Balancing Act

Great leaders understand that one reality in business is paradox. They leverage the inherent creative tension between quality and cost, Wall Street and employee well-being, service and innovation. They find ways to generate revenue by building strong relationships. They know that between the past and future is the present (where the best solutions arise). They lead from heart but honor head and gut. They don't strive for work/life balance but alignment with what is (regardless of where they are). They resist the pull of fight or flight and unfold. It's is the ultimate balancing act!

Check out the videos of artist Michael Grab at work on www.gravityglue.com and ponder what needs more alignment in your leadership and where the sticking points are. If rocks can do it so can we.

Thanks Bill for the resource.

Trust Consciousness

Trust is foundational to leadership and team performance. If you have "it" you can have more fun and get the job done. If you don't, you start over each time in every interaction. The first consideration in building trust is to understand your own trust consciousness. To what degree do you trust?

Is trust earned, given or never possible? Who do you trust and why? Who don't you trust and why not? What are your underlying beliefs, experiences, mindsets and assumptions about trust?

Next, consider if you are trustworthy by exploring two kinds of trust - Competence and Character.

1. Competence is about capability and results. Do you have the ability to do your job, deliver desired outcomes, address real issues, clarify expectations and take responsibility for mistakes?
2. Character is about integrity and intent. Do you do walk the talk, follow-through, talk straight, exhibit no hidden agendas, care, right wrongs and share credit for accomplishments?

Experiment with smart trust (vs. blind trust) where you listen to understand, keep commitments and extend trust and notice what difference it makes.

For more check out www.speedoftrust.com.