|
A Moment to
Commit
by Lee J.
Colan, Ph.D.
(This report is an excerpt from the book
"7 Moments… That Define Excellent Leaders".)
As we have all learned through some of
life’s harder lessons – whether it’s helping a friend through a
tough time, coaching a little league team or working on a
critical project – giving our best always gets the best results.
The moment we totally commit ourselves and begin giving 100
percent, a certain momentum develops. People naturally gravitate
to those who are committed and start working in the same
direction. Total commitment results in a certain, magical
boldness – a boldness that has genius and power.
Andrew Carnegie said, “The average person puts only 25 percent
of his energy and ability into his work. The world takes off its
hat to those who put in more than 50 percent of their capacity
and stands on its head for those few and far between souls who
devote 100 percent.” We compete against our own potential every
day.
I personally experienced the power of 100 percent commitment
(and lack thereof!) when I wrestled with publishing my first
book for over two years. I was consulting and writing leadership
articles, and so, I thought it might also be time to write a
book. I went through all the motions, from working with agents
to sending proposals to writers’ conferences, but I never seemed
to turn the corner from aspiring writer to published author.
There always seemed to be an obstacle, although I now realize it
was a result of my less-than-full commitment to my goal. In
other words, the obstacles were in my head!
One obstacle after another…two years and counting. Then one day,
I was at a client’s office. My defining moment of commitment
came when I saw a big box filled with practical handbooks
sitting on my client’s desk.
I quickly flipped through one of them and jotted down the
publisher’s name as I said to myself, “I can do this!” My moment
of commitment turned into action, and with the incredibly
gracious support of the publisher, I had my first book in print
six months later. My defining moment helped me envision
possibilities that I could only see through fully committed
eyes. All of a sudden, what used to be stumbling blocks now
looked like stepping stones.
Our commitment to our teams can have the same transforming
effect. Committed leadership inspires committed teams. For
example, during the most challenging time in history for the
airline industry, Southwest Airlines’ employees voluntarily
forfeited $5 million in vacation time and $1 million in pay to
help the company stay financially viable. Employees also took
over the lawn and facility maintenance at corporate
headquarters. These employees were simply reflecting a deep
commitment – personal and professional – they felt from their
leadership. When we lead with 100 percent commitment, this is
the kind of commitment to excellence we can inspire in return.
Did the rest of the airline industry really have different
obstacles that did not enable them to remain profitable? Only
the ones in their heads.
Even with 100 percent commitment, however, leadership is not
always a smooth flight. If we want to pilot our teams to
excellence, we have to understand we can’t just kick back in a
comfy first class seat. Now we have responsibility for not only
ourselves but also for the safety and success our teams. Our
teams are depending on us to set a good course, keep them posted
on our progress and make smart decisions.
Jumping into the pilot’s seat brings many more responsibilities
than privileges. But those who are defined by their 100 percent
commitment to excellence reap the rewards of flying high above
the rest!
Commitment yourself to excellence! Take the Free
7 Moments Indicator.
Here’s to Excellence in all you do!
Copyright © 2007 by Lee J. ColanReturn to Back Issues
|
