As leaders, our job descriptions often call upon us to manage projects, people and budgets. Seldom will you see a job description that includes managing your mind. Yet, it is our mind that will determine how we manage those projects, people and budgets. In other words, the way we think is the way we lead. And we become what we think. Others are impacted not only by our actions but by the thoughts that lead to those actions.
I thought about this as I was reading the book The Trident: The Forging and Reforging of a Navy SEAL Leader about Navy SEAL Lt. Redman who almost ruined his career by his arrogance. The book is not only a story of transformation but also about the power of thoughts. After suffering death-defying wounds in battle, he hung a handwritten poster on his hospital door that said the following:
Attention to all who enter here:
If you are coming into this room with sorrow or to feel sorry for my wounds, go elsewhere. The wounds I received, I got in a job I love, doing it for people I love, supporting the freedom of a country I deeply love. I am incredibly tough and will make a full recovery. What is full? That is the absolute utmost physically my body has the ability to recover. Then I will push that about 20% further through sheer mental tenacity. This room you are about to enter is a room of fun, optimism, and intense rapid regrowth. If you are not prepared for that, go elsewhere.
From: The Management
The way we think about our circumstances has a powerful impact on how we lead and live life. Mindset management was something practiced by Lt. Redman, and it is something each of us can practice as well. Here are 7 continuums of thought. Where do you tend to fall?
“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8
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Jay Desko is the CEO of The Center Consulting Group and brings experience in the areas of organizational assessment, leadership coaching, decision-making, and strategic questioning. Jay’s degrees include an M.Ed. in Instructional Systems Design from Pennsylvania State University and a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior and Leadership from The Union Institute.
