The only way you can stay alive is to change.  Every inhale changes to an exhale.  If it doesn’t, you know what happens.  So why fight it?  As a leader, if you think you can continue to do things the way they were done years ago, you are dead.

When I have to get a new computer or a new system, I actually hold my breath. It seems so threatening.  In reality, to not change is impossible.

Standstill is regression.  Just to endure, takes self-renewing effort and movement. Although it feels hard, it is actually easier on you (and those around you) when you keep abreast of the times and change with it.

For example:  Have you tried Pinterest?  If you aren’t using it, you are going to miss out.  It’s a change that I found both easy and fun.  Check out my Leadership Board on Pinterest http://pinterest.com/joyofleadership/leadership/   – Shar McBee

When faced with danger, strong people don’t plunge ahead.  They bide their time.  Weak people grow agitated.  They don’t have the patience to wait.

Rain comes in its own time.  Fruit ripens when it is ready.  You cannot make it happen; you have to wait for it.  It is the same in life.  Don’t worry and interfere in things before the time is ripe. – Shar McBee

Carol was restless and ambitious.  No matter what came to her, she was dissatisfied.  Sharon was good at her work; content with modest circumstances.  Both of them hit the jackpot (metaphorically speaking.)  They both became successful.

What do you think they did with their success?

Carol became arrogant and luxury-loving (which led to her downfall.)  Her employees were actually happy when her restaurant failed.  Sharon, on the other hand, continued to do quality work.  Success for her meant it was easier to accomplish something worthwhile.  While other banks were tumbling, customers supported Sharon and she survived – actually thrived in the melee.

What can we learn from this?

1. If you want to find out about someone, give them a little power.  It will reveal everything.
2. I’d love to hear your ideas. What else can we learn?  – Thanks, Shar McBee

Join me on twitter:  @JoyofLeadership

PS – Did you see the comments after the last post “Divided over an issue”?  There were some very thoughtful responses.  Thank you!

Yesterday someone asked me about this situation:

A service organization has a large amount of money in the bank. People have donated that money and club members have worked hard to raise it. Now the club is split about what to do with it. But here’s the strange part. The split is not about who to give the money to. Or where it will make the most difference. The split is about whether to give it away or keep it. (They do give some, but keep most.)

A past president quit over the issue. Current members are incensed, asking, “Why are we filling our coffers? There are so many worthwhile causes where the money can make a difference.”

What should they do?

This is what I think: Don’t quit. Try not to become incensed. Don’t make it an US and THEM issue. I truly believe that people are by nature innately good. In time, they will do the right thing. In the meantime, it’s only by the small means of friendly persuasion that you can exert an influence.

What do you suggest? Send me an email at Shar@JoyofLeadership.com or comment here.  I’d appreciate it.   Thanks, Shar McBee

1.  Develop your Detachment

If you act needy, people will run away from you.  Establish good relations before you ask for a donation or you’ll be denied.

2.  Offer an Opportunity

You are not “hitting people up for money.”  You are giving them a chance to be of service, to be part of a greater good.  Ask previous donors what they received from giving, and then offer that.

3.  Request and Retreat

They don’t give if you don’t ask.  It is usually a brief period when we can influence people.  When that moment wanes, withdraw and wait.  If you ask but don’t push, people are more willing to say YES to you.

P.S.  My one-minute YouTube video was illustrated by Brazilian artist, Fabiano Cafure.  If you know people who are fundraising for a good cause, tell them to watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ckm5dlSnzQ

There is a natural cycle of tension building up, then it breaks and there is a release of pressure.  We see it in thunder, in cooking and in relationships.

When it happens in the atmosphere, the release is sudden.  Everything cools down quickly and returns to normal.

As a leader, we can learn from this. When there is tension in the atmosphere, as soon as it breaks, get back to a normal routine. Don’t hold grudges, overdo a triumph, or push on farther than is necessary.  It’s better to pardon, forgive and let everyone enjoy that liberating feeling of being released from pressure.  – Shar McBee

PS  “To Lead is to Serve” is now available on Kindle.  (It’s already in the top 100 of nonprofit books.)  If you buy it please write a 5 star review for amazon!