A leadership perspective on contribution
Peter Gordon is the CEO of Hands Across Canberra, and when I interviewed him for my podcast, he talked about celebrating the power of saying ‘yes’ when people come together to make a difference for others.
I asked, “what does it take to move people from an idea to saying yes”? And he replied, “I wish I knew”.
I’ve been turning it over in my mind. This is what I believe moves people from being impressed by an idea or cause to following through and saying yes to an opportunity to contribute - either with money, time, or expertise.
Saying yes is a leadership responsibility
There are three factors that determine whether someone says No, Maybe or Yes.
These are:
1. Mindset
2. Focus
3. Identity
Here are some questions to ascertain where you sit on the spectrum of inertia to action:
Mindset:
What would it take for you to say yes?
Who do you become when you say yes?
Who do you help when you say yes?
Do you see deficits, limits, or abundance?
Focus:
Are you focused on self, others, or the collective good?
Do you experience your life as survival, satisfaction, or serenity?
Are you focused on despair, distraction, or action?
Identity:
Are you focused on what you need, what you want, or what you give?
Are you a victim, learner, or contributor?
Do you feel fear, courage, or conviction?
How do you want to experience your world? What might be possible for you if you said ‘yes’?
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Related Articles:
This people skill is your competitive edge
Boundless Leaders: Know how to stop saying yes
Boundless Leadership: Courage to leave the shore
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About the author, Canberra leadership expert Zoë Routh:
Canberra based leadership expert Zoe Routh shares the leadership power of saying yes
Zoë Routh is one of Australia’s leading experts on people stuff - the stuff that gets in our way of producing results, and the stuff that lights us up. She works with the growers, makers, builders to make people stuff fun and practical.
Zoë is the author of four books: Composure - How centered leaders make the biggest impact, Moments - Leadership when it matters most, Loyalty - Stop unwanted staff turnover, boost engagement, and build lifelong advocates, and People Stuff - Beyond Personalities: An advanced handbook for leadership. People Stuff was awarded Book of the Year 2020 by the Smart WFM Australian Business Book Awards.
Zoë is also the producer of The Zoë Routh Leadership Podcast.