Section 1.1: Leadership is More Than Just Good Intentions

Despite her impressive career, where many believe she has everything figured out, she acknowledged the difficult lessons she learned along the way. One particularly challenging lesson kept recurring in her leadership journey.

She recounted an instance where she aimed for a swift conclusion but inadvertently alienated her team in the process. Her intention to expedite the decision-making led to feelings of dismissal among team members.

If you have a knack for quickly following through on ideas, it’s crucial to ensure that your team is on the same page. When information appears clear to you, jumping to conclusions without allowing others to catch up can lead to feelings of being unheard and untrusted.

This experience taught her that effective leadership transcends intention; it hinges on how your message is received. The way you conclude conversations matters, as people interpret interactions through their personal lenses, which can differ vastly from your intentions.

In practice, this means reevaluating your communication style based on your audience. For example, rushing through discussions may seem like a time-saver, but it can instead foster confusion and resentment. Remember, leadership is about how your message lands, not just what you meant to convey.

This video, "Managing Impact Over Intent," dives deeper into how leaders can ensure their intentions are effectively communicated and understood.

Section 1.2: Establishing a Scoreboard for Success

Reflecting on her recent career transition—from CEO to General Manager—she shared insights on managing change. She believes that change management is often needlessly complex, distilling it down to two essential components: language and measurable results.

To facilitate change, she emphasized the importance of creating a scoreboard. Upon joining her new company, she identified key areas needing improvement, which required collective recognition to implement effectively.

Utilizing a Strategy on a Page (SOAP) and a Balanced Scorecard, she outlined the organization’s objectives and tracked progress transparently. The SOAP serves as a roadmap of success, while the Balanced Scorecard illustrates how the company is performing against those goals.

In this video, "Lead With Purpose, Create With Intention, and Inspire Change," Seth Godin discusses the significance of intention in leadership and how to align team objectives with personal values.

Section 1.3: The Importance of Advocacy

One of the more universally recognized principles in leadership is the value of relationships and advocacy. However, it can be surprising to see how far some leaders are willing to go for individuals with potential.

This particular General Manager had a mentor early in her career who advocated for her even when opportunities seemed scarce. Reflecting on her journey, she noted how unexpected opportunities, like leading international negotiations in the Middle East, stemmed from that initial trust.

This experience underscores the importance of what Jim Collins calls the 'Trust Wager'—the idea that great leaders are willing to take risks on individuals who show promise.

As I shared my own story of being entrusted with significant responsibilities early in my career, it became clear that these moments of belief can open doors for further opportunities, ultimately allowing one to make a substantial impact.

In conclusion, I am immensely grateful for the chance to engage with a leader who embodies these principles. Each lesson learned is readily applicable to aspiring leaders. Be mindful of how your messages are received, recognize the power of a collective scoreboard, and when possible, place your trust in others. These fundamental principles can pave the way for a career filled with opportunities.

Inspired by experiences in leadership and personal development, I encourage you to embrace these insights and apply them to your own journey.