Today kicks on my first management meeting in the new company. So far, I have listened, observed, talked, and even raised my voice. Today is something different. I need to listen and share my vision for the future.
There is so much that I do not know. I do not know many of the people that work for me. I have yet to meet the key stakeholders that I am working for. I do not understand the abbreviations that are used with abandon. I do not and yet I do.
I wonder what I would say if I were in my boss’ shoes. Would I demand excellence? Would I ask that everyone is prepared? Would I narrow my focus to one area at the exclusion of all else?
As I think about the challenge, I wonder if others are in shoes similar to mine. Do they see everything clearly? Do they understand the difficulties and how to resolve them? Do they even look at life the way I do?
I am not sure any answer I could provide is relevant. Even if everything were negative, my challenge would remain. What do I think I need to hear from my boss? Paul’s charge to those that remained behind echoes what I am looking to here.
“Now it’s up to you. Be on your toes—both for yourselves and your congregation of sheep. The Holy Spirit has put you in charge of these people—God’s people they are—to guard and protect them. God himself thought they were worth dying for.” (Acts 20.28)
Now is your time to make a difference. Be ready and go for it. Learn to work together, seeing what is around you through the eyes of your peers and partners. Understand the values our company was founded on and use them to be the best in what you do.
Leadership is delivered by doing what you know needs to be done – in good (easy) times as well as bad (difficult). Leadership helps others win, even when you are not sure they are working on your side.
