Relationships are key to success.
The people you have around, your family, friends, colleagues, the mentor you discuss difficult topics with, those you turn to when it’s time to celebrate, debrief, understand.
The idea of the lonely hero triumphing against all odds is just wrong. Success is quite predictable, and the relationships you are building – the two-way relationships – are the stepping stones.
If someone would look at you now, what would they see?
If they would check on you while you are working, relaxing, exercising, parenting, leading, what feeling would they be left with?
If they would have a chance to take a peek at you when no one else is watching, what would they learn?
This is the compassionate responsibility to try and be your better self at all times, it is not the merciless burden that makes you give up.
And it does matter.
As a leader, saying I am sorry is your responsibility. It helps healing and looking forward, it gives perspective, it makes you human.
It is also your responsibility to not make of I am sorry an empty sentence. If you find yourselves saying that too often, as a reaction to the same situations, it should be clear it is time for you for a change.
Find something that makes you happy and stick to it.
Figure out what gives you energy and double down on it.
Understand what gives you a sense of accomplishment and do that consistently.
Notice what puts a smile on your face and expand that until it fills most of your days.
The alternative is a spiral of negativity that will be every day more difficult to escape.
Do not go there.
Once you have put something out in the world, it is your responsibility to ensure it is used in a proper way.
Shifting the responsibility to users and customers is just spineless.
