“The Power of Leadership”

This week, we enjoy a guest author for the Thought of the Day, Rob Stam from Holland, MI, USA.  Rob is the author of a just released new book titled Almost our Time.  Rob’s book discusses and offers advice on our “Gen X” Generation taking on America’s challenges.  Enjoy Rob’s second Thought…

Millions of dollars are spent each year with a goal of motivating people. Whether it be to motivate consumers into spending or employees into working, motivation is both a booming business and fascinating philosophy. In spite of this however, I believe many of us live in highly unmotivated societies. Motivation must foster some type of action. I would argue that in contrast to being motivated many of us are actually just very inspired. In 2008 the people of the United States were captivated by an inspiring message of change. I find this ironic as in reality change is the exact thing that so many people are trying to avoid. In America, weʼve lived in unprecedented abundance for many years and have had to do less and less to obtain it and keep it. We donʼt want to lose our prosperity and think someone should be protecting it. The reality is however, things have changed. Tech and housing bubbles have burst and we have staggering personal and national debt. On top of that, we are becoming less and less motivated to actually do something about it. We hope that someone else, be it individuals, corporations, or government will do the changing for us so we donʼt have to.

Iʼm hoping that itʼs not too late for the people of U.S. to grasp this and for the rest of the world to learn from it. In the last week Iʼve talked to two different people who both felt let down or deceived by someone who engaged them in believing there were opportunities for them and doors could be opened. Both expressed their frustration with not realizing any progress from these other individuals. Weʼve all been there, attracted by optimism.  Many of us have probably even been the one sharing the optimism. I like optimistic people and I am one, probably to a fault. However, misguided optimism is not too blame for your lack of progress. Lack of motivation is. Motivation is something only you can produce for you.

Be motivated by the noble act of doing work. Let the demand for leaders drive you to work towards a better society. Allow the responsibility of providing for your family and future generations lift you away from the distractions of our media driven world. Stop waiting for someone else to do it for you, get up, and be motivated into action.

“The older generation thought nothing of getting up at five in the morning and the younger generation doesn’t think much of it either. “  - John J. Welch

Have a great day!

Shawn

Russ M. Miller, LLIF – Chairman & CEO
Performance Institute (Human Capital Development)
Global CEO Academy (Management Training)
Sunny Hong Zhang – Managing Partner – China
Shawn M. Miller – Managing Partner – USA