Hey leaders, it is often not a 'them' issue

People are hard to lead (yes, that means we are too!). The stress and strains on leaders is greater now than ever before.

So, what do we do about this?

This past week I hosted a retreat with a group of college athletic directors. Below are some takeaways from this experience that I think provide some answers on how to become better leaders...and it has nothing to do with the people we lead!

Leaders need space
I don't think leaders always notice the need to pull away to create margin to think and just be still. Most, if not all leaders, run at a really fast pace. There is no way around this.

However, the faster your pace the greater the need to pull away. It is really cool to see the clarity and ideas that these leaders got as they created margin.

Taking a day or two to create margin to think and become still might feel like it is going to set you and your organization back 10 steps. In reality, it allows you to move yourself and your organization forward 100 steps and often at a much faster pace.

Slow down to move forward.

If you laugh at the thought of taking a couple of days to pull away...start with an hour walk to create space to think.

We need other people
The power of being around other people who desire to grow and progress is huge.

Sharp people sharpen people.

Who you are around has a great impact on who you are becoming and impacts your perspective. Even if it is just for a couple of days.

Prioritize your growth
Every AD that came had a moment where they doubted if they should even attend the retreat. They all did and would tell you that it was much needed.

When the leader is not operating at a high level, over time, the organization will not operate at a high level. The leader sets the ceiling.

The better you get, the better your organization gets.
The healthier you are, the healthier the organization becomes.
The more you grow, the more the organization grows.

It is hard to label the bottle when you are inside
In other words, we need people to help us see what we are unable to see because we are emotionally attached and invested.

When I am emotionally invested in something, the tendency for me to lose perspective is high.

When someone is not as invested, but knows the industry, they often have a better perspective.

It is critical to get around others who can help you see what you are missing...and vice versa. You can also help others see things that they are missing or have lost sight of.

CLICK here to order my book The Leadership Greenhouse

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One of my weekly disciplines is scouring the internet for articles/tweets I can learn from and/or use with those I work with. Below are two that I hope help encourage and equip you.

Article 1- The busier you are...

Article 2- The death of you

Podcast: Josh Brooks, Georgia AD. Total stud!

Three Ways I Can Help:

1 on 1's - A powerful solution to combat the isolation and loneliness that often accompanies leadership. Leading with excellence can be an uphill battle, but you don't have to face it alone. My 1-on-1 coaching is designed to be your trusted thought partner, offering thought-provoking, perspective-enhancing questions that ignite fresh insights and clarity. Together, we will delve into the depths of your leadership role, helping you gain a profound understanding of yourself and your program. Our personalized approach ensures that each session is tailored to meet your specific needs and goals.

Here is a testimony from a 1 on 1 client: "Travis has helped me become a better leader. Travis has helped me organize my thoughts and has given me so much clarity on how to lead on a day to day basis. There is no doubt that he is the biggest asset to my leadership and has reenergized my coaching style." Jeff Duncan, Head Baseball Coach, Kent State

Training Day - During this transformative experience, I will guide you through the essential principles that lay the foundation for an elite environment in your program. Our approach is entirely interactive, ensuring an engaging and dynamic learning journey for all participants.

The Tribe - What are your pain points? What do you need to do to become a better leader? To create a better environment? Join a group of like-minded coaches who get together (via Zoom) every 2nd and 4th Monday to discuss and work through principles and frameworks to help you become a better leader.