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No one has any doubt you’ll show-up ready to play when the sun is shining, when you are rested and relaxed, when it’s convenient and everything is normal.
What others want to know is “How will you behave when times are tough?” “Will you play when you’re hurt, discouraged, or worn-out?” “When we’re hit by the next storm, will you be with us and play to win?”
Additionally, not just will you show up, but “Will you give us your full and best effort?” “Will you bring your A-game to lead us to victory?”
Don’t bother showing up if you’re just looking for face-time, to put on a show, to take names, and cast blame. They want you to play to win!
But where does COMMITMENT come from? Why do some leaders have such a huge heart they are able to overcome tremendous adversity and setbacks? What keeps bringing them back to persevere no matter the obstacles?
It comes from a very clear, very deep, very intense sense of PURPOSE. High-trust leaders are on a MISSION and it is this mission and purpose that ignites and sustains their energy.
TRAINING TO BUILD COMMITMENT
1. Set aside an hour to reflect and write down your PURPOSE. Why is the work you do every day so important to you? Why is this relationship important? Why does it matter? Don’t rush this. Take time to get to the real WHY and write it down as clearly as you can. What does it look like, feel like, smell like? You won’t get it completely right in an hour, but if you’re not distracted or interrupted, you’ll get close.
2. Transfer it to an index card and carry it with you. Read it out-loud at least once a day this week.
3. Keep refining to make it more concise and true. You’ll know you’re getting close when the hair beings to stand up on your neck when you hear your voice reading the words out-loud. Record it on your iPhone and play it in the car on your way home from work. Does it get you started on the right foot and/or energize you at the end of a tough day?
4. Share your WHY with others who matter. Watch their eyes light up when they hear your voice and feel your passion. Everyone wants to be on a hero’s journey. When they realize you’re on your way, maybe they’ll mount-up on their own journey!
Be a High-Trust Leader: practice building a strong, deep, intense, and clear PURPOSE and watch your COMMITMENT grow.
Pretty soon you’ll earn the reputation of having a “big heart” with huge resiliency. When the next storm hits, people will gravitate to you because you have staying power.
