Leadership Strategies - The Bigger Game Competencies from A to Z

"One's philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in the choices one makes. In the long run, we shape our lives and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And, the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility." Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962) U.S. human rights activist, author, and First Lady

Executives, professionals, entrepreneurs or anyone in transition can have remarkable results by upping the ante to play a bigger game worth pursuing. There are unlimited possibilities. What restricts one from playing a bigger game is playing a game with the same competencies expecting better results. When engaging in a new game with the unchanged competencies you aren't playing bigger. In reality you are actually playing the same game!  

For athletes to get to higher levels of achievement, they have to raise the bar to advanced self-awareness. They do this by accessing their potential, which they put into action through training. It is progression from where the athlete comes to the game with her/his existing competencies and then enrolls in coaching and training to expand to her/his bigger game possibilities.    

For example, let's use the English alphabet as a metaphor in developing a bigger game. One would think it makes sense that to transcend from "A" (the present) to "Z" (the new future) it would be necessary to advance by gaining abilities in the mix of the remaining 24 steps "B" to "Y." However, what often occurs is people get anxious, fearful, doubtful, discouraged, and quit before they get to "C." They believe by working harder using the same tools and knowledge from the past they can transcend directly to "Z." 

An innovative future with possibilities grows through process. The first step is to leverage where you are. That would be the "A" factor in following the "A" to "Z" allegory. 

Questions to Determine "A" Factor - the present game: 

• What are your values? Values are what you naturally feel is important to you, whether it be family, safety, creativity, beauty, integrity, friends, etc.
• What tight spots have you been in where it looked unlikely you would succeed, but you did? Make a note of them. This is a good place to notice your strengths and values.
• What are your needs? A need is something you must have to be your best. Your values will give you additional clues.
• What are your wants? These are things/experiences that you can do without if you had to. They are appealing and can be gratifying.

Questions to Determine Reaching the "Z" Factor - your Bigger Game 

• What insights did you get from the "A" Factor questions?
• What is your bigger game possibility? Give your bigger game a name, such as "Thriving Now" or "Living Life on My Terms."
• What is it you want to do, be and have?
• What is it you really want to do, be and have?
• What is it you really, really, really want to do, be and have?

Questions  to Factor in "B to Y" to get from "A - the present game - to Z - your Bigger Game" 

Between "A" and "Z" there are a number of challenges and opportunities. In this case there are 24 factor letters: "B" to "Y" with little "b's" through "y's" also available as resources. So you see, you have a wild range of possibilities to select from to reach "Z."  

• The journey begins at "A" and you want to get to "Z". Beginning with the end in mind - in this case "Z" being the end - what are 24 action steps you can take to reach "Z"? These can be a combination of tiny steps and big steps. They all build towards winning the game you want to win.
• What are three resources you have available to help train you in reaching new competencies to play your bigger game? It could be a mentor, coach, friend, school, etc.
• What will keep you inspired and motivated along the way, especially when the going gets tough?
• What are five habits you will be developing during this journey to ensure your success? It could be better time management, meditation, reading biographies of people you admire and inspire you.

Tips to Transform Your Present Game to a Bigger Game

• Understandably you may be in a position where you need answers now, but reacting from fear will attract more of the same. Taking proactive measures from self-awareness brings more of what you want rather than reacting from fear.
• You are the master of your destiny, which is accessed from within NOT from external doing. The external doing is in response to the call within. You are more attractive when you are doing what you love and meant to be doing through each facet of your life.
• Keeping a closed mind to possibilities that there is another way minimizes who you are and what you are capable of doing. Closed mind - closed heart is limited living. YUCK!
• If your environment is full of clutter, clean it up. Clutter is taking up space and energy. By removing clutter you allow your inner guidance the space to help you design the bigger game you yearn for. Clutter adds responsibility to your "someday" list that can add stress and overwhelm.
• Remember your "bigger game" is within you and ready to come out and play to win. After all Anything is Possible!

"Leadership is not so much about technique and methods as it is about opening the heart. Leadership is about inspiration-of oneself and of others. Great leadership is about human experiences, not processes. Leadership is not a formula or a program, it is human activity that comes from the heart and considers the hearts of others. It is an attitude, not a routine."-Lance Secretan - U.S. leadership author and consultant