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INSIGHT ADDED (#95)

Think, Feel and Act Like a Leader

Hi <<First Name>>
Here are your latest articles, links, hints and tips on being a better leader.

Think Like a Leader

Are you normal? That’s always a question that provokes a ‘mmmmm’ response.  We don’t want to be abnormal – but none of us really think of ourselves as ‘normal’.  So are you a normal leader?  And again – ‘mmmmm’ is probably the answer.  But think a little more, and you realise that there is no such thing as a normal leader.  And, to paraphrase Alfred Adler, the only normal ones you think you know, you actually don’t know very well!

Feel Like a Leader

So how normal should you feel as a leader? Some people expend enormous energy just to be seen as ordinary – while some leaders are constantly pushing not to be seen as normal!

One of the most important things a leader can do is become comfortable with who they are – knowing what is normal for them. You’ll never stop slight niggles about being ‘normal’ or ‘abnormal’ but you’ll grow as a leader when you fully recognise who you are.

Act Like a Leader

One of the worst things a leader can do is be unpredictable.  You can be ‘normal’ and very good but you need to be consistent. This means establishing your very own normal and be predictable about it. Aim high! And keep going higher.
In this full hour podcast, the trio of authors of the book, ‘No Normal Leader’ discuss the reality that Covid, consolidation and politics create change. But change needs to be accepted as normal.

Preparing for a 'new norm', or a holding pattern until 'a new normal' is complacency. No Normal Leadership - should be the default.  Is Covid just a rehearsal for no normal worlds - have a listen and decide for yourself.
Leaders Listen!
One of the most common phrases in leadership and management recently has been ‘a new normal’.  It seems as if the old certainties – if there ever were any – have gone. 

But there is an important truth in the phrase – what might have worked and been predictable in the past now seems to have evaporated. And, no sooner than you think you are getting a handle on how things are now…than they change again!  In this article the authors challenge you to think about being a new normal leader.  A good read.
Leaders Read!
In another TedX talk, Lars Sudmann talks about great leadership and utopia.  In our quest for normal we may be looking for utopia.  A pragmatic and insightful look as he talks about leadership being a rendezvous with reality. An easy and entertaining short watch.
 
Leaders Watch!

The Leader's View

This old-style British Rail Class 31 diesel locomotive, had its heyday in the 1960s, and was a normal workhorse used across the UK.  This one was spotted on the heritage rail-line of the Strathspey Railway at Aviemore and will be part of the fleet of historic trains operating throughout the tourist season. 

When I spotted it I instantly recognised it as one I had in my own Hornby model railway set – although at that time it was fully operational – not in a heritage setting. Enough said!

Longer Read

The No Normal Leader: The Leadership Habits Necessary To Thrive In A 'No Normal World' published in 2021 by ‘No Normal Publishing’ with a trio of authors: Jonathan Bradley, David Coull and William Rogers.

Their own description is that this is a no nonsense, straightforward guide to being a business leader in a No Normal world.

Written in the early stages of Covid lockdown, they were asking what the future holds for leadership.  A collegiate product, they express strong opinions, and also offer clear advice and frank observations. 

The book provides a useful guide to being “business ready” as well as encouraging a necessary focus on culture, behaviours and the all-important people element of a leader’s role.

 

This Week's Blog

At Your Discretion #95

Latest Blog

...and finally

...without a little reflection, there is no Insight Added.
 
"If you are always trying to be normal you will never know how amazing you can be."
- Maya Angelou
Lead well
Graham and Lesley
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