One of my children shared they made a disappointing grade on a recent exam. What’s the
usual response of a parent?
While at the airport last week, I sat next to a technology salesperson on their phone explaining to their boss they weren’t going to hit their sales goal. What’s the
usual response of a CEO?
The
usual response is
operating out of fear which is selfish, because you’re thinking about how the news impacts you – your money, image, time, and desires.
Instead,
respond unusually and
operate out of hope, not fear. For example, what if you acted in either of these situations with
gratitude? What if you responded that you are grateful for their effort and good communication? Secondly, what if you acted with
urgency? It’s defined as urging them to be excellent in every thought, action and interaction, and that’s all you could hope for from them. You’re not lowering the bar,
you’re raising it.
You know your usual results. Respond unusually and operate out of hope for a different result.
This article was last modified on January 23, 2023 .
Darren Smith
Darren Smith is Co-Founder of the Authentic Leadership Institute. He is a native Texan and a graduate of Dallas Jesuit and Texas A&M University. Over the past 25 years, Darren has visited 35 countries and led 100 strategy programs. He and his wife have five children.
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