Leadership Failures...Not Me, Right?

19,500,000.

That's how many results Google provided when I searched for the phrase "leadership failures." Wow, we must suck.

I'm Not Buying It

With all due respect, I have not given up on the notion of good leadership. Yes, we struggle. I'm at the head of that line. But I for one believe it's worth it to keep trying, not because I have to, but because I actually believe leadership is a noble role.

Now before your eyes roll into the back of your head, consider this: How many times have you complained about a decision a leader made in your company, or social club, or sports team? How many times have you felt that you could do a better job than someone else in a leadership role? Have you seen leaders lose their way because the pressure of the job was too much for them?

Leadership isn't easy. There is often so much criticism directed at these people that we miss what the impact is on them as human beings.

Leadership ages people. Don't believe me? Take a look at the before and after pictures of American Presidents. Sure, that's an extreme example, but the reality is leadership can wear people out.

Nowhere To Go But Up

If then, the pit is so deep, it seems to me we only have one option: start climbing. With all of the chatter about failing and whether or not it is in vogue to openly discuss it, I say who cares. People are going to fail, and that includes leaders. That includes me.

But the true champions will keep pushing forward and try to improve. Even if it means they have to check their ego at the door. I hate it when I have to do that...but I've gotten pretty good at it.

How About You

So why in the world do we stay in these positions? What could possibly be the draw that brings us back over and over again? Easy, we have the privilege to help others do incredible things in their work every day. Now that is something to be thankful for.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



photo credit #1  photo credit #2 

HR Is Never Linear

I had a shocking realization last week. Once it happened, I couldn’t stop thinking about it, and I think it may alter the course of my entire life. Okay, maybe not that last part. But still, it was a whack to my head with the reality stick.

Process Flow is the Way to Go

Oh my gosh did I believe this to be true! My team has spent months mapping out, correcting, and streamlining our internal processes. They’ve embraced the challenge of modernizing a "personnel" system into a well-running human resources machine…and they’ve done a terrific job.

But last week I learned something that lays over the top of our best processes.

Humans Are Awesome, I Think

My epiphany came during a discussion with one of my colleagues who was expressing frustration that one of our searches was moving along in a haphazard fashion. We had some of the pieces in place, but for some reason we weren’t following a nice orderly process.

Eureka! Hello reality!

When was the last time an issue that involved human beings followed an orderly process? Answer -> NEVER! Welcome to the world of HR. It’s no wonder our management teams never quite understand what we do. We’re the ones dealing with people exclusively, while they have the structure and protocol of month end financials, computer programming, supply processes, sales orders and many other routine systems to follow. (I know they all don't go smoothly, but you get the point.)

How About You

We do not have the luxury of always following a neat and tidy process for every issue that pops up. We have to deal with the human component 100% of the time and that makes it different, every time.

As for me, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I’d love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



photo credit