| Greetings!
Some Times
This issue marks the First Anniversary of The Second Cup. Created as a vehicle for delivering relevant MESSAGES to my clients, the subscriber count has grown from 36 willing and supportive friends and family members (S and the 2K's submit to bi-weekly dinner table quizzes on the content) to just over the 500 mark as of today.
I am a big believer in milestones as reflective pauses.....a 'comma', if you will, that allows a breath and some space. As such, I'd like to take time in this issue to share some insights I've gained from your feedback about MESSAGES and their role in leadership.
During times of change and strife, strong leadership is often tied directly to those who not only have a message but those who are able to stay on message. Some times...easier said than done. Market conditions, team dynamics, organizational pressures, and family demands can all conspire to derail the very voice that most needs to be heard.
Have you ever questioned whether you are being heard? Do you wonder if your messages are having the desired impact? Are there times when you doubt whether those you lead are listening?
We often look for evidence of how our messages are impacting those we lead. And, some times, that evidence can be elusive
and fleeting.....but, it IS there.
Here's what your feedback has taught me this past year:
#1 Some Times: the impact of the message is not mine to know.
#2 Some Times: the message that most powerfully resonates with me is met with indifference.
#3 Some Times: the message deeply impacts those whom I didn't even know were listening.
#4 Some Times: there's an inverse relationship bewteen the amount of time put into crafting the message and the depth of its impact.
#5 Some Times: silence delivers the most powerful message.
#6 Some Times: timing is magic.
#7 Some Times: the most vocal critics of the message are the most loyal supporters of the messenger.
#8 Some Times: it's hard not to take an 'unsubscribe' notification personally.
#9 Some Times: receiving feedback (of any kind) is as energizing as a second cup of strong coffee.
#10 Some Times: I am self-aware enough to accept the truth that I cannot control the impact of or the response to my messages.
What is clear to me is that there are just three things about messages that we have any level of control over:
- The intention behind them
- The clarity with which they are articulated
- The consistency of purpose for which they are delivered
Thanks for all your insights this past year and keeping me ON MESSAGE. Looking forward to next time,
Mike Malinchok, CPC
President
S2K Consulting, LLC
215-504-7091
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