If we are to effectively contemplate the issues before us, the things heaviest on our hearts and minds, then we need slow down and claim a space for this sacred work. We claim space when we create calm and nourishing environments from which to experience our contemplations. Our cell phones and email programs are always turned off. We work and explore uninterrupted for a designated period of time, which can range from an hour to several days.

There are many kinds of Mountain Top Time and thus many kinds of spaces that can prove useful. A local coffeehouse or a favorite lunch spot that you can sink into might work well for shorter-term sessions. A cozy chair with great food at home for half a day or a weekend at a low-key spa that is designed to facilitate longer work, can be game changers. The key is to create worlds that you can disappear into on a consistent basis for effective and meaningful contemplation.

 The Journey Begins: A Template For Executive Contemplation

What do I need to let go of? Although leadership ideals continue to mature, strong cultural influences remain that evangelize the idea that true leaders should be lone wolves, heroes and saviors. And so we hold onto any number of issues, personality conflicts, bad feelings, events and other things largely out of our control. The Wise Minded Leader knows how to let go and does so frequently.

What am I missing? Often the very best solutions to a problem are simple, to the point and right in front of us, if we could just slow down long enough to see the light of day. But instead we dig in; we draw hard lines and eliminate options. Truly opening up to new perspectives is essential to effective leadership. Thinking outside the box needs to be more then just a cool cliché; it needs to be something that you live every day.

Where are the solutions? In adopting a steadfast commitment to being a solutions driven leader, you do yourself and those around you a great service, for in being solutions driven you all but remove personality from the equation. The focus is not on the drama or all the myriad of things that you cannot control. Rather then get sucked into all of that, your obsession is crafting well thought out, intelligent solutions that show imagination and generate results that benefit all concerned.

How can I have impact? Cherished and revered are those leaders who not only get results but do so in a way that builds strong, lasting relationships. People skills, emotional intelligence, these are the hot commodities of exceptional leadership. Auditing your solutions and strategies to insure they are people centric helps to insure sustainable buy-in.

Food For Thought-
Bob Olmstead

Subscribe!! to receive Bob’s weekly blog post in your inbox. Just enter your email in the upper right hand corner of this blog and follow the simple instructions.

Spread the Word!!  Click one of the buttons below which will connect you to Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIN, Google+ and more- there’s even one for emailing this blog to friends.