Ran into this excellent article on momentum. Frankly, it took quite a while in my professional life to appreciate the critical role that "momentum" plays, both in work and outside. Now I make conscious effort to observe momentum (or lack of it) and quickly take actions. I'm not sure about work, but it has helped me immensely in personal life. John Maxwell, author of several best sellers gives a list of 10 momentum breakers and momentum makers. See how you or your team identifies with them. And if you see me doing anything that breaks momentum, please let me know.
There are no plateaus. There is no waiting in your business. I know because there is no waiting in mine. We always need to be faster, more robust, more clever, less expensive, more profitable…
That’s the beauty of what we do, isn’t it? It’s a game that never ends and keeps us on our toes. In the last four years alone we’ve seen technology transform, e commerce explode and communication develop a whole new set of standards. Changes like this always tell me that we better get up to speed or get left in the dust.
It’s the same thing in leadership. If you aren’t continually growing as an individual, your character will suffer. If you aren’t continuing to grow as an organizational leader, your sales, profits, employees and customers will suffer. It’s a matter of having positive momentum to keep the pace. John says it this way, “Momentum is a leader’s best friend.”
When you’re progressive, efficient and have a clear direction, it’s hard to get dragged down. People trust leaders with a track record of success because momentum puts victory within reach.
The question becomes, are you a momentum breaker or a momentum maker?
As a leader, your responsibility is to understand momentum, to get it moving for your organization, and to sustain it over time. It’s key to winning the support of your team, gaining the most return on your investments, and approaching change with confidence and ease.
Momentum can be difficult to capture, often appearing elusive and intangible. In order to assess whether you’re breaking or making momentum, John outlines 10 momentum breakers and 10 momentum makers that clarify where you are right now.
Consider each option in the list and test yourself against the terms. Think about your team or your organization as a whole as you reflect.
Momentum Breakers vs. Momentum Makers
1. Double-mindedness vs. Focus
By creating and following a clear and focused vision statement, a leader develops momentum. A leader drains away momentum by shooting at nothing or attempting everything.
Movement causes friction. When you paint a target for your team, you'll likely encounter resistance. As a leader, you can't restrict yourself by living inside of someone else's comfort zone. Great accomplishments require leaders to fix their gaze beyond what's easily attainable.
Movement causes friction. When you paint a target for your team, you'll likely encounter resistance. As a leader, you can't restrict yourself by living inside of someone else's comfort zone. Great accomplishments require leaders to fix their gaze beyond what's easily attainable.
2. The Past vs. The Future
An organization picks up steam when its leaders point to a better tomorrow. Momentum breaks down when leaders preoccupy themselves with the past. Or, as I've heard quoted, "Losers yearn for the past and get stuck in it. Winners learn from the past and let go of it."
Many people have powerful dreams. However, most don't realize that the viability of their ideal tomorrow is based on what they do today. The difference between a dream and wishful thinking is what you're doing now. Practice today what you want to be tomorrow. If you do it well enough, someday you may arrive at your dream.
3. Individualism vs. Teamwork
If you want to kill momentum, then insist on doing things by yourself. Momentum grows through team victories in which numerous people can claim to have played a role. The level of celebration on a team depends upon the level of participation.
4. Critical Attitude vs. Constructive Attitude
Tennis great Chris Evert said it best, "The thing that separates good players from great ones is mental attitude. It might only make a difference of two or three points over an entire match, but how you play those key points often makes the difference between winning and losing."
5. Tradition vs. Creativity
Don't tear down the fence until you understand why it was built. At the same time, relentlessly question the logic, "that's how we have always done it." What worked in the past may be outdated and could hold you back in the future.
6. Apathy vs. Passion
Passion energizes your talent and rubs off on those around you. If you have courage, then you will influence people based on your passionate convictions. If you lack courage, then you will only influence people to the extent of your comfort zone.
7. Dishonesty vs. Character
Character is the sum total of our everyday choices. It cannot be built overnight. A trustworthy leader has a much easier time generating momentum than a leader with a reputation of being manipulative and deceitful.
8. Conformity vs. Change
As John F. Kennedy said, "Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth." Sticking with the status quo won't create an ounce of momentum. Although it's difficult and may demand sacrifice, change is required to build momentum.
9. Ingratitude vs. Gratitude
As a Chinese proverb states, "Those who drink the water must remember those who dug the well." No one can claim to be self-made. Whatever accomplishments we attain in life have connections to the goodwill and support of those around us. When we express thankfulness for the benefits bestowed upon us by friends and colleagues, then those people are more apt to aid us again in the future.
10. Indecision vs. Action
I am never overly impressed with idea people. Anyone who takes a long shower can come up with a good idea. I'm impressed with a person who has the tenacity and discipline to make ideas happen.
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