Tolerating Fools

I read recently where a leader whom I admire was said to not tolerate fools. This is a characteristic I aspire to, as well. I would like to think that I am a quick judge and realize very easily whether someone is up to the task, whether they know what they are talking about, and whether they have what it takes to get things done. If they don't, I won't waste my time. I want someone serious about their profession and willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish the mission and won't waste my time with someone who doesn't meet these criteria. Let's agree together that this is the case and that we generally all will not tolerate fools!

But I hope this doesn't mean we can't act like a fool every once in a while. Yes, this is me doing my best (or worst?) Hulk Hogan at the office on Friday. We have a traditional Halloween costume contest at work and this was my outfit for the day. And despite the fact that my team is spread out over dozens of small offices in three different states, we used technology to ensure that everyone could participate. I wanted to make it easy to not be the only fool for the day!

Nope, I don't mind being a fool. Even in government, I think it is still important to laugh, to joke, and to have fun. In fact, I'm not sure I would want to be a part of a team that doesn't. Would you? I don't think we would have much success recruiting new talent or retaining our best and brightest if we didn't allow for the sort of good times that come from a relaxed, casual, fun-loving atmosphere.

This doesn't mean we aren't professional. We still have a culture of discipline, protocol, and standards (I know...try saying "Yes, sir" to a wannabe Hulk Hogan without smirking!). But we try to have fun along the way, build relationships that enable trust, and create the environment where people will work hard -- not because they have to but because they want to.

We are totally focused on mission execution. We have over 800 great people and we have completed over $1B of work in each of the last two years. We have a well-earned reputation for excellence and quality. And as a rule, we don't tolerate fools. But along the way, we are going to have fun. We are going to let down our hair (I wish!) every once in a while and let off some steam. We are going to create the sort of work conditions in which people feel comfortable, where they like what they do and whom they do it with, and where creativity and innovation are let loose.

So, I lost the costume contest -- came in 3rd. But it was fun for me and fun for those who were able to laugh with me (or at me). But I am thinking that next year we will have some sort of cage match instead of just virtual voting. Now that will be fun. I think I could have crushed the little princess who won! Ha! Now I ask you...what fool did you play for Halloween? That's Leader Business!

No Whiners!

Friends,

Had enough of whiners? Maybe this form will do the trick.

Ok...this is not an actual form (WHAT....YOU BELIEVED IT WAS?). I thought it was hilarious. I laughed at the thought of some hard core drill sergeant sitting down with one of his charges helping him fill out the form if they had gotten their feelings hurt, asking if there is "permanent feeling damage?"

While it is just a joke, wouldn't it be nice if we could hand something like this to those whiners, complainers, and malingerers who infect our organizations? We would all feel better, wouldn't we?

But feeling better is not what leadership is about. Yes, it would be great if we could deal with workplace issues with a simple form. But we know it is never that easy! Workplace emotions and attitudes are always part of the office landscape. Real leadership is not in handing out a form but in confronting problems, building bridges, and dealing with drama.

Real leadership is turning whiners into winners through the difficult tasks of performance counseling, leader development, and daily inspiration. No "Hurt Feelings Form" will make this happen. That's Leader Business!

Just Say...YES!

I saw the new Jim Carrey movie, The Yes Man, this weekend (see a clip here). I don't want you to mistake me for a movie critic so I won't comment on the value of the movie itself. But I do want you to know that I left the theater inspired by the message of the film: We can all experience life more fully if we would just say yes!

Say yes to new opportunities. Say yes to help a friend...or a stranger. Say yes to visit that place that you have always wanted to see. Say yes to try a strange food or drink (like RED BULL -- a movie reference if you haven't seen it -- Ha!). Say yes to meet someone new...or get to know someone more fully whom you may have been saying "hello" to for years. Say yes to learn a new language or experience a new culture. Say yes to learning how to play an instrument.

The point of the movie is that saying yes, making it a point to do so at every crossroad, will open up unimaginable opportunities. I know it did for me when I said yes to my brothers earlier this year to go to Vietnam and as we plan our next adventure. I felt the same impact when I said yes to serve on several non-profit boards this year. Saying yes has opened up my eyes and helped me grow in immeasurable ways.

What is the leadership application? Perhaps this is the year that we can say yes to taking risk, to going after those Big Hairy Audacious Goals, to establishing new partnerships, to joining new / different / diverse groups, to learning a new skill, to serving on a board of directors or as a volunteer in a community group. This is the year we will have fun at work, lose the cynicism and become positive leaders, put people first, transform our organizations, make a difference, change the world! I am confident that the challenges that we will face in 2009 -- personally, professionally, economically -- will demand that we embrace an entirely different attitude...one that says YES!

As we approach the new year, I am sure that many of you, like me, will be setting goals and establishing resolutions. Let's resolve together to put at the top of the list: THIS YEAR, I WILL NOT HESITATE TO SAY YES!

This is not just Jim Carrey funny business. This is Leader Business!