Newman’s Legacy Leadership Blog

Legacy Leadership, Small Businesses, and Grit

There are small businesses and then there are small businesses! 99% of all employers in the US employ fewer than 500 people. I’m not saying that 99% of all employees work for small businesses, but 99% of all US employers employ fewer than 500 people. In fact, 95% of all employers in the US employ 25 or fewer employees.

These businesses are small consulting companies like our own Culture By Choice, and millions of other small businesses like hair salons, caterers, landscapers, auto repair shops, bicycle shops, bakeries, doctors offices, dentists offices, technology repair companies, furniture stores, coffee shops, and thousands of other very small businesses across the US. These very small businesses are often led by some very amazing people. People like Barry Lindblom of Meyers Automotive in STURGIS, Michigan, Trinity Manning of OnceLogix in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and Laura Boone and Ellen Turner of turnerboone in Atlanta, Georgia. There are so many incredible leaders that care so much about their people, and times like these will test them all.

How will all of these very small companies survive these harrowing experiences. Unfortunately, some will not. But those that are led by Legacy Leaders have a better chance than most. Being driven by values and principles, and understanding how important all their people are, these leaders are well positioned to not only survive but to come out the other side in excellent shape and ready to shine. We should all be grateful for the work these very small businesses do. They are not huge dollar companies. They often operate on the slimmest of margins. Major financial upheavals can be catastrophic. But with creativity, caring, and persistence they will make it. My greatest hope is that these little guys will get the help they need to keep on keeping on.

So what are some of the specific qualities of these Legacy Leaders? One of the most important qualities is grit, which is a unique combination of passion and persistence (see the book Grit by Angela Duckworth) as applied towards a vision of what can be. These leaders face adversity with a tenacity that says, “you’re not beating me! You may set me back a few steps, but I’ll never give up.” The passion of these leaders emerge from a true sense of purpose. These leaders cannot be deterred because what they are doing is more than a job or a career. It is a force of nature. It is a calling. It is a reason for being. A second important quality is inclusivity. Inclusivity stems from understanding that even if I am solopreneur, my business relies on building relationships with other people. There is no business that does not benefit others. In this knowledge, the Legacy Leader is capable of finding the relationships that matter no matter where they are. By being inclusive, the Legacy Leader realizes that by excluding, we limit. And, if we limit, we eliminate possibilities. By eliminating possibilities, we paint ourselves into corners that we may not be able to escape from. The third quality I would like to mention is compassion. If it is important to include, it is just as important to include with the right attitude about those that have been included. Those who are included may never engage unless they have an honest feeling that being included is a product of a true desire to connect and care for one another.

Even during the most difficult times, leaders who show these three qualities set themselves apart from the crowd. Being a gritty, never say die leader, who brings people along side themselves because they really care about them, provides the foundation for sustainability. These leaders will be altered by the experience but the changes will be for the good. When everything is going sour, realizing that everyone is in the same sour mess may not be much comfort, but the Legacy Leader knows how to filter that sourness through their passion, persistence, network of critical people, and thoughtful, compassionate caring for others. In the long run, they will emerge whole and fulfilled, even when the times are dreadful.

Legacy Leadership and Sadness

When you really care there’s always the very real danger of incredible sadness. Being a Legacy Leader does not insulate you from that reality. In fact, in times like these, sadness is almost guaranteed. Because the Legacy Leader cares so much, and knowing that so many things are beyond our control, feelings of sadness might be inevitable. How does the Legacy Leader cope? How does one work through these very trying times?

Sadness does not become debilitating until we allow it to take over our thinking frame. And, if we allow our circumstances to dictate our thinking frame, we might get stuck in our sense of despair. To combat this possibility, Legacy Leaders take charge of their thinking frame and adopt a thinking frame that will be more helpful. One of the better thinking frames is the “how can I help” thinking frame. Because of the very difficult circumstances we find ourselves in, it may be difficult to find some immediate actions that will be as productive as we might like. When so much is out of our control, it can often be better to just let others know we are willing to help wherever possible.

Legacy Leaders are get things done people. When getting things done gets darned near impossible, Legacy Leaders look for ways to be useful. That’s why so many Legacy Leaders are now stepping up and lending a hand in so many amazing ways. All you need to do is checkout the myriad posts on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and every news outlet and you’ll see evidence of leaders pitching in to help. So many are in a situation where their organization is shut down but they’ve taken the challenge of making a difference. Legacy Leadership is like that. And though there may be great sorrow and sadness, Legacy Leaders pull it together and do something that will help people. That’s why I’m so stoked about the whole concept of Legacy Leadership!

Crises Reveal Our True Values

As the Covid19 crisis deepens and grows across the US, the Truest Values of leaders, in ever corner of this land, are being revealed. From President Trump to a parent in a family in the Bronx, the true measure of each leader’s core sense of values and principles are demonstrated by what they say and do. This post is not being written to criticize, it is merely my attempt to shine a light on what we all already know.

During times of great peril, the best leaders rely on their innermost core to guide their words and actions. They don’t think about how they should be, they’re already there. They will plan and strategize but they won’t have to think about what direction to go because they will be driven by their core values and principles. Those around them will know immediately what is really important to their leader. They will see it in every word and every deed. What do most people really want from their leaders. They want to know that their leaders care about them.

As a leader, what do you really care about? As this crisis grows, where does your mind go? What thinking frame do you find yourself in? How are your values and principles reflected in what you say and do? Now is the time for everyone you are charged to lead, to see you at your foundation. What will they see? What do you want them to see?

Back to the Future!

It dawned on me today, that my activities over the last several days have been somewhat like what our very ancient ancestors must have experienced. A good portion of my day has been spent hunting and gathering. The significant difference is that I’m not hunting for meat (although boneless, skinless chicken breasts have been in short supply) and gathering fruits and seeds. Instead, I’ve been hunting for TP, hand-sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes. And I’ve been gathering bottled water, canned goods, and sufficient alcoholic beverages that might be used for disinfectant should the need arise. Should the need not arise? Well, I’ll have plenty to celebrate the conquering of the SARS-COV-2; aka Covid19.

I haven’t noticed that we are running short on razor blades or shaving gel but I might just grow the hair out a little and maybe a beard as well. If I’m going to be living in a Hunter-Gatherer Society, I think I ought to look the part. Fortunately, I can make my hunting and gathering trips in my car and I don’t have to spend days on end traversing the countryside by foot. It’s also fortunate that gas prices have dropped so low that it’s not breaking the bank to go on these quests.

These difficult times have tested our mettle as a society. We’ve been experiencing things we’ve never experienced before. In 50+ years as an adult, I have never seen a time when everything has come to a grinding halt. I have seen times when people have panicked for a variety of reasons. Y2K, anyone remember the panic that the sudden realization that our computers might not be able to handle going from 99 to 00? People expected that the apocalypse was at hand and stored years worth of dry goods, canned goods, and water in their basements. Pearl Harbor was a Day that lives in Infamy and it sent shock-waves across the US and most of the world. 9-11, I can still remember, quite vividly, how eerie it was to go outside and not see a single plane in the sky. So, fast forward to 2020. A viral disease outbreak occurs and people hoard a year’s supply of toilet paper. If the disease was so deadly that it would destroy the toilet paper supply chain, the least of our worries would be making sure that we could store up a year’s supply of toilet paper.

When logic and proportion have fallen sloppy dead; And the white knight is talking backwards; And the red queen’s off with her head; Remember, what the doormouse said; Feed Your Head, Feed Your Head. (from White Rabbit by Grace Slick, 1966)

Covid19: Crisis, Opportunity, or Both!

There’s no doubt, Covid19 has created a worldwide crisis. Researchers have now learned so much about the virus and we now know that this virus attacks people differently than any previous virus. But, there is good news. This virus can be killed very easily. Simple hand soap kills the virus in just 20 seconds. It’s easier to kill than most disease causing bacteria. If people will simply take the recommended precautions, we can put this virus behind us and then prevent it from bothering us again.

We know how the virus works and why it’s so troublesome. But, I’m not going to go into the science in this post. I’d rather take the time to talk about the upside of this pandemic and there definitely is an upside. As more and more Americans are spending more time with family, this is an opportunity to get reacquainted. There is also opportunity for businesses that plan well to reorganize and come out of this in excellent shape. There will be those that panic and history does look kindly on those who panic. We can take this situation seriously and adhere to all the recommendations and remain calm! We don’t have to hoard food, water, and toilet paper. The producers and suppliers are doing just fine! They are working around the clock to provide for our needs but they cannot supply enough for our panic!

The panic that has emerged is a product of our minds. The situation is serious and it is real, but it is not apocalyptic. The panic that has arisen is a result of misunderstanding and fear which have overtaken rational thought. To guard against this we must all adopt a more productive thinking frame. We live in the most amazing country on earth. We have abundant opportunities as we navigate this crisis. Here are some of the opportunities we have in front of us: 1) we have the opportunity to assure one another that we care about them and that we are willing to work with them to help all of us emerge from the crisis whole and viable, 2) we have the opportunity to demonstrate that we are willing to sacrifice so that everyone can have their needs met, 3) we have the opportunity to share what we know with others so that they can grow in knowledge and understanding and be better prepared for success when we emerge from this crisis, 4) we have the opportunity to position ourselves so that when this opportunity subsides, and it will, we will be ready to ramp up and take on not only the business that we previously had but also accept new business made available because others did not heed the advice of experts and panicked. Those that panic will have a nearly impossible task to recoup their losses. 5) we have the opportunity to build goodwill in our little piece of the world. Through compassion and caring we can each make our world a better place.

The 5 opportunities I’ve mentioned above, are opportunities that demonstrate to everyone, who pays attention, that you have the caring, considerate demeanor that makes your place of business the place where most people would love to work. Maintaining and improving a great culture through a crisis not only helps your organization survive but it sends the message to everyone that this is a very special place. Every business needs people and every business has a culture. If you show that your culture takes care of your people, the payout will be worth it. We all have the opportunity to do something amazing. Now is that time for generosity not greed, for love not fear, for mindfulness not instinct, and for planning a better future not wallowing in misery! Our thinking frame will dictate our direction. Choose your thinking frame wisely and it will afford you abundant opportunities.

Help for Small Business Leaders!

As this Covid19 crisis deepens, many small business leaders are looking for advice but are unsure where to turn. As a co-founder of Culture By Choice, I have been coaching business leaders for over 10 years. For most small businesses and entrepreneurs, the leadership coach concept is something that many believe is beyond their reach. For that reason I am making an offer. I will provide 3, 30 minute “free” coaching sessions to the first 20 leaders from small businesses who request the sessions. The topics of discussion will be at your discretion. Our business is trying to help our clients not just survive this crisis but thrive. We started as an entrepreneurial dream and 10 years later we are a solid, thriving business. The world has been good to us and we want to share that with those who need the help. If you’d like to take advantage of this offer, please email me at jaynewman@culturebychoice.com.

A Thriving Culture in a Covid19 World!

One of the biggest challenges businesses face is maintaining a positive culture during very trying times. There are always stresses that every business faces, even in normal times. Add a crisis, such as the Covid19 outbreak, and the stresses increase exponentially. How do we all survive in these times? Or better yet, how do we thrive?

In order to thrive, a business must have a thriving culture. Thriving cultures are all based on core values and key operating principles. Trouble brews when an organization starts making decisions based on the elements of a crisis rather than the purpose for which the organization was created. As we begin to navigate this crisis, there’s no doubt that the present circumstances and conditions will color how we respond, but we must make certain that what we do stays true to our values and principles. This is not the time to abandon our culture. It is a great time to show the world how your culture will help your organization not just survive, but actually thrive.

Many leaders are very decisive and action oriented people. But, most of the people they lead are more focused on stability, consistency, and just getting through each day. As leaders attempt to communicate during times of crisis, they often want to be seen as in control, decisive, and ready for action. Even though this is very important, it is even more important for leaders to show compassion. The lives of every day people have been turned upside down. Everything they’ve counted on is now in jeopardy. What they need more than anything else is someone to convincingly tell them that “everything will be alright. It might get worse before it gets better but, as your leader, I am here for you!” Every single company we advise has values that are focused on their people. It is imperative that leaders reinforce those values so that, as the crisis subsides, the organization will be positioned to hit the accelerator and get back on track with the business at hand.

The secret to thriving during a crisis is to have a values based culture, what we refer to as a Legacy Culture. Legacy Culture driven organizations will come out of this crisis just as they have every other crisis that has come along; in excellent shape and ready to take on new and more exciting challenges. They are ready for them because they never stopped being who they were meant to be. They never shifted into survival mode. They stayed in the moment and operated from their core values and principles. Although there were nervous times, there was never a panic. Those legacy leaders we know are already doing this and we are proud to know these amazing people!

Why Does It Take Crisis?

There are behaviors that should be part of our everyday, normal behavior patterns but they only seem to become widespread during times of crisis. Why is that? Why do we put those behaviors aside when the crisis passes? As of this writing, there have been 140,000 people who’ve tested positive for the Covid-19 virus, worldwide! So far, this flu season, 9.7 million people have contracted the flu in the US alone and there have been 4,800 deaths in the US attributed to the flu. Why do we so dramatically change our behaviors for this “crisis” when the danger of preventable, highly contagious disease is here anyway. We should be washing our hands, sanitizing, and staying home when we are sick anyway.

I see these behavior patterns in far more than just behaviors associated with our health. But, this virus outbreak gives an easy context for understanding the human psyche. By nature we want to blame others for our misery but, more often than not, our own behaviors are usually the cause of our own problems. Some will say we should all just use common sense but for most of my adult life I have been amazed by how frequently common sense is truly not so commonly applied. We rebel against science because we don’t like what it tells us. We’d rather believe our superstitions and old habitual ways than accept the truths provided by sound scientific examination.

I’d like to make a suggestion to the entire world population. Each and every one of you is precious but not one of you is more important than the next. When we use half the truth and sometimes even non-truths to marginalize any category of people, for any reason, we are saying; “I am more important than they are.” But, in the history of mankind, that is not true. Great truths have been generated from every race, nation, creed, religion, and class of people. Discovery is not dominated by any single group. Goodness is not the providence of any single group. Each and every one of us is precious but no one is better or more valuable than anyone else. Let’s all get over ourselves and start working together to make our world a better place!

The Biggest Lie About Teams!

A long time ago somebody noticed that there was no I in the word team and then proceeded to tell the world that, there being no I used in spelling team, there should therefore be no “I” in team. This was said to encourage teams to give up personal agendas and work for the good of all. I contend, however, that this is not such a good idea. I believe that teams need very powerful I’s! Such as “I take personal responsibility for the success or failure of the team!” When everyone on the team says this, the power of the team is multiplied, many times! Another powerful I is “I am here for the team. You can count on me!” In order to commit to a team’s success requires everyone to make these powerful I Statements.

I do understand that the idea behind “no I in team” was to minimize egos and make personal agendas take a back seat to the team agenda , but as good as that sounds, I believe it misses the boat. When egos are put in check, energy is diminished. If a personal agenda must be forgotten, incentives go out the window. It would be far better to learn how to harness those energizers for the good of the team. This means we have to learn how to communicate to our teammates in a language that they will understand. The “I” concept, used in the right way does not detract from the work of the team, it enhances it.

Making teams more effective is the dream of every leader. This can only be done if the leader recognizes the power of a healthy “I.” By using this notion, leaders can unleash amazing resources that might otherwise remain hidden. The self is not the enemy. Selfishness, however, can derail the best intentions of the best teams.

Why Doesn’t Anybody Listen to ME?

Do you ever get the feeling that nobody listens to you? Have you ever asked yourself why? This is a common occurrence. Many people feel like no one is listening. Why does this happen?

My experience is that people who feel this way have an expectation problem. They expect more from people than those people are willing to give. No one has an obligation to listen to you. If you want to be heard, you must present a compelling case to those who you’d like to have as an audience. It doesn’t matter who your audience is. It can be friends, family, co-workers, or complete strangers. If they don’t have a reason to listen, they won’t.

One common mistake people make is talking too long without providing an opportunity for listeners to think about what you’ve said. Another mistake is not considering what your audience is willing to listen to and how long they might be willing to listen. A third mistake is talking about a subject that listeners don’t appreciate or don’t understand. And an important forth mistake is to use language or terms that are offensive to listeners. Telling stories that listeners find demeaning or disrespectful can turn an audience against a speaker in just a few seconds. If the speaker isn’t aware that what is being said is offensive, the speaker just hasn’t prepared well enough for the occasion. The last mistake I’ll mention is failing to truly engage the audience with a topic they find compelling.

If you feel like you’re not being listened to, you are probably right. The question remains; what will you do to rectify the situation? It’s not any one else’s job to get people to listen to you. That’s your job! It doesn’t matter who you are. You can’t force people to listen or demand a fair hearing. You are not guaranteed an attentive audience. Don’t expect respect and courtesy. You earn those by how you handle yourself. You must first be respectful and courteous of others. Then they may return the favor.