Leadership Lessons

I have now officially attended my first cheer competition.  I am already a veteran "dance mom", and there are some similarities between cheer and dance competitions (most notably the moms living vicariously through their children... but I digress).  As I watched the competition, I could compare the teams as far as which ones stayed together, how many stunts were dropped, and whether I personally liked the choreography.  I was at a loss, however, in comparing difficulties of skills.  I knew that our team had a tough routine (so I had been told), but it was difficult for me to compare. I couldn't help but notice when a team dropped a stunt - it's like watching a skater hit the ice - it's hard to miss.  Because I am familiar enough with the potential injuries that happen when a stunt falls out, I sat, not hoping for other teams to fail, but for our team to "hit" with greater difficulty.  I wanted our team to win because they were the best, not ...

Psychic Vampires.  Chances are you know at least one.  You know who they are... the ones that are always complaining... always have some crisis happening... always in the middle of some kind of drama... Hopefully, you try to avoid these people at all cost (and hopefully, this is not you).  But sometimes they are more difficult to avoid . With the holiday season upon us, I have just a few words of advice: 1- Keep time with the Psychic Vampires short. 2- Avoid "hot" buttons.  Topics, old wounds, etc. that don't need to be brought up. 3- Always have an escape route (whether that means another room, a walk outside, an errand to "pick up ice", or another obligation). 4- Look for the good.  Whether it's your health, that you have enough food, a warm place to be or that you can be together with the non-Psychic Vampires, ENJOY those things.  Don't dwell on the crummy parts. And maybe a garlic necklace wouldn't hurt - that tends to keep everyone away!

"The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry." Robert Burns "Life is all about how you handle plan B." Suzy Toronto Leadership is all about how you handle plan C and D. We can plan.  We can forecast.  We can insure.  We can control some things.  But, stuff happens.  For instance, just this week, I was part of a fantastic Holiday Open House event.  There were displays, prizes, activities, food, etc.  It was well attended, we had great feed back, we did solid business, but we had one "oops".  We had planned for an additional activity.  I had personally prepared much of the supplies.  Somehow or another, part of the supplies didn't make it to the venue.  What to do?  Freak out?  Try to put together more supplies at the last minute - during the event?  We chose to let it go for this event.  We put it away.  Of course, we will try to re-work the supplies (when we find them).  But we couldn't ...

The secret to leadership is simple: Do what you believe in. Paint a picture of the future. Go there. People will follow. ~Godin Do you lead a company, a family, a church, a group of volunteers or a community?  Do you believe in what you do? Do those you lead share your vision?  Have you shared your vision?  Can you share it clearly? Are you doing what you need to do, regardless?  Even when it's hard?  Even when no one is looking? Don't just talk the talk.  Walk the walk.  There's a difference between telling others what to do and inviting them along the journey with you.

As I read several blogs and forums relating to direct sales, I'm fascinated by those who complain, complain, complain.  They want something, they get it, but they want it different.  They sign on to a company, but don't like how the company dictates this or that. Direct sellers - imagine you owned a franchise... let's say "Subway" (Subway is a registered trademark & only being used as an example).  You have your location with the pretty sign, all of your food is purchased through your company, you have a fairly standard menu and you get to choose to participte in national advertising and pricing.  And, you have to sell a significant number of sandwiches to retain your franchise. As a customer, I know that I can walk into any Subway and get a BMT that tastes almost identical to any BMT I purchase at any other location.  I know what I'm getting. So what if Subway franchise owners put the name on the door but didn't follow franchise rules? As a custom...