The Energizer Bunny has a Battery

The Leadership Secrets of the Energizer Bunny could keep going . . . and going . . . and going. There are plenty more places to go and people to see. Friday is a good place to wrap up. BTW if Maxwell was right when he said, leadership is influence, then EB is the man, uh, er . . . maybe EB is the bunny! Right?

I try not to assume faith in Christ on TOL. I don't want drop in readers to think they are crashing a private party. It is good practice not to assume faith in the people that cross my path. I am not sure how good I am at it but I am better than I used to be.

All that to say that the last leadership secret from the Energizer Bunny is a faith secret. Leaders without faith in Christ still lead and lead quite effectively. Let's be honest here. Don't forget, however, the good to great principle. What or who can take you to the next level?

Without the Spirit of God, we can do nothing. We are as ships without wind. We are useless.

Charles Spurgeon (British preacher from 1800's) made the previous statement. EB's secret is his battery. He has power that is beyond him. He can run faster, focus better, and accomplish more because of the gift of power. He did not deserve it, did not even know it existed, and probably did not think he needed until someone gave it to him. In fact, would it be safe to say, EB's battery defines him?

Once you claim you are a leader and a Christ follower you raise your own bar. People expect more. You are saying, 'my leadership will be distinct, my choices will be informed and empowered by God Himself, and my values will driven by an eternal perspective'.

For EB, it is all about the battery. His secret is, there is no secret. What is it all about for you?

The Energizer Bunny is No Lone Ranger - Leadership Secrets III

He made it to the top five! Who would have thunk it (as my dad used to say)? Was it his own brilliance? Was it his giftedness? Not at all. EB could not have listened to everybody, but he did listen intently to somebody.

Could you imagine a young Energizer Bunny with a resume'? Where would he go? What was he qualified to do/be? What was he thinking? One day a pinhead from Energizer saw something in EB (before he was EB). So, should EB listen? What made this pinhead any different?

The environment of an effective leader includes people. In fact, I like to be around effective leaders because I will find around them, effective leaders, young and old. Visionaries. People, regardless of age that are passionate about learning, growing and making a difference. The ear of effective leaders belongs to somebody (usually more than one). He is very particular about who that 'somebody' is.

The leader, who is Christian has given his life away to Jesus Christ. Included in the package deal is his ear. That, is the beginning of wisdom. To whom are you listening? Is any recalibration needed?

Sad Day! IOP is history. Not dramatic. Are vacations supposed to be? That means it was a good one, right?

Leadership Secrets of EB - Doc Rivers' Shirt

USA Today reported this morning that Doc Rivers' (Coach of World Champion Boston Celtics) Gatorade-soaked shirt was bought by an anonymous bidder for $55,000. Just what I always wanted, a Gatorade-soaked shirt. I really don't want Doc's. I want my own.

When the Energizer Bunny was just a kid, I wonder what he wanted? What was his dream? How much can a stuffed pink bunny want out of life? Again, since EB was unable for comment, I am left to imagine what his journey to fame must have looked like.

I did three secrets yesterday. Today, only one. Nothing new or profound here. Hopefully a reminder. Effective leaders do certain things. No matter where you meet them and what their particular assignment looks like, they are similar. Normally the best do not aspire to be great, but they are focused on doing great.

Effective leaders are focused leaders. Because of that, they are not always easy to be around. My agendas and ideas are not very important to them, unless it is where they are going. EB may have had all kind of opportunities to chase the dreams and plans of others. No matter the offer, he just kept going . . . and going.

Last full day at IOP. All good. Beautiful.

Leadership Secrets of the Energizer Bunny

I can't remember who coined the term BFO or Blazing Flash of the Obvious. BFO applies here to the Energizer Bunny. He did not respond to my request for a blog interview. His agent said he was busy spinning around and banging his drum. This is a rare case of what got him to the top will likely keep him there.

Here are a few of his secrets:
1) Consistency - As with missionary to India, William Carey, you could say about EB, he is a plodder.

2) Metacognition - Impressed by my new word? I heard it from someone at WRC last week. Thanks Lindsay. Awareness of self, ability to set goals and learn, etc . . .

3) Intuitive - Are leaders made or born? Likely a bit of both, but EB simply maximized his opportunities. Will you today? Or are you just on the way to someplace else? I will unpack this more.

More on the way. Isle of Palms is great. Stay tuned.