Good morning, Leaders! It’s Friday!

Self awareness, situational awareness and environmental awareness are three distinct and important parts of leadership.

Self-
How serious is someone going to take you if you’re presenting to a client or board or your boss but you’re wearing a smear on your shirt from your sick child? No one said you shouldn’t nurture your namesake but that’s still no excuse to show up in a professional setting looking like a mess.

•Do leaders dress sharp … or like they’re getting ready to lay sod?
•Do leaders brush their teeth and tongue … or walk around with broccoli sticking between their teeth?

•Do leaders hold their head up, smile and greet people with genuine admiration … or scowl and slouch and cuss under their breath?

Mind the way you show up.

Situation-

I heard a comic recently talk about passing gas on an elevator. I don’t recall the whole joke but you might imagine someone spending a couple of minutes in tight quarters, seeing someone and then smelling something and assigning blame…whether appropriate or not. Since you don’t know when someone gets on or someone gets off, a secluded tight compartment is a highly inappropriate place to relieve pressure. Even if you end up walking funny when you exit, it’s best to keep your “thoughts” to yourself.

Surroundings-

One of my driving instructors first words of advice were, “View the total traffic picture”. That was nearly 40 years ago. I do it subconsciously today but I had to learn it when I started driving. I think the same rules apply for awareness in leadership.
-Know where you are at all times.
-Who is your audience?
-What dangers should you anticipate?
-How fast are you going compared to the posted speed limit?
-Are you carrying passengers and if so, are they safe and secure?

Finally, when someone is distracted, with their attention glued to their cell phone…at work, while walking, while driving…I believe it’s safe to say they are not aware of their surroundings. They don’t realize how silly they look when they veer sharply, brake suddenly, miss a question from a colleague, or walk in front of a light rail train. I witness examples of this every single day. People, pull your head out of your…phone. Stop endangering yourself and the people around you.

Be more respectful
Be more observant
Be more present

Have a blessed weekend!