Noise can be the enemy of a leader. Opinions of followers, critics, and other leaders can be helpful, but they can also represent “white noise.”
At some point a leader must be dialed in to his own convictions and values.
Have you ever tried to listen to a radio station at 98.5 with the tuner set to 98.3? Sure, you can still pick up on what is happening on 98.5, but only partially. Failure to be totally “dialed in” leads to white noise.
For leaders, there are many things that cause white noise. Consider the following:
1. Listening to too many voices. While it is good to have a trusted inner circle, listening to too many people can lead to static.
2. Fear. Many leaders are paralyzed and unable to make a decision because they are afraid they will make a mistake.
3. Success. Past success can cause a leader to be over confident. Such hubris can cause one to not be fully tuned in.
4. Failure. Past mistakes can lead to a lack of confidence. Doubt creeps in and white noise ensues.
If you want to be a great leader, you must learn to eliminate “white noise.” Take some time today and dial in to your presets. Things will be a lot more clear if you do.
Leadership Begins at Home,
Randy
What are some things that bring “white noise” into your leadership environment?
Comments?
After I got out of the Navy I almost always had to have something playing in the background for that “white” noise. Being on an aircraft carrier for nearly 4 years I got use to a lot of noise constantly being in the background. Once out of the Navy and the noise was gone something was missing. It just wasn’t right. I would turn on the radio, TV, or something else just to make noise.
We have to be careful not to let the white noise become too familiar and comfortable. I think my life is like that. I have let too many other things get in the way, fear of past mistakes, trying to listen to too many voices. Whatever it was at times in my life I had too much white noise. I have to slow down, pause and let the white noise slip away.
When surrounded by too much white noise too long the silence can become deafening.
Thanks Randy,
Jason
Great perspective, Jason. Thanks for commenting!
Nice Randy. Succinct and to the point. I have recently made it a point to spend about 10 minutes before going into the store to run a shift and praying. As I “empty” myself out and give it to the Lord I find I have capacity to focus on the “presets” of doing my job well no matter what faces me as I walk into work.
Good advice, Ray. Thanks!