Friends of Dave #248: men who actually listen
Someone needs to be the A-Hole....
"Behind every good success story was someone brave enough to an be a**hole."
Friends, that is not a famous quote. I just made it up.
But it should be famous, because when you think about it, you know it is true. You have the power to make that happen.
What does it mean?
As we have discussed in this space before, I've long held a belief that along with urgency, communication and empathy, accountability is a critical component to any growing business.
The challenge is that people can be pre-disposed to avoid accountability. So when it comes to getting things done, it takes a certain type of leader to hold people accountable.
Most of that time, that leader has to have the ability to be an "a**hole."
Being an a**hole in any organization can include:
-- Calling teammates on out on their "bullsh*t" even when it makes them uncomfortable.
-- Requiring that everyone holds themselves to a higher standard, even when it is easier to cut corners.
-- Being able and willing to be unpopular and stick to your guns to do the right thing when everyone else wants to do the easy thing.
-- Asking and expecting everyone to do more with less in order to stick to an agreed upon plan.
-- Being willing to say "IDGAF" and make tough calls in order to win.
As you can imagine, it's typically not fun to be the a**hole on the team. It's a role that usually comes with more daily headaches than kudos and is largely unappreciated. Without producing meaningful results, it also comes with the risk that you can be perceived as just hard to work with and an uptight "prick."
Therein lies the rub: there can be a fine line between being the "a**hole" and being a "prick." People can tolerate the "a-hole" because deep down they know they mean well. The "prick" can quickly become detrimental to the group dynamic.
That all said, usually someone has to step up (either situationally or in a wholesale capacity) in order for the team to achieve its goals. So the person who steps up to successfully fill the role of Chief A**hole needs to both have "strong shoulders" to carry the weight of the responsibility as well as respect from teammates.
It takes courage to be the a-hole. But when done well, I think everyone agrees it is a critical role to achieve success.
So take some time this weekend to celebrate the "a-holes" in your life and/or on your team. Remember you likely would not be where you are today without them.
And if you are the "a**hole" yourself, I know it can be hard, just be mindful that the role doesn't give you carte blanche to be a "prick."
Also remember, history has shown that people tolerate a**holes because they know they need them, but they can get by just fine without pricks....
On that note....not to be an a-hole, but I am forwarding some good selections for you below if you have some time. Enjoy the weekend everyone!
XOXO
Dave
Think on This...
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Your Weekly Dose of Randomness...
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And The Last Word....
The Secret Society of Lightning Strike Survivors — getpocket.com
“I don’t know what I need. But my arm is on fire, my feet are tingling and my chest hurts."
TRUE STORY: About 25 years ago I was with a group of buddies on a white water rafting/camping trip in Maine and our campsite got hit by lightning. Everyone survived, but somehow I was the only one who escaped without the lightning actually hitting me. It was scary as all hell. As I mentioned last week, it was a moment where I said to myself, "Is this really happening?"
This is a longer read, but given that bit of backstory I couldn't skip passing it along. If you are interested in learn about what happens to people during and after a lightning strike, take a few minutes and check this out.
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