A Second Wind

Whether it was while running a marathon, working strenuously in our yards, engaging in a lengthy planning process or leading a team through an intense project; most of us have experienced the phenomenon known as the, "Second Wind."  Science is inconclusive as to why this occurs.  Some say it is our bodies striking a more precise oxygen balance, others attribute it to the release of endorphins, while others suggest it is simply psychological.  No matter the source, we all have likely experienced the energizing effects of a second wind.

That is the key point for me today: 

A Second Wind Energizes Us for Success.

However, rather than point to something that occurs within us, I want to emphasize the second wind that happens around us.  Specifically, the energizing, hope-renewing, effort-enhancing effects of a strong team of second level leaders.

Most of my professional career, from manufacturing to IT to non-profit,  has been leading from the second level position.  I have had the honor of serving some great leaders in my various positions.  Now, as CEO of our growing organization, I highly value the role that second level leaders play in our success. 

Those who are tasked with carrying out the mission of an organization and are directly connected to the vision and heart of leadership are some of the greatest assets we have.  These second level leaders are your link to a second wind.

I know for me, our team is a breath of fresh air.  Their passion, skill and buy-in energized me when I am feeling tapped out.  They breathe life into our vision and bring renewed energy to our teams. There are four key things that happen when we get a second wind.  

We experience renewed commitment to the goal.

Our endurance gets a boost.

Our outlook shifts to a hope-filled positivity. 

We find a deeper willingness to push past any pain.

These key attributes of loyalty, endurance, positivity and willingness are critical in second level leadership.  They are the true source of the second wind.  Leaders that exude these qualities are going to give your organization the strength for the final push toward the finish line.

So when a leader shows loyalty, recognize it.  When they demonstrate endurance, celebrate it.  When they spread positivity, draw attention to it and when they summon willingness, appreciate it.  Actively and purposefully cultivating these characteristics in the leaders you lead will give you the kick you need to power through to success.  

Get Determined to Get Clear

Clarity is one of the great secrets behind great organizations.  Those companies, teams and individuals that get determined to get clear, soon find that their efforts are turning into success with greater regularity.

Sometimes it can be incredibly challenging to build a culture of clarity as  teams deal with confusing directives and fuzzy goals.  Managers think they have done a more than adequate job of describing goals and deadlines,  only to have their teams underperform.  Team members nod their heads as though they completely understand directives,  only to walk away confused and frustrated about their tasks.

We've all faced these challenges and myriad others just like them.  While it can be exhausting to try to create clarity in our organizations, I can say this: It's worth every ounce of effort.

In the end, clarity builds confidence.  It streamlines processes and ultimately produces more profitable results.  Clarity can bring peace of mind and build a sense of unity in our organizations.  These are all certainly desirable benefits, and there are many others.

However, clarity is not automatic.  It often requires hard work. It takes cooperation from all parties: Senior leaders, departmental managers, line leaders, the list goes on.  Clarity is most easily gained when two parties are bought-in to being clear about the objective.  When there is agreement that we are going to be clear; the right questions get asked; we stay at the whiteboard longer; we work more mutually to define goals, make adjustments and achieve success.

It can be done.  Not just once, but consistently.  In fact, I believe that being clear can become a hallmark of your environment.  One day, you might even be able to say, "We have a culture of clarity!" That culture, and all its benefits, begins with getting determined to get clear.

How determined are you to be clear about your goals, what success looks like and your strategy for getting there?  Whether for yourself, your team or your organization, what can you do to get determined to get clear?