In 1984, a Motown label,
Observe, Opinion, Opportunity
In his new book “The Sequence to Success: Three O’s That Will Take You Anywhere in Life,” leadership architect, author, and change strategist Samuel Chand shows that there is always a sequence to success in life. Success is the result of someone observing, forming an opinion, and deciding, as a result, if or if not to give an opportunity. I believe that the COVID pandemic has offered a fantastic opportunity for some and, unfortunately, a reality check for others. Individuals who’ve stepped up to challenges resulting from being forced into new rhythms are being observed, opinions are going to be formed, and opportunities will come as a result. For those who have shied away from the challenges, or have not handled the pressure well, it should not be surprising to think that future opportunities could be fewer.
I was reading in “Transformed: 7 Pillars of a Legacy Minded Man,” a YouVersion reading plan, the idea that “persona is our default way of interacting with the world around us. But, frequently, our default persona is most clearly revealed in times of crisis.” The same devotional went on to say that when a crisis hits, “Your persona will either rise up to keep you going or crumble beneath the pressure.” The writer gives the analogy, “When you squeeze an orange, tomato juice doesn’t come out, orange juice does.” The question is, when you are squeezed, what comes out?
Know Yourself Lead Yourself
Recently, I taught a webinar on the importance of continually improving one’s self to be ready for any season of leadership. (you can watch that webinar here). I shared a helpful tool, “Know Yourself, Lead Yourself.” It’s a great visual showing how tendencies have the potential to shape one’s actions. Our tendencies are a combination of nature; what is hardwired from birth, nurture; the unique experiences and environments that form one’s life, and choices made. They create patterns of behavior. And, when a person is squeezed, those tendencies can be amplified.
However, when we are aware of our tendencies, we can act and/or respond, not accidentally, but intentionally. Intentional actions result is better consequences and leads to the desired reality closer to the way we want to be experienced by others. A great question to regularly ask is, “What’s it like to be on the other side of me?” Honest feedback from trusted people will assist in your best self, showing up in both good times and in seasons when the squeeze is on. Remember, someone is watchin’ you. They are forming opinions and deciding if you are a leader, they can follow.