”Dissatisfaction and discouragement are not caused by absence of things, but absence of vision.” – AnonymousThis article in for anyone who is currently unsure, unknowing, on-the-fence, and/or otherwise “searching” for answer to whether or not he/she can be an effective leader.
The answer? Quite simply is: “Maybe” or “Maybe Not”! No, we are not trying to be funny or in any way make light of question.
The simple truth of matter is this. Whether you think you can be an effective leader, OR you think you can’t be - You Are Right!
Just take a moment and think about original question. ”Can I be an effective leader?” We challenge you to ask this question again, but in a slightly different way.
Rather than asking, “Can I …?” – Instead ask: ”WILL I be an effective leader?”
Asking question this way, makes something very clear to person asking question. That “something” is that each of us has a choice to make as to what we want to be in any given moment. THE CHOICE IS OURS.
Vision in Leadership is very much about making choices. Leaders make choices everyday that affect many other people. Because of responsibility and accountability that comes with leadership, a good leader makes choices based on strong principles and beliefs.
Choosing a specific path or vision for your team or your company, is done most effectively by following L.P.B.-It method.
The title of this article is “L.P.B.-IT! – The Power of Vision”. L.P.B. stands for following:
L-eave It P-erceive It B-elieve It
LEAVE IT! - When faced with an important decision, it is sometimes easy to focus in on all reasons why we shouldn’t do something versus why we should, or why perhaps it won’t work versus why it will.
Leave It – makes point that a strong leader routinely makes choice to “leave” negative thinking behind. There are plenty of nay-sayers who accomplish little or nothing. YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO BE ONE OF THEM. On a regular basis, step at least “1 inch” outside your comfort zone. That is where all action is!
In fact, everything you have ever wanted and have thus far been unable to obtain, is more than likely located “outside” this comfort zone. To be a successful leader, you must be “uncomfortably successful”. Make this choice now!
Perceive It! - A strong leader’s perception is truly a powerful tool. Effective leaders perceive things differently in most cases from others.
For instance, go anywhere in Smalltown, USA or Ruralville, America where Walmart, Costco, Home Depot or some other huge bulk outlet store has just come to town.
Local retailers in these little towns have nightmares about this scenario playing out in their own backyards. The thought of having to compete against Goliath is extremely frightening.
No one would argue fact that these local retailers have a right to be concerned. But, if our L.P.B.-It method really works, shouldn’t we “leave” these negative thoughts aside? Answer: YES!
The truth of matter is that no amount of fear is going to change minds of large chain executives. They will either make decision to open, or they won’t. If they do choose to expand to these markets, you should know that they are well aware of your fears. In fact, these executives are counting on this fear.