Photo Credit: Andrea Schwartz via Compfight cc
Call it the Penultimate Rule: Do unto ourselves before it is done unto us.
Follow this rule and you get to call the shots. You get to decide and stay in control. Wait, miss your opportunity, and you get to the end – where some other force decides your fate.
Big decisions, the ‘they-changed-things-on-us’ sort, are preceded by a long string of mini-choices and conclusions. Delaying until the end to argue the outcome, to claim that we’ve been wronged, is futile.
Waiting to step up, speak out, and lead means we’re waiting for someone else to do it for us – or to us. Now is the time to act, to realize and activate the potential that exists. (And we are always more successful when we advocate for what we want vs. react in opposition to what we don’t want.)
Courage doesn’t mean we know the answer; it’s the act of doing what we know to be true.
What can your team do today that will better influence the ultimate decision made by someone else tomorrow?
(Thanks Rod)
You guys never fail to deliver the exact right message at the exact right time. I really needed this message today. Thank you!
Thank you, Sarah! So glad to hear the message resonates , in particular today.
This served as a good reminder for me when I read it this morning too. Sarah – I know you’re a courageous leader – great to see you activating and realizing potential.
A stark reminder that we control our destiny in most all things that enter our space. Today I choose to make my own choices and decisions. Thanks for the nudge with this post.
Rich – thanks for your focus on making your own choices and decisions! We’re grateful for your leadership and all those you support and inspire.