Tag Archives: capability

Wishing you the 7 C’s


Posted by Jane Perdue

To enjoy ”being” good in all your “doing” well over the next year, the team at BIG hopes your holiday stocking bulges at the seams with these 7 C gifts!

Character…You walk the talk for being good and doing well. Your ethics and integrity are above reproach because you’re authentic, honest, transparent and have a moral center. You radiate positive energy and determination. You’re self-disciplined. You treat those with and those without power the same. You invite the elephant in the room to dance. Continue reading →

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7 Leadership Gifts


Posted by Jane Perdue

To fulfill the promise of using your head to manage and your heart to lead, may your holiday stocking bulge at the seams with these seven gifts!

Connection. Connect with your purpose and passions, then work them into your daily living in doses large or small. Take and make the time to connect with others.

Communicate. Engage in two-way dialogue, share freely what you know and actively listen with your head and heart to what others have to say.

Capability. Dare yourself to stretch the limits of your potential and to inspire those around you to do the same.

Celebrate. Smile, laugh, have fun – it feels good and is good for you and those around you!

Courage. Take a stand for what’s good and what’s right, even if doing so is unpopular.

Character. Choose to be a person of integrity, never afraid to be found out. Show care and compassion for all.

Commitment. Dedicate yourself to finding connection, communicating, reaching for your potential, celebrating, and being courageous, sincere, caring and authentic!

 

 

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Why can’t leaders play?


Posted by Jane Perdue

Hubby and I have a difference of opinion. What’s fascinating this time around is that we’re endorsing the opposite of what people who know us would expect.    Note: the content of this post has its roots in politics yet is NOT about politics!

Hubby says it’s inane for the President to complete his NCAA brackets because he has more important things to do.

I say it’s perfectly appropriate for the President to have done his NCAA basketball brackets because of all the important things he has to do.  (And I’m the workaholic in this relationship, and must confess that it took years for me to get to this point of view.)

Must leaders be all work and no play? Is it unprofessional to have fun? I’d love to hear what you have to say!

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“It Depends” - Lessons in Exploration


Posted by Jane Perdue

In my more impetus youth, I hated it when someone answered my question with “it depends.” I interpreted that response as either he didn’t know or she couldn’t make a decision.

These days, I chuckle when I find myself replying “it depends.” I’ve learned (the hard way!) the importance of considering variables. If the questioner hasn’t walked away in silent or not-so-silent disgust, I’ll ask  “how about exploring with me why I gave you that answer,” and we’ll end up in a rich, teachable moment discussion in which thinking moves from black and white to shades of gray.

If you’re on the receiving end of an “it depends” answer:

  • Channel your impatience or disdain into inquiry. As Covey reminds us, seek first to understand. Ask clarifying questions to understand why you received that response. Own delving in to determine the reasons behind the answer. Sometimes “it depends” does come from a vapid place; more frequently, though, it comes from a place full of new thoughts.
  • Be open to exploring alternatives and contingencies.  Possibilities that may have never occurred to you can be top of mind for someone else…and could be a critical, overlooked factor which positively impacts your decision-making.
  • Challenge yourself to understand why you want a black and white or speedy answer.  Are you seeking a quick fix? Are you reluctant to take a deeper look? And if so, why? Are you succumbing to quantity over quality?

If you’re on the giving end of an “it depends” response:

  • Own up to not knowing the answer. There’s no shame in not knowing. There’s lots of shame in covering up, denying or fibbing.
  • Share your insights about your ambiguous answer.  People process information in very individual ways, so providing an explanation of how you reached your conclusions helps round out other’s thinking.
  • Engage the questioner in dialogue. Exchange thoughts to expand one another’s point of view.

“It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it.” ~Joseph Joubert

What “it depends” learnings will you share?

(photo from brainden.com)

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