| Purposeful News
August 2010 |
Greetings!
Whether we realize it or not, we compete for something every day. The world is a competitive place. What do you compete for? Do you play the game of life to win?
I hope you enjoy this August edition of Purposeful News where you will learn how being competitive can provide you with a leadership edge. Additionally, you will learn how to increase your chances for success in getting a win-win during even the most difficult conversations.
We can all learn to compete...and win. Enjoy the game.
All my best for your best,
Janna
Janna Rust
Coach & Founder
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Competitiveness: The Leadership Edge
Competitiveness is defined as tenacity, boldness,
assertiveness and a willingness to win in all situations. Naturally competitive people have a leadership edge in the professional world because the world is a competitive place. Those who aren't so inclined often feel left behind their more tenacious counterparts.
So are less competitive people destined to be second class leaders? Absolutely not. For the less driven at heart, competitiveness can be learned. And as with all strengths, being competitive has its drawbacks too.
I know all too well that being competitive can be both a virtue and a vice. My parents can tell you stories of my temper tantrums as a little girl when losing at miniature golf, bowling, and board games on family game night. My competitive nature has caused many a frustration in me and those around me, but it has also been the source of my greatest successes in life and in leadership.
When harnessed properly, competitiveness can result in sustained progress toward a goal.
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clearly able to see and define goals
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instinctively appreciative of competition and the associated reward for winning
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able to see critical path elements toward reaching goals
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eagerly willing to learn new skills and adapt attitudes.
How competitive are you? Do you make everything a win-lose type of game or do you rarely "keep score" because it just doesn't matter?
If you don't know, ask your friends about yourself. They WILL know. Or, contact me today for help with an assessment tool to help you develop that leadership edge. I love to help people win.
Want some quick tips on developing competitiveness? Click here!
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Avoid Your Best Worst Speech
"Speak when you are angry and you will make the best speech you will ever regret." - Ambrose Bierce
All of us can recall a time when the conversation we needed to have with someone turned into a train wreck instead of resulting in progress toward a solution.
What recent conversation do you regret having? What could you have done differently to cause a different outcome?
Speaking up about high stakes emotional issues takes a lot of thoughtful pre-planning.
Proper timing and proper word choices are essential.
Get it right and you've deepened a relationship and made forward progress.
Get it wrong and you've got an even bigger mess to clean up, potentially damaging a relationship forever.
In order to avoid your next communication disaster, carefully consider the following questions before you open your mouth.
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What do I really want from the conversation?
- Does the person I'm speaking to know what I really want or expect from them? What might that person need from me?
- How might I have been part of the problem?
- How might I communicate in such a way that we both can move forward in the relationship?
Great leaders master high stakes conversations. They avoid making great bad speeches. What will you do today to become a better communicator?
Note: For two great resources on high stakes communicating, check out "Crucial Conversations" and "Crucial Confrontations" by Pattersen, Grenny, McMillan & Switzler. |
