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Politics and Leadership...The Contradiction of Purpose!

Guest post by: John Grubbs

Article Overview: It is the rare supervisor that we also call our leader. Someone who inspires us beyond our own perceived capability is not typical. In today's "self-focused" work environment, employees are drawn to a leader that seems to inspire a "larger" purpose. Maybe this phenomenon is rooted in a generation of Americans that has an entitled view of the world...they are owed something because of their very existence. Or, maybe our own need to make things better for our children has caused them to expect so much as young adults. It really doesn't matter as things are as they are and the reality of truth is what we must ponder this holiday season.

Politics and Leadership...The Contradiction of Purpose!

It is the rare supervisor that we also call our leader. Someone who inspires us beyond our own perceived capability is not typical. In today's "self-focused" work environment, employees are drawn to a leader that seems to inspire a "larger" purpose. Maybe this phenomenon is rooted in a generation of Americans that has an entitled view of the world...they are owed something because of their very existence. Or, maybe our own need to make things better for our children has caused them to expect so much as young adults. It really doesn't matter as things are as they are and the reality of truth is what we must ponder this holiday season.

Politics and the purpose it represents is about self first while leadership is about others first. I believe our employees have a "sixth sense" that can easily discern the difference. If we make daily decisions in our own interest as is going to be more and more common, those peoplewe supervise will certainly pick up on our priority! While those that seem truly selfless (in a world of the selfish) will be magnetic to a new generation of followers. A recent USA Today survey stated that only 48% of "bosses" were likeable. Imagine if the question was asked just a bit differently. What percentage of bosses truly inspire us to be better performers? I imagine a much smaller number. Think about the cost this has on your organization. What does unrealized performance cost your company or organization in a year? There is hope and I have seen leaders that truly inspire our new generation of "takers" in the workplace. Making a workplace that seems to have a greater purpose than the individual does gain traction in today's "what's in it for me" society.

This new generation of workers can truly be inspired! Generation Y (28 years and younger) is more willing to volunteer for a cause than the other generations. Where does this giving come from? The answer is simple yet profound. We have given to these workers so much that they have come to expect so much...With abundant jobs in most of their memory, the need to stay ina job was minimal since there was always another job!

Studying and researching recent employment trendshas revealed an amazing truth about current organizational dynamics.Our new generation of workersmagnify areality that exists in all of us. We really do want to be inspired tobe better...better parents, spouses and performers at work. We want to belong, compete and succeedjust was we desired in our own youth.Give your team a feeling a belonging, work toward a meritocracy and promote success at all levels. Your team will outperform the past and you will findthat illusivehidden capacity.

The "politicians" in your organization cannot see this simple truth! They areobscured by a vision of self and self-purpose that makes them literally blind to the vision of service through others. They are not necessarily "bad" people. They are merely handicapped with an inability to see beyond themselves or their own political purpose. This ignorance permeates decisions that everyone else can see as flawed and without merit. Leaders, on the other hand, havethe vision of selflessness that draws followerslike a moth to a light. These two, very differentindividuals can work as hard and be equally gifted and talented. Yet, the results they inspire are in stark contrast.

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Article Tags: Generation Y, Leadership, Politics, supervisor
Referred by: http://www.thetrainingbank.com/



Related Forum Posts
Re: Success - I study success intently, and would like to share: Here's two excellent and nearly identical success-formulas from a couple of the world's masters. FIRST FORMULA: 1. Passionate Desire 2. Clear, Definite Purpose 3. Committed Decision 4. Take Action In Faith (Bonus Secret Sauce: 5. Repeat Consistently) I made a video about this, but am not allowed to link it yet. Google "Ryze Success Steps" for it. Oh, and this is Napoleon Hill's (Master Of Success Laws)'s Formula. SECOND FORMULA: 1. Passionate Desire 2. Understand It Is Already Done (Faith) 3. Relax & Allow It To Unfold (Go about your life calmly) This one is courtesy of Abraham-Hicks (inspiration for the movie The Secret). Hope that helps!


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