Bridging the Gap: Attitude as the Key to Leadership Growth

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Between stimulus and response there is a space.  In that space is our power to choose our response.  In our response lies our growth and our freedom.

VIKTOR FRANKL

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This past Sunday, my family and I embarked on a transformative journey inspired by Brian Blatt's new book, Lessons from the Breakfast Table: Keys to Success from A to Z.

Each chapter focuses on a letter of the alphabet and a concept that, when applied, can be the difference between an average life to one that is filled with joy and abundance.  While designed for children, the lessons resonate profoundly with leaders.

We kicked off with 'A is for Attitude.'  Displaying it prominently on my whiteboard (pictured above) during our Home Church session, this simple act reinforced a core principle from The Purpose-Driven Leadership Program:  "Energy flows where attention goes."  This echoes Tony Robbins and others and underlines the significance of contemplating one's mission and values daily.

To further our focus and energy, we also incorporated it into our Morning and Evening Cuddle that I wrote about back in November of last year.  Attitude, particularly an attitude of gratitude, took center stage.

Then during a conversation about midweek with my sister about an upcoming presentation/workshop she's conducting, the theme of attitude emerged once again.  It reminded me of the space between stimulus and response—what Viktor Frankl calls a space in our opening quote and what Stephen Covey called the gap.

In that space lies our power to choose—not just our response but our attitude.  Brian contends that "your attitude will determine your outcome more than anything else."  This essential building block, a key principle for success, becomes crucial, especially in challenging times.

However, maintaining a positive attitude can be challenging, particularly when stressed.  The pivotal moment is in the gap between stimulus and our automatic response.  Catching this gap allows us to choose our response consciously, aligning with our values and leadership ideals.  As Dr. Frankl noted, it's in this gap that growth and freedom reside—a space we must be aware of and as Dr. Covey tells us in the YouTube, can expand and widen through that awareness.

Dr. Wayne Dyer adds, "Taking charge of yourself begins with awareness."  Self-awareness, a cornerstone of effective leadership, enhances our ability to lead others.  Increasing awareness requires ongoing effort, whether through study, journaling, meditation, or contemplation.

Take time each day to be self-aware.  Have a quiet moment.  It'll help you find your gaps and increase your 'response-ability.'  It will make you a more effective leader.  It will help you to widen your gap, love more authentically, and step into your growth and freedom.

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Have an amazing journey today!

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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 holds his Associate Certified Coach credential with the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and maintains their ethics and standards of behavior, including the standards regarding confidentiality.  You can learn more about them on the ICF website.

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