I cannot begin to tell you how much I despised the subject of Math during my school-age years. Then came Algebra, and that despise escalated to hate. I know… hate is a very strong word and I rarely use it, but in this case, it was true! Algebra and I were… and still are bitter foes. I wouldn’t say I couldn’t do Algebra, because a true “Can’t” is rare. The truth is… I didn’t want to, I didn’t like it, and I didn’t care about it. However, as I’ve evolved, I have come to value the power and impact of formulas and effective processes. If you are looking to enhance your leadership, professionally and personally, there are two simple equations to enhance our personal leadership, our surrounding culture, lifestyle, and overall joy. So, what are they?
Equation 1: Don’t Add Positive to Negative
Professionally: Every organization wants to add the “Inspired & Motivated” employee to their team; the individual who’s eager to learn, make an impact, work their tail off, display leadership qualities, hungry to advance and make an impact. Yes, these individuals are awesome, you wish everyone you hire could be this way, and I encourage you to hire as many of these people as you can, but before you do… there are two things to consider.
Is your company’s culture capable of satisfying and keeping these Allstars? Be mindful that you’re not adding positive people to a negative culture. If the negative culture is bigger than what the positive person/people can handle, you will either not have the positive people for long or they will begin to drain, burn-out, bore-out, and become a part of the Negative Nick and Nancy Club! That is truly the saddest thing to see in a company… when a former “Inspired & Motivated” employee becomes a problematic cog due to ignoring this simple equation. In short, attention to Culture-Care is as important as the “Inspired and Motivated” you are seeking!
It’s important for those in positions of leadership to know that the “Inspired & Motivated” are looking for great leaders and leadership they can respect, count on, and evolve in. Therefore, the Allstar you want to hire will be expecting more out of you… pushing you to be the leader you sold yourself to be throughout the interview process.
Before founding my company, You Evolving Now and becoming a speaker and author, I was a Mental Health Therapist. The clients that came in knowing what they wanted to get out of therapy, who were already in action-phase, and eager to make progress were the clients that made sure you were on you’re A-Game. I took pride in always providing the best service and impact possible, but these individuals expected more, were ready, wanted results, and effective strategies in session and for homework. In short, if you are bringing in great people; pay them back with great leadership… being curious enough to know what they would like out of the experience, being willing to speak their language, and helping them to be of impact!
Personally: We all have life going on and it can be quite the rollercoaster! If your life is in chaos and dysfunction… be mindful of adding positive people to your dysfunction if you are not dedicated to your own evolution; depending on them or the relationship to give you a break from your dysfunction, or expecting them to take your dysfunction away. It’s not fair, not their job, and without your effort in your life… it will chisel away your respect for them and burn them out in the process.
Seeking and welcoming positive and “good-vibed” people into your life is a good thing, but only healthy if you’re willing to do your own work, learn with them, and enhance your personal leadership, leadership skills, and work/life harmony.
Equation 2: Subtract then Add
Subtraction often gets a negative wrap. Most people don’t want less; the lesser home, the lesser car, lesser income, etc. While in contrast, more home, more income, more employees, more projects, more, more, more sounds better… but is it?
Professionally: There is power is subtracting. Before you add new hires and all of the new “Inspired & Motivated” perhaps it’s wise to subtract the dysfunctional employees first. Subtract the processes that aren’t producing much or not working at all… and see what happens when you are left with the people that actually want to be there, want to work, have been looking for opportunity within the organization, and are welcoming change. The 80/20 rule states that 20% of your people do 80% of the work… so are MORE subpar or negative people really necessary? Let’s see how things are with a more efficient and trimmed staff… then hire the “Inspired & Motivated”; welcoming them into a well-run, promising, positive-culture machine!
Personally: For most people, it feels good to have that special relationship, that significant other you can count on… even if the relationship is unhealthy, or that group of friends you’ve outgrown or are bored with. It’s always amazed me what we can allow ourselves to get comfortable with! However, if you’re interested in having the life and lifestyle of your dreams… it starts with enhancing your personal leadership… and that can be hard to do within the relationship you are already in. I’m not suggesting you cut anyone… that’s a rare thing we need to do! I am suggesting you get comfortable getting great on your own without depending on a buddy or a relationship. Subtract some time from your day and life to get great! You want to lose weight, get comfortable doing it by yourself. You want to learn something new, get comfortable reading alone at night when everyone goes to bed… you get the point!
If you are in transition, between relationships or friendships… good! It’s a perfect time to “Subtract then Add”! Be mindful of your newfound alone time… what will you intentionally schedule into your day, allowing you to learn, grow, and evolve; preparing you to walk into your new friendships and relationship better instead of bitter, better instead of blaming, and ready to impact instead of waiting to be saved!
Alone time can be an exciting time… depending on what you choose to do with it! Enjoy becoming the leader you are capable of professionally and personally; your Future-Self will thank you for it!
“It’s important for those in positions of leadership to know the “Inspired & Motivated” are looking for great leaders and leadership they can respect, count on, and evolve in.” – Andre Young
Written by: Andre Young
Impact your Leaders, Teams, Employees, and Organization overall with Andre Young’s Leadership Trainings, Speaking Engagements, Books, Online Programs, and More at www.youevolvingnow.com
