essentially seeds that the leader is planting. Through continual encouragement, coaching, and patience the entire team will reap success.
JFH
A leader ought to facilitate the effectiveness of their team in the same way, by getting to the ground level and measuring the acidity. While at the ground level it is the leader’s duty to coach the players around their strengths, and provide nourishment so that they are able to grow. The coaching and nourishment are essentially seeds that the leader is planting. Through continual encouragement, coaching, and patience the entire team will reap success.
JFH
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Humility
Humility is an uncommon word to describe leaders. You would be hard pressed to hear anything on this subject at a secular university. You would be taught that a leader should be in control, have all the answers, and be able to maneuver and manipulate their surroundings to advance up the corporate ladder.
But, I disagree.
What is leadership worth if you rollover your colleagues, take credit for successes that are not necessarily solely yours, and fail to establish a meaningful relationship with your team members?
If your incentive for leadership is a paycheck then you had better reevaluate your career trajectory, because you will ultimately fail as a leader.
Humility is a valuable ingredient in great leaders, for they understand that success is not simply derived from them, but cultivated by them through the ingenuity of a fine tuned team. Just like in a sporting team, one player or coach does not determine the success of the team, but the wholeness of the team working together for the greater good. Good leaders understand and are humbled by the fact that they are only as good as their team.
JFH
But, I disagree.
What is leadership worth if you rollover your colleagues, take credit for successes that are not necessarily solely yours, and fail to establish a meaningful relationship with your team members?
If your incentive for leadership is a paycheck then you had better reevaluate your career trajectory, because you will ultimately fail as a leader.
Humility is a valuable ingredient in great leaders, for they understand that success is not simply derived from them, but cultivated by them through the ingenuity of a fine tuned team. Just like in a sporting team, one player or coach does not determine the success of the team, but the wholeness of the team working together for the greater good. Good leaders understand and are humbled by the fact that they are only as good as their team.
JFH
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Discipline
One of the most difficult issues that most people struggle with in their life is discipline. Obviously discipline can encompass a lot of different areas of our life, like exercise, time management, education, or ridding ourselves from addictions or substance abuse.
But discipline means that we take ownership over all areas of our life, and make strides to better ourselves one step at a time. Everyone is subject to a vast number of flaws that are only apparent when you get really close to them, while others have flaws that appear as deep cracks in a windshield. But it is each of our responsibility to own our decisions, habits, preferences, addictions, actions, and words.
Today is the day that we take control of the controllable, and stop making excuses for our laziness. Discipline is not how the world sees us, but how we see ourselves with the gifts that we have been given. Each of us have been blessed with inherent gifts, and it is our duty to take ownership through discipline to lay down our fears for the betterment of ourselves and society.
You can make a difference today! Take ownership of your life through discipline.
JFH
But discipline means that we take ownership over all areas of our life, and make strides to better ourselves one step at a time. Everyone is subject to a vast number of flaws that are only apparent when you get really close to them, while others have flaws that appear as deep cracks in a windshield. But it is each of our responsibility to own our decisions, habits, preferences, addictions, actions, and words.
Today is the day that we take control of the controllable, and stop making excuses for our laziness. Discipline is not how the world sees us, but how we see ourselves with the gifts that we have been given. Each of us have been blessed with inherent gifts, and it is our duty to take ownership through discipline to lay down our fears for the betterment of ourselves and society.
You can make a difference today! Take ownership of your life through discipline.
JFH
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
The Leader in You
When most people hear about leaders they conjure up images of icons from history books like Martin Luther King Jr., George Washington, or Susan B. Anthony. Most of us fail to recognize leadership qualities in a factory line worker who acknowledges pivotal moments in their co-workers lives or a stay at home mother who is nurturing her children by providing them with a safe and educational environment.
All of us encompass the ability to provide evidence that we have leadership capabilities. Rosa Parks is the perfect example of an unlikely leader. She was not born in to privilege, but in a fundamental instant she stuck to her principles and refused to relinquish her seat. I am confident that she did not view herself as being a leader, but she most certainly was.
Leadership is shown through the small everyday things that we do. Go the extra mile. Stand up for what is right. Praise individuals that make strides to better themselves. Be positive, you are a leader no matter what your profession is!
JFH
All of us encompass the ability to provide evidence that we have leadership capabilities. Rosa Parks is the perfect example of an unlikely leader. She was not born in to privilege, but in a fundamental instant she stuck to her principles and refused to relinquish her seat. I am confident that she did not view herself as being a leader, but she most certainly was.
Leadership is shown through the small everyday things that we do. Go the extra mile. Stand up for what is right. Praise individuals that make strides to better themselves. Be positive, you are a leader no matter what your profession is!
JFH
Sunday, August 23, 2009
The Core
Whatever happened to faithfulness, honor, brotherhood, and hard-work? We have all heard of “the greatest generation”, those who were born in the roaring twenties, spent their childhoods struggling through a national depression, went off to fight against fascism, and came back to forge our country in to the greatest industrial revolution in history.
These were times when gents held open doors for their ladies, took off of their hats when entering a building, asked fathers permission to court their daughters, and when please, thank you, madam, and sir were a constant stream flowing out of children’s mouths without thought.
Authority was not seen as a threat, but a community keeping us from destroying ourselves through thoughtless selfishness. As a communal body we were held in keeping each other accountable so that we were building a stronger society based on values such as honor, truth, and sacrifice.
Leadership is restoring the moral fabric that is tore even when it is unpopular or uncomfortable to do so. It is about going against the grain of idea’s that conflict with your convictions and present barren fruit. I am not stating that change is bad, but a leader must be able to discern whether change is compromising their core, or not. Preferences can be altered, but we have to hold steadfast to our uncompromising values. Do you have a core? I challenge you to look at what is at the center.
JFH
These were times when gents held open doors for their ladies, took off of their hats when entering a building, asked fathers permission to court their daughters, and when please, thank you, madam, and sir were a constant stream flowing out of children’s mouths without thought.
Authority was not seen as a threat, but a community keeping us from destroying ourselves through thoughtless selfishness. As a communal body we were held in keeping each other accountable so that we were building a stronger society based on values such as honor, truth, and sacrifice.
Leadership is restoring the moral fabric that is tore even when it is unpopular or uncomfortable to do so. It is about going against the grain of idea’s that conflict with your convictions and present barren fruit. I am not stating that change is bad, but a leader must be able to discern whether change is compromising their core, or not. Preferences can be altered, but we have to hold steadfast to our uncompromising values. Do you have a core? I challenge you to look at what is at the center.
JFH
Friday, August 21, 2009
Relationships
At some stage in most of our lives we lose focus on the authentic reason for our existence, and begin to situate our efforts in to collecting stuff, chasing the next big promotion, or lining our walls with academic or athletic accolades. The reason for our continuation, though often times clouded is to generate and foster relationships.
Great leaders understand that escorting their family or team members toward the next great summit is not about barking orders, but about getting to know their teams specific needs, strengths, and passions. After a leader authentically establishes a relationship with their team they are able to effectively utilize the team to encounter and overcome their objective.
Do you really know your team members, clients, or family members? I would encourage you to invest in people by really listening to them. Give value to relationships.
JFH
Great leaders understand that escorting their family or team members toward the next great summit is not about barking orders, but about getting to know their teams specific needs, strengths, and passions. After a leader authentically establishes a relationship with their team they are able to effectively utilize the team to encounter and overcome their objective.
Do you really know your team members, clients, or family members? I would encourage you to invest in people by really listening to them. Give value to relationships.
JFH
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
It's Not About You!
As a leader sometimes we are struck with a false reality that everything is for our glory, not for the glory of the team, or the purpose we are striving for. We tend to believe that if not for ourselves success would not be possible, but as I had earlier stated, this is untrue.
A good leader should not be caught up in the WIFM (what's in it for me), but in doing what's right, coaching up their team members, and leaving a legacy of good character. Unfortunately, in the business world this point of view is unpopular, but after your career has ended what will be said of you? Were you fair, honest, humble, or are there less desirable words to describe your character?
Take a look at yourself today! Remember that leadership is a way of life!
JFH
A good leader should not be caught up in the WIFM (what's in it for me), but in doing what's right, coaching up their team members, and leaving a legacy of good character. Unfortunately, in the business world this point of view is unpopular, but after your career has ended what will be said of you? Were you fair, honest, humble, or are there less desirable words to describe your character?
Take a look at yourself today! Remember that leadership is a way of life!
JFH
Monday, August 10, 2009
The Journey
Picture yourself climbing Mt. Everest which stands 8,848 meters (29,028 feet) above sea level. You probably have prepared for years by mapping out a course, making sure that you are physically fit, and researching weather patters to ensure that your venture is successful.
During the appropriate season you gather your team of experienced professional climbers and you attempt to make the journey. Your team consists of a group of individuals that have a variety of skill sets to optimize your chances of success. Even though you have a fantastic team, you understand that the journey will be difficult. Your team will have to endure dangerous weather conditions, and the treachery of the jagged mountain.
Leadership is not unlike preparing for this feat, and you realize that your preparation did not exempt you from the trials that you have prepared for. You begin to climb the mountain and someone gets hurt, or the weather is so bad that you have to wait it out. The mountain is the journey, and you cannot predict what is going to happen. You most certainly will make mistakes, but it is not the mistake that will cause you to fail, but it is how you deal with the mistakes.
Do you have the strength to forge on? I once heard that if the mountain was not jagged, then you could not climb it.
JFH
During the appropriate season you gather your team of experienced professional climbers and you attempt to make the journey. Your team consists of a group of individuals that have a variety of skill sets to optimize your chances of success. Even though you have a fantastic team, you understand that the journey will be difficult. Your team will have to endure dangerous weather conditions, and the treachery of the jagged mountain.
Leadership is not unlike preparing for this feat, and you realize that your preparation did not exempt you from the trials that you have prepared for. You begin to climb the mountain and someone gets hurt, or the weather is so bad that you have to wait it out. The mountain is the journey, and you cannot predict what is going to happen. You most certainly will make mistakes, but it is not the mistake that will cause you to fail, but it is how you deal with the mistakes.
Do you have the strength to forge on? I once heard that if the mountain was not jagged, then you could not climb it.
JFH
Sunday, August 9, 2009
The Power of a Hand Written Note
In an increasingly impersonal world, a leader can separate themselves by sending handwritten notes to an employee, student, family member, or even a client.
Do not substitute a handwritten note for an email, instant message, or a text message, because they do not have the same effect.
Today, send someone a handwritten note letting them know something that you have appreciated about them.
JFH
Do not substitute a handwritten note for an email, instant message, or a text message, because they do not have the same effect.
Today, send someone a handwritten note letting them know something that you have appreciated about them.
JFH
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Serving
When is the last time that you washed the proverbial feet of those you lead?
Great leaders understand that you have to be willing to roll up your sleeves, get on your knees, and begin washing. The reason that this is necessary is because leading and serving are synonymous. You have to learn how to serve, before you can gain permission to lead. Remember that leadership is not about a title, but a way of life.
How are you serving your family, friends, staff, and your community?
JFH
Great leaders understand that you have to be willing to roll up your sleeves, get on your knees, and begin washing. The reason that this is necessary is because leading and serving are synonymous. You have to learn how to serve, before you can gain permission to lead. Remember that leadership is not about a title, but a way of life.
How are you serving your family, friends, staff, and your community?
JFH
Friday, August 7, 2009
The Call to Leadership
It is undeniable that each of us have spheres of authority that we influence in our day to day lives. Our life circumstances, occupation, personalities, education, spiritual belief system, and convictions all play a role in how we affect others for the betterment of society.
It is our duty to begin the leadership process not on those that we manage or influence, but on ourselves and our families first. A true leader is not someone that has it simply stamped on their business card, but someone who takes time to self-assess, adjust, learn, fail, relearn, and apply the principles that they have learned for the development of others. We are commissioned to make the world a better place one life at a time, beginning with ourselves, expanding to our families, our communities and beyond.
The first step in leadership is realizing the significance in praising others. Take time today to tell your spouse, children, or friends how much you are proud of them.
JFH
It is our duty to begin the leadership process not on those that we manage or influence, but on ourselves and our families first. A true leader is not someone that has it simply stamped on their business card, but someone who takes time to self-assess, adjust, learn, fail, relearn, and apply the principles that they have learned for the development of others. We are commissioned to make the world a better place one life at a time, beginning with ourselves, expanding to our families, our communities and beyond.
The first step in leadership is realizing the significance in praising others. Take time today to tell your spouse, children, or friends how much you are proud of them.
JFH
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