Any jackass can kick down a barn, but
it takes a carpenter to build one. – Sam Rayburn
The story is
told of a judge who had been frequently ridiculed by a conceited lawyer. When
asked by a friend why he didn't rebuke his assailant, he replied, "In our
town lives a widow who has a dog. And whenever the moon shines, it goes outside
and barks all night." Having said that, the magistrate shifted the
conversation to another subject. Finally someone asked, "But Judge, what
about the dog and the moon?" "Oh," he replied, "the moon
went on shining--that's all."
One of the
dangers you face as a leader is in developing a cynical attitude. You try your
best as a leader to keep a strong positive attitude; after all, you are the one
setting the example for others. But we all know that the mental, physical, and
emotional toll of being a leader can get to the best among us at times.
Symptoms of
cynicism are obvious- if not to you, then to others around you. A cynical
leader thinks worse-case scenarios, has an outlook that is more negative, and is
too quick to notice the flaws in other people. He tends to second guess peoples
motives and is increasingly insecure. This type of behavior can be viewed as
“out of character” by those who know you best and are signs that cynicism has
taken root.
Taming your
inner cynic can be challenging. There are just some days and some people who
will take you to your limit. I get it. So what is a leader to do? Here are five
suggestions to help you come back to the bright side.
Choose to be thankful
Instead of
being quick to complain about how bad things are why not choose a thankful
attitude instead? When you shift your focus to all of the good in your life
then your attitude will begin to change. It becomes harder to be negative with
a thankful heart.
Choose to be quiet
Cynical
people tend to not only be negative but often time very vocal. Instead of
saying the first negative thing that comes to mind why not just pause; take a
deep breath, and keep that thought to yourself. You never have to apologize for
the words you don’t say.
Choose to listen
Cynical
people can be that way because they are formulating thoughts, opinions, and
attitudes often with incomplete information. A good idea for you as a leader is
to listen to your people and gather facts before you speak or make a decision.
Choose to take some down time
There is an
old saying, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” that should be taken
to heart. I’m convinced that most cynicism in leaders is attributed to this
thought. It is important for all leaders
to have quality down time to re-charge and re-connect-- to rest and be restored
mentally and physically. Leaders need rest.
Choose to make a difference
The attitude
at the top of the organization tends to be the one throughout the organization.
As a leader you carry that responsibility. The daily choices you make are
critical not only for your well-being but for those you lead.
No leader is
immune from stress and each battles the temptation to be cynical at times. But
know this: cynicism is a choice and is a reflection upon your leadership style.
The discipline of a good attitude over being cynical is winnable. The outcome
rests in your daily choices.
In closing,
let me leave you with some inspiration from the Anyway poem attributed to Mother Teresa:
People are often
unreasonable, illogical and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people
may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful,
you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and
frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank
anyway.
What you spend years
building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.
If you find serenity
and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today,
people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best
you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best
you've got anyway.
You see, in the final
analysis, it is between you and your God;
It was never between
you and them anyway.
© 2015 Doug
Dickerson
1 comment:
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Thanks for an awesome blog.
Change Leadership
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