It’s easy to get discouraged and even fearful in these extraordinary times.  I don’t know about you, but I have to actively work at nurturing joy, peace, and love every day.  Some days I’m more successful than others.  I want to share one way that Gardner's opening quote reminds us of:  Reaching for excellence.

I was lucky to be born to parents who strove for excellence in their work and encouraged—oftentimes demanded—it of me and my sisters.  Whether it was doing our homework, cleaning the house, putting away the groceries, mowing the yard, or completing some major home improvement, we not only saw our parents do their very best, but they expected it of us, too—even if our contribution was just a small part.  They taught us that going the extra mile, spending just a little more time and effort on something, had benefits.  They modeled it in almost everything they did.

It wasn’t long before I realized that not everyone grows up that way.  Others would say, “It’s good enough for government work” or “Leave well enough alone” or “Who cares? The boss sure doesn’t care about us!” or “It’s good enough.”

That’s unfortunate because there is something inherently rewarding about doing, not just a good job, but the very best that you can, despite circumstances and sometimes other people and influences.  There is a joy in that—and the sense of satisfaction nurtures our passion and purpose.  And, like our opening quote reminds us, there is always some kind of excellence within reach.

Teachers are a great example of this.  Many of you know my wife, Leah, is a teacher and an inspiration to me.  Like many teachers, she faces government interference in their profession, unfair wages, a weak economy that affects her student population disproportionately, and sometimes what seems like unsupportive parents.  Despite these and more, she and countless teachers like her continue to give their best to and for our children. They are mission, vision, and value-driven!

We all face challenges in our lives that we never expected.  It's essential to consider how we can respond best from our own mission, vision, and values.  Embracing excellence from that inspiration allows us to transcend circumstances and elevate ourselves to new heights.  Whatever difficulties we encounter, let us remember that there is always room for excellence within our reach.

So, ask yourself:  What challenges are you facing right now?  How can you respond with excellence?  What greatness can you achieve today? 

Within your reach lies the power to make a difference, to excel, and to inspire others along the way.  Embrace excellence, and let it guide you through the journey of life and leadership.

Have you heard the story, "The Little Cat Who Told His Tail"?  I first heard a version of the story from Wayne Dyer, the renowned self-help author and motivational speaker.

The Little Cat Who Told His Tail
Once upon a time, there was a little kitten and an old alley cat.  They were out in the alley and the little kitten was chasing his tail.  He was chasing and chasing and chasing his tail.  He ran in circles hoping to catch his tail.  But no matter how hard he tried, his tail remained just out of his reach.

The old alley cat watched this for a while and then asked him, "What are you doing?"

The kitten tells him, "Well, I've just got back from the great Cat Philosophy School, where I learned two things:  First the wise elders at the school told me that the most important thing in the world for a cat is happiness and second, that happiness is located in my tail."

He continued, "So, I'm chasing and chasing and as soon as I get a hold of my tail I'll get a lock on eternal happiness."

The old alley cat looked at him and said, "You know, I didn't have the same benefits you did.  I've been out in the alley scratching for my food for a long time.  But funny thing, I've learned the same thing you did.  I also learned that the most important thing in the world for a cat is happiness and that indeed it's located in my tail."

Then he said, "The difference between you and I is that I found out that if I go about my business and live my life the way I want to, it follows after me wherever I go."

A Lesson for All of Us
The story reminds us that as long as you approve of you, follow your own purpose and inner values and principles, while you may encounter disapproval from some, true happiness and a life of fulfillment will follow you wherever you go, too. 

True happiness lies within, and it's not something we need to chase endlessly.  Instead, it is about appreciating life, finding joy in the simplest of moments, accepting ourselves just as we are, and following our own inner calling and principles.

To hear Wayne tell the story in his own words, watch the YouTube video below:

Have an amazing journey today!

Alan Mikolaj is a coach and leadership development consultant with 15+ years of experience.  He is passionate about helping leaders transform their leadership, their teams, and their organizations.  Impactful, professional approach driven by a passion for meaning and purpose, a growth mindset, and a commitment to excellence and service in order to drive change and results.

Alan maintains the ethics and standards of behavior established by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), including the standards regarding confidentiality.  You can learn more about them on the ICF website.

Transformational change starts with a conversation!
Schedule your free, one-hour session by clicking here: Discovery Conversation with Alan
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Meaning and purpose are two fundamental aspects of a fulfilling life.  While they are interconnected, they represent distinct dimensions of our existence.

Purpose primarily addresses the question, "Why am I here?"  It encompasses our aspirations, life mission, and the pursuit of becoming the best versions of ourselves as leaders and individuals.  While our past experiences can inform our purpose, it is through active engagement with our purpose on a daily basis that we can truly live it.  This involves setting goals, taking action, and continually striving towards our chosen path.

On the other hand, meaning has a retrospective orientation.  It requires us to pause and reflect on our life experiences, seeking logical connections and interconnections that make sense of our journey.  By doing so, we construct a coherent narrative that adds personal significance, understanding, and clarity to our identity, values, and principles.  Meaning helps us identify the experiences that have shaped us, both positively and negatively.

The title question may seem rhetorical, as striving for personal growth and self-realization necessitates both seeking meaning and creating it.

A meaning-seeker dedicates time to reflect on their past, seeking insights and wisdom from their experiences.  This introspection allows them to uncover the underlying significance behind their actions and choices, providing a deeper understanding of themselves.

However, being a meaning-creator goes beyond reflection alone.  It involves using the knowledge gained from introspection to identify and clarify one's purpose.  Armed with this newfound understanding, the meaning-creator embarks on a daily journey to intentionally create more meaning in their lives.  They approach each day with a purposeful, mission-driven mindset, actively seeking opportunities to align their actions with their core values and aspirations.

To become the best version of ourselves as leaders and individuals, we must embrace both roles: the meaning-seeker and the meaning-creator.  We need to reflect on our past experiences, extract valuable insights, and weave them into a coherent narrative that provides a sense of purpose.  Armed with this clarity, we can then actively and purposefully infuse our daily actions with meaning, constantly evolving and growing as individuals and leaders.  Ultimately, the integration of seeking meaning and creating meaning allows us to live a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life, making a positive impact on ourselves and the world around us.

Unlock your true potential as a leader and live a more impactful life!
Imagine transforming your career and achieving extraordinary success like the Director of Ambulatory Services turned Vice President of Operations at a renowned healthcare system, the Chief Nursing Officer who became the CEO of a thriving rehabilitation hospital, and the director of business development who now holds the esteemed position of VP and COO in a major healthcare system. 

What's their secret?  They all share a common thread—while partnering with me, they developed their first leadership philosophy statement.  Don't miss out on the opportunity to shape your leadership journey and unlock a world of possibilities.

Embark on a transformative journey!
Embark on a transformative journey inspired by the profound wisdom of A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, the renowned Indian aerospace scientist and esteemed former president of India.  In today's blog, I will delve into the the four beautiful thoughts that shaped his remarkable life.  You'll discover that his profound words are similar to my approach when I work with leaders who aspire to harness the immense power of a leadership philosophy and that I unveil more comprehensively and experientially in my groundbreaking new online course, "Leading with Meaning & Purpose."  Prepare to unlock your full leadership potential as we take a brief look at each.

Look back and get experience.
The first element, "Look back and get experience," invites leaders to reflect on their past experiences and identify and clarify their core values and principles.  By examining the decisions, actions, and outcomes of the past, leaders can discern patterns and gain valuable insights that align with their core values and principles. 

Kouzes and Posner have been studying exemplary leaders for over 30 years. They advance their finding that the most admired leaders have one quality that stands out above all others:  They have strong beliefs about matters of principle—they have a clear set of values that they live and lead by.

A leadership development course can guide leaders in exploring how their values and principles have influenced their past leadership choices, enabling them to refine their approach and align their actions more closely with their deeply held beliefs.

Look forward and see hope.
The second element, "Look forward and see hope," encourages leaders to envision a future that goes beyond mere success and taps into a deeper sense of meaning and purpose.

Leading with meaning and purpose involves setting goals and objectives that are rooted in a higher cause, such as making a positive impact on society or creating a supportive work environment.  A leadership development course can assist leaders in developing a compelling vision that aligns with their personal values, empowers their teams, and instills a sense of hope and inspiration in the pursuit of shared goals.

Look around and find reality.
The third element, "Look around and find reality," prompts leaders to assess their current state as both a leader and an individual.  This includes examining their strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement, as well as understanding the dynamics of their team and the broader organizational context.  A leadership development course can provide leaders with tools for self-assessment, feedback mechanisms, and techniques to gauge the pulse of their team and organization.

By understanding the reality of their current state, leaders can identify areas where growth and development are needed, empowering them to make informed decisions and drive positive change.

Look within and find yourself.
The fourth element, "Look within and find yourself," emphasizes the significance of self-awareness and personal growth for leaders.  Leaders who understand their own strengths, weaknesses, values, and beliefs are better equipped to lead authentically and build trust with their teams.  A leadership development course can facilitate self-reflection and self-assessment exercises, helping leaders gain a deeper understanding of themselves and develop their unique leadership philosophy.

Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam's quote, when applied to leadership development, invites leaders to look back with consideration of their values and principles, look forward with a focus on meaning and purpose, and look around with a keen awareness of their current state as a leader.  By integrating these elements into your leadership philosophy, you can create a more authentic and purpose-driven approach, fostering personal growth, inspiring your team, and ultimately achieving meaningful and sustainable success. 

I invite you to take advantage of the opportunity to shape your leadership journey and unlock a world of possibilities by investing in Leading with Meaning & Purpose.  This unparalleled online leadership development experience will guide you through a step-by-step process that will launch you forward and upward.  Group discounts are available.  Just reach out to me here:  Contact information.

In the ever-changing landscape of modern business, where leading with meaning and purpose is paramount, there is one skill that intertwines with the pursuit of purpose, shapes impactful leadership, and enables success to flourish—a skill that holds the power to navigate uncertainty and embody the very essence of purposeful leadership:  Adaptability.

What does it mean to be adaptable as a leader?
One of the most significant issues facing leaders today is navigating uncertainty and change.  Adaptability is your ability to adjust your thinking, mindset, behavior, and strategies in response to changing circumstances.  It encompasses being open-minded, flexible, and resilient in the face of uncertainty and ambiguity. 

In a rapidly evolving world, leaders who can adapt quickly and effectively are better equipped to lead their organizations through challenges and seize opportunities.

Here are five strategies and approaches to enhance your adaptability:

1)  Cultivate a Growth Mindset
Embrace a mindset that views challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.  Recognize that adaptability is a skill that can be developed and honed over time.  Believe in your ability to learn, improve, and navigate change successfully. 

If you want to dive a little deeper into developing a growth mindset, check out this article from Psychology Today as a starting point:  15 Ways to Build a Growth Mindset.  You can also check out Carol Dweck's, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success.

2)  Seek Diverse Experiences
Actively seek out diverse experiences that expose you to different perspectives, industries, and cultures.  Engage in cross-functional projects, take on new responsibilities, and seek opportunities for professional development outside your comfort zone.  This broadens your perspective and enhances your ability to adapt to a variety of situations.

3)  Practice Self-Reflection
Regularly reflect on your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for growth. Identify patterns in how you respond to change and uncertainty.  Understand your triggers and biases, and work on overcoming them.  Self-reflection helps you develop self-awareness, which is essential for adapting your mindset and behavior. 

4)  Foster a Learning Culture
Create an environment that encourages continuous learning and growth.  Encourage your team members to pursue learning opportunities, provide resources for professional development, and recognize and reward learning achievements.  A learning culture promotes adaptability at both the individual and organizational levels. 

Peter Senge's influential book, The Fifth Discipline: The Art & Practice of The Learning Organization, emphasizes the importance of building a culture that encourages continuous learning and collective intelligence within organizations.  I highly recommend it.

5)  Embrace Feedback
Actively seek feedback from your team, peers, and superiors. Feedback provides valuable insights into how your actions and decisions impact others. Be open to constructive criticism and use it as an opportunity to grow and adapt your leadership style. 

I've pointed out the connections research has found between seeking leadership feedback and leadership effectiveness many times.  I did that most recently in a blog titled,  Own Up! and How Do You Know if Your Leadership is Effective (or Not)?

The best way to get this kind of feedback is by taking the Leadership Practices Inventory or LPI.  I have administered hundreds of LPI 360s and consulted and coached dozens of leaders on this powerful leadership tool.  If you're interested in leveraging this powerful tool, just reach out. 

To learn more and get started, just click this icon:

This list is by no means exhaustive.  Developing emotional intelligence, building and nurturing  your support network, contingency and scenario planning, and coaching can all enhance leadership adaptability, too.

How do you enhance your leadership adaptability?