Leadership Thought #384 – How Strong Are Your Relationships?
If we are honest with ourselves, most of our relationships in life are out of convenience or due to necessity. Typically these types of friendships are fine as long as things stay relatively stable and major life issues don’t complicate the mix. However, once something bad happens, you do learn who your true friends are and it may surprise you. Friendship is easy when life is easy. When life gets hard, some people just don’t have the stomach for it. Always remember that this says more about them than you. Some people are just much more comfortable taking rather than giving – sad for them. Others just can’t handle any level of emotional depth or commitment.
Leadership Thought #333 – Appreciating the Kindness of Strangers
Yesterday as I was winding down the holiday weekend with my kids our dog (Bambi) got loose from the back yard and ran off. You can’t really blame the dog. It was our fault for leaving the gate open and not paying attention. We were all devastated. She is still fairly young and not all that street smart. We live in a busy downtown area and it isn’t difficult for your thoughts to conjure up many possible terrible outcomes. To make matters worse she wasn’t wearing her collar. It would have been a very sad way to end an otherwise happy weekend if we had been unable to find her.
Leadership Thought #330 – Real Joy Comes from Helping Others
It’s very easy to get so caught up in our own life and forget about the needs of other people especially those not directly in our social or professional circles. However, it’s been proven time and time again and that real joy comes from helping others not just focusing on ourselves. Leaders are in a unique position to set a good example in this regard. I believe it isn’t just a coincidence that the most philanthropic and community involved companies tend to do better than their less engaged peers on the business front. People want to know that you care about more than just profit especially your employees.
Happy Holidays 2010!
I sincerely hope your homes are filled with love, friendship and joy this holiday season. And, in the midst of all the unnecessary consumerism that accompanies the holiday, I wish for you moments of clarity and peace around what’s truly important in your life. I also pray your hearts are filled with compassion and charity for those who are less fortunate.
Daily Leadership Thought #66 – Empathy Matters
Life can be difficult at times. Whether it is business related or not, the people around you need to know you care about them.