A futile use of time and a misuse of money. Displaced effort, resources, rooms left barren.
What a waste! But to whom? Not to the person spending the cash, or investing the hours. Not to the one expending the blood, sweat, and tears. Not if they have found meaning and significance within the endeavor.
Finding the value, whether it be in an object, activity, or Space (Mountain), leads to commitment, motivation, and purpose allowing one to authentically invest themselves and their resources.
In just a little over two months, the family and I will be traveling back to the magical land of dreams that come true. I had no doubt that some of my friends, family, and even acquaintances would mutter, “already, you just got back”. For those that don’t share the ever so slight addiction, they will see the time spent as a waste, the dollars as flushed down the drain, and the effort of planning as energy that could have gone into preparing to hike up Kilimanjaro (Safari).
To us, our trips Matter-(Horn), the value is in the escape, the moments of freedom from a suffocating world, the opportunity to become fully immersed in a land of make believe and magic.
Luckily for me, I do not need to justify the trips. My family is happy for a vacation, I am a grown-up, with grown-up money, and I am not imposing upon anyone with a hesitation or unwillingness to join in the Expedition (Everest).
As leaders, we are in a position that requires us to create value in the tasks and actions we delegate. While our teams may feel some directives are insignificant, fruitless, and just as silly as a Mad Tea Party, taking the time to cultivate meaning, substance, and purpose allows for buy-in, increased positivity regarding the tell, or at bare minimum, conformance.
This year marks the second year of goal setting across our organization. I truly believe that each individual, not just on my team, but the company as a whole, can agree that goals are important. However, when managing a group of automotive technicians (if you know, you know), the things they consider “fluff” can be a struggle to sell as meaningful, especially when it’s new.
It wasn’t per say negativity, or even push back. The reactions were based around confusion, not of what they were to be doing, but the why.
“I just help people”.
“I like to teach and learn”.
“I care about my customers and I take care of them”.
“I love my job, my team, and the company”.
All of these statements were followed by a similar version of, “But that’s just my job, not a goal”.
This is where it becomes the leader’s job to guide, to institute a new method of thought, and to take a person from “It’s just my job” to “How does what I do matter? How can I make an impact? And how can I improve?”.
As I met with person after person, the conversations were surprisingly similar, and at the end of each session, we had found success.
How I helped my team go from Frozen (Ever After) to Soarin’ (Around the World):
As we move through the year, and the steps required to achieve the goals put in place the conversations will not end. It is our jobs to keep the magic alive, propel the Carousel of Progress, and foster an environment that promotes innovation, forward thinking, and momentum.
It is no Figment of my Imagination that my team will not only meet the goals they have set for themselves, but that they will find significance and an increased purpose within our organization.
I challenge my fellow leaders to make a Splash (Mountain), Rise to the Resistance, and guide your teams to become the Guardians of their Galaxy.
“First, think. Second, believe. Third, dream. And finally, dare” –Walt Disney
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