3 Leadership Lessons From The Beach

3 leadership lessons from the beach…

#1 Ownership Trumps Blame Every Time—doesn’t that say it all? After spending nearly the entire day at the beach my kids had this glow about them. I’m not referring to a glow of happiness; I’m talking about a sun-induced glow commonly referred to as sunburn. My first reaction, “Tracey, did you put sunblock on their faces?” What?!? I’m their dad… HELLO! I took no ownership in the parenting. I pointed a finger and blamed. Needless to say, it solved nothing. However, it did result in some interesting discussions… Stop pointing fingers and start creating solutions! Leaders, when was the last time you said, "What have I done?," instead of "Look what you've done!"

#2 Your Way Right Away, Just Not All The Time—I remember when Burger King launched the “Your Way Right Away” campaign. I thought it was smart. It told me I MATTERED. Burger King was interested in what I wanted and I liked that. The same principle applies to the people you LEAD (as well as your families). While on the beach I had my agenda: get in the ocean and ride the waves. My kids had their own agendas: build sandcastles, find seashells, and fuss. Instead of engaging my kids in THEIR interests, I called them over to ME and MINE. Selfish? Maybe. They had fun, but it wasn’t what THEY WANTED TO DO. Once they got back to what they wanted to do their levels of fun grew EXPONENTIALLY. The same happens at work. As a leader your job is to place people where they’ll EXCEL, not just fill a need. Ask questions. Find out what they LIKE and WANT to do. Their greatest PRODUCTIVITY will come from doing something they LOVE to do!

#3 Distractions Are Distractions—I realized yesterday just how much time I spend on my phone. It’s disgusting (I bet if you were honest right now you’d say the same thing). I came to this realization by simply leaving my phone ALONE. I left it plugged in ALL DAY LONG. This means I didn’t even take it with me to use as a “camera” (riiiiiiight…). Without my phone I eliminated about 98% of the distraction in my life. Gone. I was able to fully invest my time and energy in both my wife and kids (and surprisingly they didn’t tell me to get my phone!). Leaders, how many distractions are scattered about your office? How many times throughout the day do you check your email? How much time are you spending on the phone? What responsibilities are you handling that SOMEONE ELSE could or should be doing? What are the things that are keeping you from engaging the people who matter the MOST in your job? Kill the distractions and INVEST IN the people you’re supposed to be LEADING!