Daily Leadership Thought #141 – Actions Matter: How We Do Anything Is How We Do Everything
“Actions speak louder than words.” “It’s the little things that matter.” We have all heard these sayings, but how well have we digested the information? I am constantly amazed and often saddened by people’s tendency to dig their own holes or build their own mountains (rather than molehills). It isn’t the grand decisions or bold actions that define a life, although these things make a difference; it is how people show up every day that defines them.
- It’s the individual who strives to apply the “Golden Rule” in building fulfilling and enduring relationships.
- It’s the musician who practices every day who becomes a more accomplished player.
- It’s the student who rarely misses class, always completes their homework, and takes good notes who is most likely to receive good grades.
- It’s the employee who regularly does what they say they are going to do who gets promoted.
- It’s the manager who leads by example who gets the most done
- It’s the leader who continually works at getting smarter about their role and their marketplace who gets the best long-term business results
Most people I know want to create better outcomes in their lives. They spend hours dreaming, thinking, and talking about what a better situation could look like. They are usually confident in their own abilities and feel they measure up favorably against their peers. It is not unusual to hear them express surprise or even offer rationalizations when others they deem less talented or capable achieve greater success. The bottom line is that health, happiness, and success are all the result of daily habits and behaviors. These habits lead to a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction.
If given the choice, I would always support the individual who consistently strives for excellence, regardless of their circumstances or the availability of shortcuts. I encourage you to consider that the ends don’t always justify the means. However, how you achieve your results always does matter.
Related articles
- Principle Number Three: The Golden Rule (psychologytoday.com)
- THE Revised “Golden Rule” (socyberty.com)
- How to manage people?; The Golden Rule of People Management (wisdomfrombooks.wordpress.com)
- The Most Important Person In the World (jeffalexanders.wordpress.com)
- Good Leaders Learn What Not to Do | Leading From the Library (lj.libraryjournal.com)
