In helping a client with the development of their leadership pipeline recently the discussion turned to the idea of “self-engagement”. I think we’re all coming to realize that engagement is a two-way street. It’s not just what the organization brings to us, but also what we bring to it. The net of our dialogue was the idea of “a glad taking of responsibility”.
Responsibility: “the state of being answerable or accountable … a burden or obligation upon one who is responsible”
Answerable or accountable … burden or obligation. These are heavy concepts, and they can get heavier as you move up in the organization. So what separates the engaged leader from the seemingly disenfranchised – those modeling the desired value sets from those exhibiting what we know to be toxic behaviors? In my mind, the separation lies in one’s taking of the responsibility.
Glad: “happy, pleased, contented … showing pleasure or delight … cheerful, joyful, willing”
There seems to be a growing 21st century dynamic of pride in negativity – a competition even, in reference to who has it the worst. Take a look at social media postings, or take a listen at any cafeteria table. Too many feel a need to tell just how rough they have it – at work, in traffic, at home. And in a leading role, it affects not just your commitment and engagement – but that of all you come into contact with.
Let’s do something different – let’s make it a glad taking of responsibility. Cheerful, joyful, willing:
- Be known for gratitude in your personal and professional life. Make it a daily habit to write and speak of your blessings – it can transform you life
- Safeguard your psyche from negative messaging. Seriously reevaluate how you stay informed. Most media of any kind is intentionally negative – because tension sells! News will come find you … make sure you want to let it in.
-Don Brown
Don Brown dedicates his career to ‘helping people with people’ in leadership, sales and customer service. Bilingual and experienced at the executive and line-level alike, you see the results of his work across dozens of industries, including brewing, automotive, airline, banking and medical equipment.
Speaking, writing, coaching and selling to the best – Ford Motor Company, Anheuser-Busch, United Airlines, Harley-Davidson, Jaguar Cars, Hilton Hotels and many, many more – Don takes great pride in long-standing customer relationships (some running well over twenty years!)
