This past week I was reminded that sometimes it's hard to define your role. My oldest, Kate, had the grandmother of her boyfriend pass away. I've always believed that funerals are about the families, not so much the deceased, so there is a certain amount of awkwardness when you're not family. You care about the family, but you only met the grandma and grandpa a couple of times. Your sadness is not for the deceased, but empathy for the family. So what do you do? What do they need? Do they need a shoulder to cry on, a bottle of water, a distraction or some comic relief? Don't be offended that comic relief came up, because sometimes you just need to be reminded that it'll be okay to smile and laugh again. Even "Saturday Night Live" came back on the air after the tragedy of 9/11. You need to listen. You need to be responsive. They need to know that you care. Sound familiar? These are leadership skills that are invaluable in all parts of your life. Leadership is not limited to your work. It comes through in all areas - family and friends included. How do you see your role as a leader?
This past weekend, I listened to Sue Rusch, who is a Strategic Consultant, Speaker, & Business Coach (and also very tall). Of all the wonderful information she gave (and there was a lot), the one quote that really struck home for me was, "We can look at family as an excuse , or a reason ." Ouch! It's so easy to avoid the work that I know I need to do, by saying "my family time is more important". But what am I calling "family time"? Sitting in a dance studio during lessons? Watching tv while the rest of my family watches another tv? Sitting on a field watching soccer practice? Dinner together (but barely half the family is there)? Choose what is important. And be there. Remember the reasons that you chose leadership. And if your leadership is important, schedule your activities. And be there . No excuses. Thanks to everyone who is regularly (or even occasionally) reading this blog. I've been cover...
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