WorkMatters Tips Issue #36 – January 15, 2008
Publisher: Gayle Lantz mailto:lantz@workmatters.com
https://workmatters.com
WorkMatters, Inc.
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A quick tip to help leaders and executives who need to motivate their teams and themselves, and catapult their business.
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Leading on the Edge
If you’re like many of the leaders I work with, you want to be on the leading edge.(Although you may feel like jumping off the edge at times!)
What would the leading edge look like in your work or business?
People on the leading edge are innovative, adventurous and resilient They take risks. Risk is relative. What’s risky to one person may not be to another.
One executive may present a sensitive issue to the board in person. Another executive may prefer to send a memo. The memo feels safer.
As a leader on the edge, you have to make decisions that make you uneasy. You have to make moves that go against conventional wisdom, like letting go of a client or market that seems to be a good fit in many respects, but is not serving the organization well.
As you think about your goals as a leader, what makes you a little nervous?
* Maybe you need to: repair a relationship that’s damaged, defuse team tension, make a radical request of your team or your boss, address political sensitivities in the office, take a stand on a controversial issue or contemplate a new role for yourself.
* What new or innovative ways might you serve current customers, attract new customers, manage projects, develop new products, expand your vision or create more value?
* What might people think if you do something out of the norm?
Whether you work for a company that’s leading edge in technology, research, science, etc., lead on the edge. Challenge yourself and your team. Act! Don’t dwell on ideas too long.
Try something new or different in how you lead this year. Push yourself.Be the first to introduce a new approach. Move closer to the edge, wherever that might be for you. Increase your risk tolerance.
Your work will be more interesting. You’ll improve your leadership and your business.
PS — If you’re ready to lead closer to the edge (without going over), let me know if I can help.
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ON THE LIGHTER SIDE
If you’re not living on the edge, you’re taking up too much space.
~Anonymous
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Reprinted from "WorkMatters Tips," a free ezine produced by Gayle Lantz featuring tips for leaders and executives who want to grow themselves, their team and their business. Subscribe at
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