This may seem like a rhetorical question to you, but the answer is important on several levels. On an organizational level, it is vital, because managers and leaders are very different kinds of people. Both are needed in an organization, but if you have the wrong people in the wrong slots, disaster awaits. If you have a manager slotted where you need a leader (not leadership – but a leader), or you have a leader acting as a manager, you are asking for trouble. The manager won’t lead, and the leader will get bored and leave. On a personal level, you need to understand which one you are, and ensure that you are in a position that utilizes your strengths. So how do you know if you are a manager or a leader?
Last night I volunteered at a Career Coaching event at Bayside of Granite Bay. The event supported the Career Coaching program for those in transition, and there were 50+ job seekers there. For those in the Sacramento-Roseville-Rocklin area, I highly recommend it. They’ve successfully helped over 200 people find their next career. Although affiliated with the church, this is a non-evangelical event. Meaning you can walk in the door without getting preached to. The point is to help people in need get back on their feet.
I’ve done this before both at the church and other groups, and am always struck by the high caliber people who are for whatever reason unemployed. If you find yourself in this predicament, take heart, it is only temporary. Having said that – I do also come across those who I know will struggle to find their next job. If you’ve been unemployed for over 6 months, here are 5 things you need to consider.
I often wonder why some people make it big and others not so much. A friend went to see the Rat Pack Tribute recently that highlighted singers that resembled Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Joey Bishop, Sammy Davis Jr. and Peter Lawford. The singers were pretty good. But… why did the originals rise to stardom and these others just become good impersonators?
When I go to San Francisco and walk down the wharf, I always see talented musicians playing on the sidewalk for money. Many are often broke. What happened to them? Why aren’t they using their talents making a lot of money, or at least sharing their gifts to make a living? Instead, they live a life of poverty, hoping someone will come by and throw a buck in their guitar case. How about project managers? Why do some rise to stardom as a project rockstar, and others languish in mediocrity? Want to be a project rockstar? You can if you’re willing to follow some simple advice.
For those that follow me regularly on Twitter or Facebook, you know that I recently started with a new client. I’ve been around awhile and have experienced a lot in life. I went through Plebe Year at the Naval Academy, Flight Officer training at Naval Aviation Officer Candidate School (Officer and a Gentleman) and Survival, Escape, Resistance, Evasion (SERE) training. I’ve also been in corporate boardrooms, project war rooms and have been consulting for 10 years.
Although I obviously can handle stress and new environments, I found myself operating out of fear at my new client. Although I don’t think my client noticed, this is not a good place to be emotionally, as it can ruin your judgment. What about you? Have you ever needed to overcome fear and doubt?
I’m starting with a new client tomorrow. While I’m excited about starting, I’m also a little hesitant about the change, as my last project lasted five years. As I know this next project is going to be demanding, I decided to take a day to recharge and refresh my batteries before starting. So… this morning I headed down I-80 to San Francisco. My destination was the Labyrinth at Grace Cathedral.
Economic Signs Suggest a Bleak Road Ahead. That’s the headline I read when I signed onto the Internet this morning. When I read those words, I had two choices. I could be scared and depressed. Or I could look out my window and instead of seeing dried plants in my yard I could see beyond to the promise of flowers next season. I bet you are rolling your eyes at my second option.
Every January, I reflect back on my life and ask myself, how can I make it better? I look at my successes and failures over the past year, and look for ways to move forward. There is an old adage that goes something like this…
If you ain’t growing…. You’re dying!
Do you want to grow? The alternative is pretty dismal. So what’s it going to be? I know some of you are frustrated with your lack of growth last year. Perhaps financially, spiritually, or physically. You made resolutions in 2009, and not many came through for you in 2010. So what about 2011? How can you make those changes to improve your life?
If you twitter, you are constantly reading quotes that espouse positive thinking. Some quotes are age old and some are brand new, but they mostly convey the sentiment–you are what you think, so think positive. Do you ever wonder if all those people that post those statements live that happy, positive, empowered life they like to talk about?
As I prepare for the New Year, I practice several traditions which help me to reflect back on the year and clear my mind for the new year ahead. There are several traditional Japanese dishes that I make. These include Nishime, sushi, Ozoni and of course mochi. I always make it a point to take a bath on January 1st. I sit and soak in the tub, letting the dirt (disappointments, failures) flow out of me, leaving room for the good that the future will bring. It helps me to clear my mind and look forward with new eyes.
What traditions do you practice? If you don’t have any why not start now?
Have you ever wondered why some people seem to walk on water, even when they have cement shoes on. You know who I’m talking about. They can barely walk and talk at the same time, or they walk fast and talk fast without going anywhere or saying anything, yet… they seem to get promoted all the time. Well, if you want to get mad at them or whimper and cry at your misfortune… go ahead. But let me ask you, if they are so dumb, why are they getting promoted ahead of you?
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