You are not a boat.
A lighthouse can be seen from miles around.
It has a concentrated light source that aims at the horizon. Boats can see it for miles. And it can be seen from multiple directions.
There is a noticeable contrast in the sky when it is burning. You can see the intense light source glinting in the distance. It is not complicated.
Just a bright light against a dark background.
That's all it takes to stand out.
But many of us act like the boats in the harbor. We chase the horizon. We think "Just look at all of that gorgeous horizon out there!"
But that's the problem.
We should not be chasing the horizon. We should not be swashbuckling across the waters to obtain our next treasure.
We should be the lighthouse.
As a leader, we should be the light. Drawing in those people on the water. Steering them to our safe port.
And that means two things:
How do we do that in our business?
Clear Light
Know what you solve. A good leader communicates the same clear message to their team, to their customers, and to their partners.
We help _______ fix ________ so that they can ___________.
That is your light.
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Say it daily. Remind people weekly. Shout it monthly.
As I heard @donald miller say once:
"Leaders are repeaters"
Always Visible
The men that ran lighthouses for a career showed up every day. There was no PTO (paid time off), or sick days. If the guy didn't show up, then the light didn't go on. So that NEVER happened.
They planned for the worst.
Today that means we create systems that work without us. There needs to be a plan in place to deliver our message if we show up or not.
If you took a week off work, would your team continue to perform without you? Would the light go on every day?
That's not a simple task.
You have to plan for consistency. So here are 3 questions to get you started down that path. (Or back on track)
The answers to these three questions create the foundation you need to get momentum and get unstuck.
Are you acting like a lighthouse or boat?
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Ready to act more like a lighthouse? Need to make repairs to an old lighthouse? I offer one-time consultations or ongoing support. Make an appointment with me to discuss how I can help. HERE
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2yJake Jordan this is an exceptionally useful and well-written post. Funny enough my previous company logo was a lighthouse.
Productivity & Profitability Coach | Full Focus Pro | Author | Instructional Designer
2yJake Jordan totally brilliant! Totally! And I loved the "swashbuckling". Hadn't used or seen that word in a long time!
Matching People to Business Ownership | Franchise Owner | Executive Transition Specialist | #DFWFranchiseExpert | #Oklahoma Franchise Expert
2yVery thought provoking, Jake. I'll try to catch myself when I start swashbuckling (love that word) and focus on being a stable light and leader to direct others safely to their end destination.
Getting business owners in front of their ideal prospects | Proven methods that increase engagement I Effective strategies to build loyal communities I LinkedIn Strategist I Social Media Manager | Servant Leader 💖
2yRick P. You’ll really enjoy this and I’m sure you’ll have something to add here. This is right up your alley.
Getting business owners in front of their ideal prospects | Proven methods that increase engagement I Effective strategies to build loyal communities I LinkedIn Strategist I Social Media Manager | Servant Leader 💖
2ySo many of us can relate with what you’re saying Jake Jordan!! As leaders we know we should be a Lighthouse but so often we get stuck. Thanks for giving practical tips that will get us back on track. Impact Over Attention #BeTheLight