If you are employed by a company, a franchise owner, a direct salesperson, a minister or a volunteer leader, you have to "buy in". What does that mean? When you are a leader in any of these types of positions, you have guidelines to follow and a certain amount of oversight. You may not like everything that your company puts out there - you don't have to (but you do choose to be there). "But I want to be innovative!" That's great! But have you tried what's presented? More than once? Have you personally, quietly tested your idea before recommending it to others? How did it compare? Were your results significantly better? What does it say to your team (employee, congregation) when you immediately dismiss guidelines, ideas, incentives or even rules? It says that these have no value. It says that you "know better". It says that you have to question everything. It says that you need to "re-invent the wheel" to be successful. But, what if they're not like you? You have set them up to fail. And, they will also question other ideas (including yours). "Buy in" and use your influence for good - not to further your own agenda.
A few years ago, I found myself in front of a 100 or so scrapbookers wearing a coconut bra and a grass skirt. The "tiki" theme that we had chosen dictated the need for my costume. The fun part was that everyone in the room knew that when I hit the stage in my crazy outfit, someone was going to win a prize! Shouldn't a leader be above dressing silly at a big event? Never! Would it help if I mentioned that I did have a t-shirt on under the coconut bra? And that we all wore Hawaiian shirts the rest of the time? Or that I've worn a Santa hat, light up necklace, blue hair, pink bowling shirt with matching glow-in-the-dark bowling shoes for other events? So why did I go the extra mile? Did I have to wear a coconut bra and a grass skirt to give away prizes? No. But did it add to the excitement and the atmosphere? Yes. It brought a sense of fun to the event and unity among the team. A large event is a huge undertaking. Havi...
Comments
Post a Comment