Quitting

In his book, Flip Manifesto, Daniel Pink suggests that the reader ask their boss to draw an “E” on their forehead and observe which way the E faces. If it is backwards to the viewer, then the boss is not aware of the perspective of others. The opposite means the boss is aware of others’ perspectives. He goes on to point out that either extreme can create negative results. He points out that excessive use of power leads to compliance, not engagement. Ultimately people quit bosses and not companies. People leave nonprofits and churches for the same reason – both as employees and volunteers.

We count the details and manage things without sensitivity to people. If we push so hard for results, then we can overlook the individuals who make up the teams we lead. How do we measure success?

In ministry, we need quantifiable results – pledges, building program funding, mission support, Sunday attendance. If we only focus on results, then we might have overlooked the purpose of ministry.

In social benefit organizations (nonprofits), we look to get the annual budget subscribed, committees recruited, as well as programs and events filled. If we don’t look at the human side of the work, have we lost the connections for long-term health?

In business, we focus on the sale. If we overlook the value proposition and the brand promise, have we short-changed our client or customer?

When we focus on the wrong things, we then endanger our very purpose in the organization. If we focus on bringing value to the world, then how will that value manifest in financial reward?

Certainly, we must have balance. The money does not come to us on its own – we must attract it. If we compromise our worth by compromising our work, what’s the result?

We bring energy to what we think about. Balance does not always mean that everything is equal. Balance is keeping things in perspective.

What’s important to you? Does your leadership reflect what’s important? Is it self-evident?

If people quit your teams, are they quitting you? What’s the reason they leave?

If you give up, did you quit your company, or did you quit yourself?

Hugh Ballou

The Transformational Leadership Strategist

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(c) 2012 Hugh Ballou. All rights reserved.