What change are you driving?

What have you said or done that is worth memorializing in stone? This question regularly flickers through my mind during my commute around Washington D.C. I drive by the Lincoln, MLK, Washington, and FDR memorials daily. Each recounts noble words and deeds these men did with the few years they had on this earth.

While you may never be President or lead something as significant as the civil rights movement; we must expect to bring about change to the people and causes that are important to us. Our hands were not made to be graciously clasped in your lap or pressed between your butt and chair. They are at the end of your arms to manipulate, create, fold, press, and caress. These words are verbs and imply action.

Everything around us has changed, and humanities reach continues to expand into more of the natural world. The clothes on your back and the device you're using to read this post, were the result of a change someone decided to bring into this world.

Your influence is significant, and the world will be a better place because of your investment. Resist the temptation to search for another cat video or binge watch another season. The actors, directors, and costume designers created their art, and it is time for you to generate your art and drive your change.

I am grateful and humbled by your willingness to read these words. If you never make it beyond this sentence because you went to, as Seth Godin says, "make a ruckus," then that is the highest compliment.

If you're still reading, know that I am pulling for you to be brave, and drive your change. I look forward to reading of your exploits, engraved in Internet trons or carved in marble and stone. Post your project what changes you are driving in the comments. My change is this blog.

Writing soundtrack: @theglitchmob @MatiasPuumala @thescript (Hall of Fame)

How do you set the anchor of change?

The ships anchor digs into the seabed to ensure the ship doesn't drift in the current. A captain knows her craft and knows what type of anchor to use in each type of seabed. If the wrong anchor is used, it will never hold fast to the bottom, and the ship will drift aimlessly into danger.

When our organizational or personal shortcomings are discovered, change is required. The magnitude of the revealed gap will influence the effort invested in change. As the captain of our ship, we assess the seabed and determine what anchor is appropriate to ensure safety. Is it the anchor of transparency, accountability, training, vulnerability or another option on board?

Loss of the holiday 10 pounds will use a different solution than if integrity with our customers has been broken. In the former, the anchor can drag a bit before digging into the sediment. The latter demands immediate and drastic action to right the ship and begin the process of rebuilding the customer's trust.

Accountability is my go to anchor for any hope of getting the change to hold fast. Continuous vulnerability during a review of metrics ensures the anchor does not slip. In the light of day, it is easy to look at the shore and notice movement. However, the starless nights hide the shore-based reference points. If the anchor doesn't hold, the dangerous reef awaits to pierce the hull.

Going Further: What methods have you tried to ensure change sticks? What is your go-to method? What option makes you most uncomfortable, why? What is a change that has held for a long time? 

Writing soundtrack: #awolnation #falloutboy

What change are you resisting?

We are creatures of habit and resist change. However, this resistance is not across the board. There are categories we embrace change on the leading edge and other areas we are dragged, kicking and screaming across the finish line. The entire change management industry seeks to help usher us through the process of adoption of the future state. 

R. Buckminster Fuller introduced the Knowledge Doubling Curve in his 1982 book, Critical Path. The rate at which human knowledge doubles continues to shrink. In 1982, the doubling was happening about every 18 months and today, we are at the 12-month mark. Whether you like it or not, the winds of change are coming faster and faster. The Internet of Things will just pour fuel on the fire. 

Becoming self-aware of your personal process of integrating change into your life will only help you as each passing day will demand a more nimble mindset.

Going Further: What came to mind when you read today's inquiry? Did something jump to the forefront of your mind? How are you going to handle this pending change? What information do you need to make a decision to remain firm for the long-haul or accept the change today? What is the impact on personal and business relationships of your decision? What is your primary sticking point and is there something that can be negotiated to move forward? What is the best and worst case of holding your position? 

What sparked your passion?

Jump in the way-back machine and tell your passion origin story. Everything has a beginning, middle and end. It is worthwhile to review to see how we have arrived at today. Influences, coincidences, divine appointments or twists of fate brought you to the point of finding this cause where you seek to achieve change to you and the world.

I wanted to bring something unique to the world following a reawakening over the past 18 months. My response is taking the form of curiosity, inquiry and writing. With the constant barrage of talking heads giving all the answers, I thought it was time to ask different questions. These inquiries are intended to prompt discovery and self-awareness for those that choose to engage. Most will not spend the time to answer nor dwell with the question. My journey had taken years before I was willing to look for deeper questions and prepared to respond with something other than memes. I haven't arrived, but this was my spark.

Your turn.

Going Further: Who inspired your passion? What frustrated you about the status quo? What gave you the courage to step forward? Who has come alongside to support you? What does success look like as you invest in your passion? What question was missed?

YouTube Video: What sparked your passion?

What challenges must you overcome?

The only people that don't have challenges are dead. That doesn't apply since you are reading this post. Therefore, the tribe expects you to make the most of your passion for a positive impact. The combination of demons and temptations we face are as diverse as humanity; however, we can all relate. I could struggle with alcoholism and drugs, yours is perfectionism; mine is laziness, yours is a workaholic or some crazy mash-up. In all cases, the damage we can do to ourselves and those around us will leave a scar. Leaving good works left undone and our passion taken to the grave.

We need to push back against our natural tendency to roll back under the covers and say it is too hard to fight today. Give yourself a moment to recognize the internal talk or acknowledge the bodies weariness, then begin to fight back. When those we support are feeling off their game, we rally to their side and encourage them on, reminding them of previous victories. We sit on the edge of our seats with the adrenalin coursing through our veins holding our breath, waiting for just the right moment to yell "Rocky, get up!" Then we go ballistic as Rocky climbs from the bloody mat to eventually pummel his opponent; blow after blow, until it is done.

Trying to change the world is not an easy task, even for a good cause. The entrepreneur lifestyle has recently been glorified due to some notable successes coupled with the Silicon Valley payout of some start-ups. It will always be easier to push the play button on Netflix, but it doesn't mean this is how you must spend your time. We have the ability to reach around the globe, meet like-minded people and find the community that is looking for the same change we are pursuing.

We know the hard days are coming and will require reinforcements to bolster our strength with tactics and encouragement. Knowing opposition will come from the outside, will give the courage to address the other internal or environmental challenges that rise during the pursuit of your vision.

Invest in your community, be generous, be authentic and find those that will be in your corner to help you in the fight that looms ahead. If your passion, vision and desire are strong enough, then make it happen. The world is always changing, muscle your way in to paint it in your colors.

How do you energize those you are passionate about?

You don't have to be loud to encourage the crowd, but it helps. The political pundits talk about using strategies to rally the base for their particular candidate. Whether it is advertisements, rallies or fundraisers, there is a process for getting people fired up about a cause.

What is your strategy for getting your supporters, co-workers or customers excited about the passions you share? The tribe looks to the leader for vision and direction to keep the momentum going. Your enthusiasm for the product and the people will have a contagious impact on those around you.

What insights do you have about the idiosyncrasies of your community that allow you to know them better than they know themselves? This understanding supports knowing when the masses will bob and weave and let you be the DJ. 

What do you respect the most about your community? Since you chose these people as your own, part of the deal is to work like crazy to ensure success is achieved. Your appreciation and respect for the group you serve can inspire action and devotion as you share your pursuit of the mission.

Where do you see the tribe waning in their passion? Derek Sivers (@sivers on Twitter) gave a TED Talk about "how to start a movement" and describes the transformation of one crazy guy into a dancing movement all within 3 minutes. Leading is hard and requires massive effort to maintain the momentum necessary to accomplish anything great. How can you reinvigorate the community?

This is our opportunity to drive change, create something bigger than ourselves and inspire those around us. You must pursue your passions, and they matter; the tribe is waiting.

YouTube Link: How do you energize those you are passionate about?

How do you lead by example?

Your kids hear what you say, but remember what you do. This was sober advice given to me as a young parent and has proven to be true. Maybe a bit of what I said stuck, but the overwhelming ratio of remembered lessons for my kids favors my actions. This principle is consistent throughout the business world and any other leadership sphere. Kids are pretty good at calling us out on the inconsistency between what we say and what we do. Others may not be as vocal because a job promotion may be on the line, but our hypocrisy will be discussed at the water cooler or the lunch-line.

If the boss says that it is important to have a work-life balance to maintain employee health and spends the weekend sending out email and making calls, she will loose credibility with the staff. Eventually, the organizational morale starts a downward spiral and requires a targeted effort to recover what was lost. Retired Army General Norman Schwarzkopf stated "Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without the strategy." Your character is revealed through the consistency of your words and actions. Be intentional, the world is watching.

Going Further: Where is your example inconsistent with your words? What standards do you hold for others, but not yourself? What changes need to be made to bring words and actions into alignment? What were the results of making these hard changes previously? 

How do you lead?

You lead, but are you doing it well? The question quickly expands to whether you are intentional or abdicating the responsibility that is in your hands. Leadership is needed in all areas of society; the pick-up game on the middle-school playground, the fight for rights, the race for the White House, the midnight shift manager at McDonald's, the parent raising kids or the leader of an elite team of Marines. Many are groomed for stepping into the role and others find the responsibility thrust upon them at a critical moment. Leaders receive and ever shrinking honeymoon period to deliver direction and become the required leader.

Leadership is not about a personality or charisma, but rising to the occasion and caring for those in your charge to accomplish the mission set before you. Bookstore shelves sag under the weight of volumes filled with lists of how-tos and endless week-long seminars to help close knowledge gaps are offered through pop-up ads. Successful leaders recognize they are not all knowing in all areas and perfect in all disciplines. They will surround themselves with the strengths of others, knowing they have gaps and can't do everything on their own. My history includes abdication in personal, social and work leadership settings. Recollection of these missed opportunities has fueled greater intensity to ensure I am self-aware and growing to ensure the mission is achieved in the various settings.

The pantheon of past and current leaders you desire to emulate had a starting point and grew into the hero's you respect today. Before those trailblazers, of the past, closed their eyes in death, they would concede they could not have projected their lives, every twist, and turn. These leaders took the risk and chose to make deliberate decisions and take deliberate actions, without the assurance of the desired outcome. Most often, this course of action was pursued with an incomplete picture, leading an imperfect team to make the most of the opportunity and accomplish the task. Their experiences created a legacy that delivered their story to you and reminds you perfection is not the standard. Setting aside personal preferences and comforts to graciously use your talents and skills to fulfill your commission, through inspiring those you lead to do the same, will be your proof you lead well.

Going Further: What leaders inspires you, why? Who do you depend on for leadership mentoring? Who is counting on you to lead? What will result from you succeeding and failing as a leader? Where have you abdicated leadership responsibilities? How can you address this leadership gap? What other leadership points come to mind?