Ponder these three words and consider how applying them to your self, team and organization might have an impact.
Real
People who value being real are people who are authentic and surround themselves with people who are also genuine and authentic. They lower their guards, are comfortable being themselves with no facades, are capable of being vulnerable, and admit their weaknesses. This typically leads to an environment that is more open and honest, where things move faster.
The opposite are people who subscribe to the philosophy of “never let them see you sweat.” They pretend that they are bullet proof, their guards are always up, and they feel that they always must have the answers. This typically leads to an environment that is bureaucratic and political — even artificial.
Are you being real?
Simple
People who value simplicity are people that believe less is more, love reducing things to their bare essentials, and love rooting out and eliminating complexity. They believe in the 20/80 rule — subscribing to a philosophy of doing only the high gain 20 percent activity that achieves 80 percent of the results, and saying “no” more often than they say “yes.” This typically leads to getting more done in less time with less effort and higher profits.
The opposite are people who are highly intellectual, love hyper-analyzing everything, love trying everything, love complexity, and are offended by simplicity. This can lead to organizational indigestion and analysis paralysis.
Are you keeping it simple?
Results
People who value results are people who don’t waste time. All their actions are in alignment with their goals. They make sure that everything they are doing (meetings, conversations, action items, and projects) are in sync with their vision. This typically leads to a high level of achievement and satisfaction.
The opposite are people who are afraid to measure, fear accountability, and tend to go through the motions. This typically leads to finger pointing, mediocrity, and “everyone gets a trophy” environments.
Are you focused on results?
Leaders who are real, keep it simple, and focus on results are game-changers. They have the ability to transform organizational culture in healthy, straightforward ways. They grow to be leaders that people want to follow, leading with principle, by example, and from the heart.
