Don't get trapped in the rat race!

Getting caught up in the daily "rat race", or the grinding details of the work to do can leave one in an emotionally down state.  The effect of seeing all the work to do, the failures made, the errors occurring, or even the progress left ahead can cripple you.  In the end, your goals will not be accomplished, no one is being led and the outcome is disaster. 

In order to avoid this scenario, it is important to recognize the symptoms that are a result of not remaining focused on leading, on growth and on the broader vision.

Key areas of concern are:

• You only work on issues and problems
• You never accomplish your daily agenda priority items
• Your afternoons are filled with stress, chaos and upset people
• You don't take breaks, eat lunch or have time for fun
• You can't sleep 7 straight hours without awakening because you are worried about work

When you look at this list, rate yourself on a scale of 1-10, and be honest with yourself.  Give each point a rating, with 1 being  you never have this occur, and a 10 meaning you always do this.  If you score higher than a 35, you need to evaluate your priorities, your actions, your purpose and processes as a leader.  If you scored higher than a 45 you need to take a vacation, and then implement immediate action to avoid damage to other aspects of your life.  This is serious stuff, so start now.

Start first with your time, manage it, don't let it manage you.  There will always be interruptions, yet don't let them control what you do and when.  Respond to the highest priority item on YOUR list and address it first.  Someone else may have an item of high importance, yet you need to decide what is your highest priority in the scope of the overall vision.

Next, take a look at your goals and the methodology you are using to accomplishing them, including other people.  You may need to adjust your (and their) expectations, and possibly eliminate or change your vision, product or people.  Leaving things the way they are will only leave the symptoms as they are, and ultimately, progress will not be made.

Next step is to plan breaks into your day and week.  Allow down time, time to think, time to eat, relax and dream.  You need to acknowledge and accept that this is still work, yes, taking a break, thinking strategically and preparing for the next big task IS work.  This all allows you to be your best in each moment, which is the next point.

When you are working on something, sitting in a meeting, or speaking with a friend or co-worker, you need to be fully engaged in that moment.  Multitasking has received improper credit to represent people capable of doing a lot of things at one time.  Consider this from now on, if you are doing more than one thing at a time, you are now doing 2 things poorly.  Be where you are, period.  Fully engage and emotionally connect to the moment, nothing else. 

You will find that with a few simple adjustments in priority, time management, planning and engagement of your mind, you will see the right things are being done, and done more accurately and more efficiently. 

Perception is NOT reality

There is an old saying that perception is reality.  I would like to take some time to unveil the truth behind what perception is.  Perception is what someone believes something to be, and therefore, to them it becomes their reality.  That does NOT mean it is the actual reality, or the truth, yet it does provide for an obstacle in leading and accomplishing progress.

The reality is that a leaders needs to be able to lead, down and up, across and through and the perception of others can hinder your leadership.  The key point, however, is that to be successful as a leader, your vision, your methodology, your the ability to do the right thing, to remain focused on the larger goal and always have others' interests in mind is what makes you successful.  Trying to correct every misconception (or lack of reality) for each person is not feasible.

There is always going to be someone, somewhere, that perceives you not as your really are.  There is always someone that will bring you down, that says you aren't able or equipped.  There is always someone that will find fault in your work, and potentially personalize their message to be about you. 

This is what I call the perceptions gap.  This is the difference between reality and their perceived reality.

 The caution here, do not fall into the trap.  Here are the things to do to avoid reacting, or worse, having your self worth be based on the opinion of others and simply their perception of your performance. 

Make sure that you surround yourself with trusted leaders that give you honest feedback.  Have people that will be honest about your work ethic, about your vision, about who you are and what you do.  This can be family, friends, co workers, peers, bosses, anyone.  The quantity should be between 2-5 people, remember these are people you will allow in to the deepest part of your life.

Always reflect and be honest with yourself.  You know in your gut when you are doing your best, or not.  That deep part inside that says the direction is failing, means it probably is.  The opinion of your trusted advisers does matter, yet you know yourself the best.

Set goals that meet up with your vision and objectives.  I realize that many times in the workplace those are set for us, and we can't always change ours.  Saying that, are you accomplishing what is set before you.  Regardless of the many critics out there, if you are in alignment with your (or your set goals) then press ahead.

Communicate with others as much as possible.  Sharing the truth, the reality of what is occurring helps to eliminate the rumors and the perception gap.  Spend time sharing what is really happening, how it meets the goals and ultimately the vision.  By consistently communicating (see post on communication) you inform the reality and ultimately, change the perception. 

Your goal, is not to meet their perception, it is to influence it, and by doing so you close the gap and better align them to reality.