Leadership Lessons by Mark Sanborn

November 2011

Deluged with information? Me too. Frankly, I don’t need moreinformation but I am always interested in insight. Insights are the useful ideas derived from the plethora of information that surrounds us. Insights improve our thinking and our behavior.My goal in my books, e-zine, blog and other communication is to provide you with valuable insights. My aim is to help leaders at every level turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. That requires both good ideas and the motivation and encouragement to implement them. Providing all these things is always top of mind when I communicate.  What would you like to learn more about in future e-zines? Are those topics related to leadership, extraordinary service and remarkable performance that you’d like me to address? If so, please email me at mark@marksanborn.com

Scroll Down for more information about Mark’s new book & presentation:

——————————————————————————————————————————————————   feature article:

A Work Manifesto

Manifesto (def.): A public declaration of policy and aims.

What follows are my views about commitment to work based on 30+ years of being employed and being an employer. These are philosophies I subscribe to and that I desire in those I work with and encounter in the marketplace. MHS

I work because I need to and because I want to. There is satisfaction in work well done. Good work produces value and isn’t just a means to an end but an opportunity to be a productive, contributing member of society. Work helps give life purpose and structure.

I don’t like everything about the work I do but understand that is the nature of work. Work often requires that we do what needs to be done as well as what we like to do. Doing great work is a choice I make; to do less cheats not just my employer and customer but myself.

Impediments to work are temporary. If my place of employment blocks my ability to be productive in an honest and ethical way, I will not sell my soul to continue working there. If my boss doesn’t understand the concept of a healthy work environment I will actively look for a different boss or organization that does. My current situation may not allow me to switch jobs or employers immediately but I refuse to resign myself to a work life of misery. I will endure for the short term with the goal of prospering in the long term.

How I do my work makes life a heaven or hell for others. How I treat colleagues and customers makes their lives better or worse. Neutrality is a myth as any attempt to disengage will appear to others as indifference, and that indifference is an insult to others.

I will not actively or passively inflict pain. While the bad behavior of others might make it tempting to do so, I will choose to play by a higher standard. I will do what I can to make working with me enjoyable.

I do not control how others act, but I completely control how I act. When others act inappropriately to me, I will respond professionally but will not accept and thereby condone the inappropriate behavior. I will politely but directly address the inappropriateness.

I understand that others come to me for solutions to problems and that is what I am paid for. Therefore problems, as difficult as they can be, are not an impediment to my work but often they are my work itself.

I will take responsibility rather than place blame. If I can’t fix it I will either live with it or leave it. There are no other rational options.  I understand there is no perfect workplace, but refuse to make where I work worse by my own apathy or lethargy. I won’t let the poor attitudes and behaviors determine my own choices. I know that I often succeed at work not because of but in spite of undesirable circumstances.

In a time when not all who truly desire work have that opportunity, I am grateful for the work I have.

————————————————————————————————————————————————–

Mark Sanborn is a best selling author, advisor to top leaders and president of Sanborn & Associates, Inc., an idea studio for leadership development.

He’s also an acclaimed speaker and member of the Speaker Hall of Fame.

BRING MARK INTO YOUR ORGANIZATION FOR A POWERFUL LIVE PRESENTATION.

Mark provides more than a speech-he gives organizations a competitive edge. He’s a proven professional with over 2400 paid presentations and he can tailor a program to fit you needs. His clients include Harley Davidson, Costco, Morton’s of Chicago, Wells Fargo, HP, IBM and John Deere.

 For a presentation that will engage, educate and entertain, call Michelle Joyce  (703) 757-1204

——————————————————————————————————————————————————-

Up, Down, or Sideways: How to Succeed When Times are Good Bad or In Between. Click herehttp://www.marksanborn.com/up-down-or-sideways/ to download a free excerpt and to order.

Featured Blog: There is no “new normal.” Blog at

http://www.marksanborn.com/there-is-no-new-normal/

PROGRAM NOTE: Mark can present this program to a mixed audience of managers and employees – or tailor it specifically to managers and top tier leaders.

Please contact his new business manager, Michelle Joyce, at michelle@michellejoyce.com or (703) 757-1204 with any questions or to book Mark for your clients’ upcoming events. 

Best always, Mark Sanborn Sanborn & Associates, Inc.