Follow Me! …then get your own Voice.

We follow people,  patterns, things, and stuff that intrigue us. As kids, we followed the behaviors of our mom’s and dad’s. The same patterns are found from the earliest of historical writings to the latest of writings– Imitation of a behavior has been key to success, betterment of life, and growth as a body of people.

In the early Christian Church, “imitation” was the chief message. “Follow Me!”

The motto of the U.S. Infantry: “Follow Me!”

“Do as I do and become successful.” Sometimes, this message is right.

Dave Ramsey is a finance guy. He wants folks to follow his baby-steps to get out of debt, become wealthy, and give a ton of money away… and his message is free! Like him or hate him, his message is, “Follow Me!”

Seth Godin is a type of marketing guru. Read ten seconds of his work and you should be challenged to listen again and again and finally “Go Make Something Happen. Another “Follow Me.”

Life is filled with “Follow Me” or “Follow my example” voices, and many are good. Imitate them. Read them. Listen to them. Go meet them! Surround yourself with those voices who build you up, better your life, and kindle the flame of purpose.

…then go find your own voice. …live your own life.

Grow your wealth, get out debt; Grow your Tribe, develop your message; Support a cause greater than yourself. Become some one to follow.

Question: In a world of “Follow Me” what is your criteria for following someone? Would you follow blindly or with a purpose? Would re-examining who and why you follow a person or thing change your outlook and out-come on life?

Dear Boss, You failed us.

Note to the Boss: That project your said was important is now done. Daily work suffered and some work was taken home; sacrifices were made but the product looks good, is usable, exceeds all criteria, and provides insight we did not have before. You knew our plate was already full… after all busy folks get things done!

We, your “team,” however, are appalled at your 2-second-Thank-you for a 2 week project that makes you look great and puts us behind! Please have the respect to acknowledge this project took a lot of time to complete. Let us know we did well. We, those in the trenches carry you, and you forgot about us. Hope you enjoy the bonus.

*****

Leaders, write yourself a letter and post it. Write the letter you never want to see your folks write to you. In the valley of motivation, read it. Let it invigorate you to stop, get out from behind your desk, and serve your people. It’s not about being right all the time, it’s about serving. Empower your team to fail and to achieve. Then praise them for their work!

Question: What is the worse thing your folks could say about you? Would they be right? …but would if matter? Would you reward for letter from your team letting you know of a short coming?