CUES CEO Insitute III Day 2: I Choose

Leadership has a lot to do with the choices that we make.

Regardless of whether you are an introvert or extrovert, we all choose our energy, our enthusiasm, our hopefulness, and our attitude.

Today Professor Horniman told us a story about two men that were about to be executed after being caught in combat. The first man made the choice of losing himself with tears and a refusal to walk to his pending death. The other man chose to walk with dignity and honour.

Very morbid, but I share this story with you as it made me reflect on something one of my staff said to me last Friday. It was the day before I was leaving for Darden, and I was trying to get as much done as possible before my departure.

"You look stressed. I can tell it in your face and this is the first time I have seen it on you".

I couldn't argue the fact that she was right and I could feel it in my body, but to me this should have never happened. Regardless of what is going on in my life, both personally and professionally, I should be focusing my body language to match that of positive attitude and energy. Showing my stress physically and with my actions did not support my team which could have resulted in them not supporting our members.

As a leader, it is my responsibility to take the steps to release that stress in some fashion. Based on the feedback from my 360 assessment, that would be asking for help, which I don't do enough.

With the choices we make, we must decide if it creates value, or takes value away.

Choosing how you show up every day with a focus on supporting your team, your members, and your community will ensure value is created and grows.

Devin