WORDS TO LEAD BY - Balance

Repost from January 26, 2013

Continuing with lessons from Wally Adamchik's book, titled Construction Leadership from A to Z which explores "26 Words to Lead By."

This session's word is BALANCE

BALANCE

Balance - a state of equilibrium; equal distribution of weight, amount, etc.

"To acquire balance means to achieve that happy medium between the minimum and the maximum that represents your optimum. The minimum is the least you can get by with. The maximum is the most you're capable of. The optimum is the amount or degree of anything that is most favorable toward the ends you desire." - Nido Qubein

In the short run, balance is nearly impossible. But in the long run, it is essential.

"There's so much said today about leadership. But I don't think in business you can forget the fact that you don't just have to lead, you have to manage." - Lee Scott, former CEO of Walmart

(c) Renjith Krishnan

Balance of focus says we know what to do and when to do it.

Balance with others is about operating fairly. The people you lead do not expect equal treatment. They generally understand and accept the nuances and accommodations made for people if this approach is applied to everyone you lead.

Balance applies to praise and critique also. Notice we are not talking about giving equal measures of both but about giving each as necessary.

The families contribute to the success of what you are doing.

A vivid vision in your mind of a balanced future is the best way to create a balance now.

"Life is best enjoyed when time periods are evenly divided between labor, sleep and recreation...all people should spend one-third of their time in recreation which is rebuilding, voluntary activity, never idleness." - Brigham Young

Balance Jumpstart:

• Say no appropriately.
• Keep a food log for one week; adjust your eating habits to improve your balance.
• Get the right amount of sleep.
• Maintain and refer to your time log and analyze what you should be doing versus what you are doing.

These are very demanding times. The economy is challenging. We all are being asked to do more with less. We know the upcoming work season will bring long days and many hours away from home. This is the business we have chosen because of the many rewards it offers, including personal satisfaction and professional pride. And, to fully enjoy these rewards, we must constantly strive to keep a balance in our life. A balance of self (family, work, recreation); focus (managing vs. leading); and others (treating people fairly). Let's choose to keep our life in balance today and every day!

Donald G Rosenbarger
Senior Vice President
Delta Companies Inc