I will follow…

Nearly every team practice begins with me reminding the team how we speak and listen the BTL way. I model the way by not saying much. I simply prompt them and sit back and listen. I tune in like an animal being stalked and listen for the melody lines and the nuances. Mostly I hear people remembering the recipe. This is better than not, but not what I want to hear. I’m listening with the hopes of hearing from a few that really believe that this process is better than their default. Few do. Few care. Few try. Few.

I’ve learned to “deal with it,” so to speak, and not lose heart. My message only connects to a few hearts and the same will be true for you.

Yesterday, a few high performers learned how to “deal with it,” so to speak. One learned that she must become her own master builder, FIRST, and then seek feedback from a few other strong CORE centered truth tellers.  Remember to work on first things first.  The world is ready and waiting to give you feedback and fix your sorry Ass.  The problem is that the vast majority haven’t a clue.  They don’t know that they’re clueless and are more than willing to chip away at you. Don’t let them.  Build yourself and find a few truth tellers that have been chiseling away at themselves, to come alongside.  The rest is noise…

And, yesterday, another high performer learned that her high performance does NOT make her attractive to those around her.  The masses in any system do not want to hear it from their high performing peer.  They just don’t.  She learned to keep her mouth shut until peers beg to hear her keys and, even then, to send ’em a little.  She is learning to “get over it.”

Leaders discover that it is mostly lonely at the top.  High performers understand this truth too.  Here’s the recipe for becoming a high performing leader.  It’s a freakin’ bullet proof recipe too.  Follow it with your whole heart and you will rise to the top, I guarantee it.  Those of you that know me, know what is coming.  This “recipe” is impossible to follow, I believe.  However this is my aim.  Here it is.

1. Model the way.  Remember, Jesus mantra was really simple.  He just kept telling his followers, “Follow me.” What are your actions telling your team?

2. Embrace acute pain and suffering.  Remember, Jesus carried His cross, literally and figuratively, long before He asked us to do the same. Are you embracing more acute pain yourself, than putting pain on your people?

3. Embody truth in LOVE.  This is so hard for you and for me. We have mastered spinning shit so we sound good and hide our true selves.  Most humans only touch into truth when they’re angry or when those around them are.  Truth in anger is better than spinning  but is far from the mark.  Truth in LOVE lights us up in a good kinda way.  We see our blindspots and receive care and help as we painfully but purposely, chisel away. Are you closing your own integrity gaps?

Model the way, embrace acute pain and suffering, and embody truth in LOVE.  

I will follow…