Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Last night, beauty showed up for me at an art show, of all places.
My daughter, Rebekah, and seven of her classmates dazzled us all with their work. The pieces ranged from vintage photo transfers to 3-D light bulbs.
Rebekah’s work featured several sculptures built around old keys. It was amazing … at least in the eyes of this beholder.
What amazed me the most was the diversity of the artists imaginations and the reminder that every person is unique.
As a leader, one of your biggest temptations will be to staff to meet needs. Perhaps you would be better served if you would hire the right people and then align them toward their giftedness.
People are more productive and passionate when they are working in their area of strength. It is the “key” to unlocking their greatness.
Is art being made all around you? Are your team members energized and focused? Do you have to make people go home at the end of the day?
If you answered, “No” to any of those questions, maybe it is time to check your alignment.
i2i,
Randy
What specific things should a leader do to align his (or her) team?
I find this to be the most exciting thing about organizations, frankly. I love observing the morphing of organizations over time due to the shifts in people. I agree, the organization who is rigid in job descriptions loses incredible opportunity to watch and participate in the unfolding of incredible flowers within the garden of the workplace. It takes faith, I believe, to accept the shifts and look for the gift of each person who becomes part of an organization. I would go to work for free, just to be able to focus on this. For me, it can be like looking at God, eye to eye.
Great comment, Patricia!
Wow Randy, this post was right on time! I have been spending a lot of time lately thinking about this and moving in this direction. This should be a constant focus of every leader and the heartbeat of every organization. I believe with all my heart that there is greatness to be found in everyone, but it requires people knowing who they are, and in turn, leaders knowing their people. The awareness has to first exist, and then a freedom for people to pursue those areas of strength and passion. It is the leader’s responsibility to create an environment where greatness can exist and has room to operate.
Great point, ZL. Great leadership always creates an enviroent where others can flourish. Thanks!