We’re surrounded by messages about winning and losing, especially now during the Olympic games. But what if the real win isn’t about getting first place?
Gayle Lantz challenges leaders to examine a critical question: What game are you actually playing? Because if you don’t define it, culture will define it for you, and culture tends to define winning as more money, more status, more recognition, more applause.
As Gayle explains, “Real leadership means choosing the right game before you start keeping score.” She shares how the win-lose mindset can damage relationships, cultures, and self-esteem, and offers a powerful alternative.
When you redefine winning, fear decreases, creativity increases, and people stop hiding mistakes. You stop chasing applause and start building alignment. You stop tying your worth to outcomes and start measuring success by growth, integrity, and impact.
This episode covers:
- Why winning feels so important (and the hidden costs of winning at all costs)
- How to sharpen your “win detector” to spot wins you’ve been missing.
- A simple practice for starting meetings that trains your team’s brain
- Getting out of the win-lose mindset with better questions
- Developing a winning mindset that reframes difficulties and setbacks
- The bigger question: At the end of your career or life, what will you wish you had won?
“Happy place beats first place.” (inspired by Hershey’s commercial)
LINKS
Previous CEO On The Go Episodes:
Leadership Role Feeling Heavy? You Have Options #293
Why Most Transformations Fail – Leadership Wisdom from Barbara Wittmann #292