instructor Hood's Key Ideas from Master Mentors Volume 2
by Scott Jeffrey Miller

“Until you know what’s most important to you, you can’t possibly know what to do next. Not authentically, at least.”

“Leadership is communicating people’s worth and potential so clearly that they are inspired to see it in themselves.” (leadership legend Stephen R. Covey)

“There is differentiating value in continuing to work on a worthy problem and persistently ‘figure things out’ even when others are ready to throw in the towel, give up or walk away.”

“As I reflect on a 30-year professional career, of all the learnable skills I correlate the highest with those of influence, the top is self-regulation.”

“Small microhabits have the potential to create sustainable and consequential impact in our lives.”

“Your singular journey is unique and precious to you, as is the journey of others you may not know.”

Be humble enough to learn others’ perspectives, listen to and appreciate their journeys, and share your own. Leena Rinne, a veteran Franklin Covey consultant, emphasizes generosity and empathy – not to be confused with sympathy – as critical leadership competencies. Embracing them takes courage, but you’ll build trust and strengthen your relationships.

“Call me old-fashioned, but no amount of education, connections, money, charm, intellect or charisma can replace the reputation and results that come from simply doing the work.”

Don’t confuse hard work with busyness, though.

Plan ahead, do your work incrementally, and avoid leaving tasks to the last minute. Rushing around to accomplish tasks might feel exciting, but it causes undue stress and harms your output. Rather than reward busyness, assess yourself and others on what you get done and the quality of your work. 

“When leaders own their messes, they allow and empower others to own theirs as well.”

By admitting and discussing their mistakes, leaders demonstrate vulnerability and make it safe for their people to do the same. They create an environment that allows honest conversation about challenges, fears and opportunities, and enables continuous improvement.