Many of you know that my blog “Thoughts from the Elliptical” started because my best thoughts came while working out on the elliptical. While my days on the elliptical are few and far between now, different forms of exercise still motivate me and trigger analogies about leadership and culture.
Call me goofy. Call me geeky. That’s ok.
But I’m here to tell you that there are real leadership lessons when trying to participate in a water aerobics class… especially one taught by Sallie. There is no rest for the wicked in her class. Sallie is all about strengthening “the core.” For the uninitiated – “the core” is basically every muscle in your torso, from your breastbone to your hips. Front and back. It’s torture.
My core is like Jell-o.
Hence the lesson in leadership.
Me: Sallie, why do I flutter backwards when everyone else is going forwards?
Sallie: You need to strengthen your core.
Me: Sallie, why do I veer to the right and left and bump into people?
Sallie: You need to strengthen your core.
Me: Sallie, how come I can’t keep my balance?
Sallie: You need to strengthen your core.
I see a pattern here.
Think of your “core” like leadership.
When your “core” is like Jell-o, everything is loosey-goosey. You can end up going backwards when everyone else is focused forward. You bump into people, throwing them off track and off their game. And when you’re off balance –everyone else has to improvise because you’re wobbling.
Pitiful water aerobics participants, like me, think they can fake it by fluttering their hands and arms or powering through with strong leg movements. Metaphorically, many leaders do the same thing, trying to look like they’re in control. But they’re not. They’re faking it. The reality is, their core is weak and unsustainable. Keeping up appearances with lots of talk, bravado and no forward action is unproductive …. and irritates everyone around them.
Maybe they had good form “back in the day,” but good form and strength, personally and professionally, need tune-ups, upgrades and sometimes coaching on how to adapt to changing conditions.
The Zen of Water Aerobics and Leadership
There’s something very Zen about this.
Having a strong core – in work and life (and water aerobics) – takes discipline, practice and persistence.
A strong core is “still” amidst turbulence (and waves from 20 other people in the pool).
There can be a rush of activity and pressure from all sides, but the focus and direction are clear when a leader has a strong core.
It’s important to remember that having a strong core does not mean you’re rigid. Rigid would be if your arms and legs were stiff and unbending. Leadership requires a strong core and flexibility at the same time.
A strong core, like core values or a solid mission and purpose, provide the direction and the consistency that’s needed during turbulent times or turbulent waters.
How strong is your core?
Marty Stanley, Certified Speaking Professional and 2017 Coach of the Year, is currently following Sallie’s advice to strengthen her core, personally and professionally. She’s hired a coach at the gym and a business coach, so she can be strong, yet flexible, Zen and fun.
If you want to start 2018 with purpose and focus, contact Marty today for a complimentary 20 minute consultation to see if coaching will help you reach your goals. martystanley@alteringoutcomes.com
858-432-6764 or 816-695-5453 www.alteringoutcomes.com
For more information on being a Type T leader, watch this 1 minute video.
Or order the book on How to Be a Transformational Leader in a Bottom-Line World.
