|
Issue: July 2007
What’s New?
Coming soon the audio book version of “50 Ways to Lead & Love It’!
There have been many requests for Cheryl’s popular leadership book to be made available as an audio book. The audio book version of “50 Ways to Lead & Love It’ will be available by August 30th. Keep visiting the Shop for Bold http://www.cherylcran.com/products.php section of Cheryl’s site to purchase.
Cheryl’s latest book “The Control Freak Revolution” being published by Career Press is due for release in January 2008 click here http://www.cherylcran.com/CareerPressFall07FrontList.pdf to find out more!
Comic of the Month:
Upcoming Teleseminar for August 15th
Sign up for the teleseminar coming August 15th see details below!
Cheryl is conducting a teleseminar on Wednesday August 15th.
“5 Ways to Lead & Love It’.
This teleseminar will be held on Wednesday August 15th at 10:00 am PST and will run for 60 minutes including Q & A. The details are as follows:
Find out how to revive your energy as a leader, how to create more time in your day, how to have better relationships with the people who work for you, how to manage your boss and how to fit time for you into your role as a leader.
Get rejuvenated, inspired and motivated to boldly grow you to the next level.
Topic: 5 Ways to Lead & Love It
Date: Wednesday August 15th
Time: 10:00 am Pacific Time 1:00 pm Eastern
Cost: $29.00 per person
To reserve your spot email our office and call confirmation details will be sent to you.
Email Cheryl’s office to register info@cherylcran.com
Question of the Month:
Dear Cheryl: I am a sales leader and my team and I have been in a sales slump for the past few months. Part of it is there are definite market changes out there but the other part is that I just can’t seem to get the team excited about going out there and making those sales. I am under pressure from my exec to produce the results. Help!?
Dear Help: It’s interesting how we can all buy in to what the market is doing and have that affect the results that we create. Of course there are realities out there about market but why then is it that some sales absolutely sky rocket in so called downturns? I think it is because the companies that follow the solid processes in place of sales and customer care do not give up when the market shifts, rather they keep doing what works. I think its time for you and your sales team to have a team rally. Organize a day that is focused on celebrating the wins so far, restating the vision of what your goals are and discussing any perceptions or obstacles that may be holding the team back. As the leader be open and honest about your fears, concerns and biases about the market. Involve them in coming up with ideas to restart their energy and commitment. When things slow down a lot of companies stop spending on their employees- this is reactive behavior. Instead we want to be proactive and invest in our people so that they are motivated to keep going.
Quote of the Month:
“I live in my own little world, but its okay they know me here”
- Anonymous
July’s Article 2007- The 3 Perils of the Perfectionist Leader
Okay so here I am working on the manuscript of my new book due out in January titled, “The Control Freak Revolution” and I am writing a segment about being a negative control freak who has the maddening behavior of perfectionism. As I am writing this piece I am thinking to myself, thank goodness I don’t have the affliction of perfectionism when WHAM it hit me that wait a tick I DID have perfectionist tendencies and they were holding me back.
Its no wonder I am writing a book about control freaks because it takes a control freak to know one! Okay so I am a recovering control freak J The point is that a perfectionist can absolutely destroy relationships and cause others to not want to step up for us because they feel defeated before they even start.
Before we get into the three perils of being a perfectionist leader ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I set impossible standards for myself rather than just out of reach goals?
- Do I expect others to provide me with nothing but perfection before I give them my approval?
Read on to find out the three perils of being a perfectionist:
- Peril #1- You will create an environment where people will not want to take on extra tasks or duties for fear of letting you down.
Many perfectionists would argue that they wouldn’t be where they were today if they weren’t perfectionists. I disagree with that statement. I think the statement should be that we wouldn’t be where we were today if we didn’t set high standards. You see there is a difference. Perfectionist does not allow for margin of error and are severely unhappy or depressed when they or others do not achieve their perfectionist ideals. A high achiever on the other hand sets high standards for themselves and others. Study after study confirms that people want to work for a leader who sets high goals for themselves and for others. However people also want to have those goals be logical and just out of reach in order to be motivated.
- Peril #2- You energy level is not consistent and is reliant on moments of perfection.
Have you felt like you are on an emotional roller coaster? It is likely because you are only happy when you achieve those rare moments of perfection or what you perceive to be perfection. Here’s the kicker your team energy level is a direct reflection of your energy level so if you are on a continuous up and down with your energy you can bet that your team goes there with you.
- Peril #3- No one will tell you truth.
This one is a doozy.(possible Canadian slang) When people are around someone who will accept nothing but perfection the natural tendency is for others to tell you only what they think you want to hear. They will avoid telling you when things go wrong and they will hide the big things that go wrong in order to postpone the inevitable blow up of when you find out. This can be so harmful in so many ways not to just you personally but also to those who work with and for you and ultimately for the organization.
So go ahead and be a high achiever but be aware (beware) the perfectionist tendencies. Here is a quick comparison to make sure you are clear on the distinction:
Perfectionist
Sets standards beyond reason
Never satisfied unless it is perfect
Becomes angry or depressed with failure
Is obsessed with fear of failure
Sees mistakes as proof of unworthiness
Defensive with feedback |
High Achiever
Sets high standards
Enjoys the process as much as the outcome
See failure as experience and learning
Manager anxiety and fear to benefit
Sees mistakes as opportunities
Sees feedback as crucial to growth |
Wouldn’t you and those around you rather be around a high achiever? I would.
This article may be reprinted in your company newsletter or publication as long as you use the following:
Cheryl Cran, CSP (certified speaking professional) is the author of a new book published by Career Press called, The Control Freak Revolution and 50 Ways to Lead & Love it as well as Say What You Mean- Mean What You Say. Cheryl works with top performing organizations and their leaders to help them boldly grow a workplace of choice.
Through keynotes, seminars and coaching Cheryl provides solutions and ideas for increased results.
Find out more at info@cherylcran.com
Cheryl Cran, CSP www.cherylcran.com
Check out the Bold Leader Blog:
http://www.cherylcran.com/bold_leader/index.php
______________________________________________________________________
Permission to reprint: You may reprint any items from this monthly newsletter in your own printed publication or e-newsletter as long as you include the following:
Reprinted with permission from Cheryl Cran's monthly e-newsletter www.cherylcran.com. Cheryl Cran, CSP is an author, international speaker and and consultant.
Back to Newsletters Index
The Bold Leader Blog | Are You A Bold Leader Quiz | Keynotes & Seminars | Watch Video | Contact Us | Meet Cheryl | Why Work With Cheryl | Keynotes & Seminars | Coaching & Consulting | Coaching & Consulting | Shop For Bold | Schedule | Bureaus & Planners | Partial Client List | Testimonials | Newsletters | Articles | Cheryl Recommends | Contact Us | Home
|
