Status Booster

I'd prefer it if status was not a factor. Especially, when it comes to leadership, wouldn't it be better if we didn't need to concern ourselves with status?

But there it is: status as a constant.

In the face of all of the surface maneuvers around status, we also have the opportunity to prove our professionalism. If we can focus on the mission when other people focus on their own personal enhancement, we can get more done. People are more likely to follow a leader who serves the mission first and their own esteem much later.

I'm not saying that esteem isn't important, only that it should be down on your list after serving your mission and other people -- especially the people you lead.

When we are challenged -- when people force an issue to see how professional we are -- that can be managed skillfully. We do not need to over-react. We do not need to cover our exterior.

An opportunity to prove your professionalism is reason to celebrate, because it can be a convincing status booster.

That's right, whether or not you care about status, it's always a factor, and yet by focusing on what is important professionally your personal status gets a boost.

That sounds like a win.

-- doug smith

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Solve It and Move On

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