True Confession…
I was wrong.
I spent the last week in St. Pete Beach writing my new book, The Lazy Leader’s Guide to Outrageous Results.
The Lazy Leader concept had been rolling in my head for almost a year.
- It was time to come out.
- In print by January 2009.
A week ago, I planned to write a sassy, “in-your-face” book
- To take on the martyr culture.
- It’s too common.
- And killing too many chapters.
And yet, when I tried to start writing I got blocked - the voice wasn’t me.
- I needed to come from my natural voice - a loving, caring space.
- And still teach those giving 110% how to get relief
- And embrace today’s volunteers who want alternatives to 110%
I was wrong - and had to rework a year of musings.
- Spinning concepts until they felt right.
- Adding how-to’s for quick starts.
- Talking straight about the transformation from martyr to Lazy Leader.
The work was intense.
- In spite of being at a beautiful beach.
- And getting the funky fish doctor pedicure my first day thanks to writer’s block.
- (James enjoyed networking while swimming.)
The pace was grueling.
- I was up almost every day at 4:30 AM
- On computer by 5:00 AM
- Aside from meal breaks, spent the bulk of the time on the computer.
If not writing, debating.
- Both internally and with James.
- What’s the angle?
- What’s the right voice?
Whew! The Lazy Leader book is finally done.
- I’m very proud of my work.
- It’s got potential to help a lot of leaders.
- And help get lots of members more involved.
Next step: editing and reviews - as soon as I recharge my battery!
(Can’t wait for the debut in January!)
Makes me think of chapter leaders…when you know something isn’t going right, are you willing to explore alternatives - or do you stick with the plan which sounded brilliant before you started or perhaps was the way you’ve always done it?
Filed under: Board challenges, Savvy Leadership
A few scattered thoughts:
There are so many times in the association world that people see things going wrong, but aren’t willing to change or re-evaluate the situation purely because this is how it was done before. Me being an evangelist for change (even sometimes to my detriment) I constantly try to look and evaluate what I do. I come up with an idea, make sure I (and others) think it will work, throw it out there if I think it will and if it fails, reel it back to try again.
I’ve even been asked to membership campaigns that haven’t worked in the past and was told that they weren’t going to work, but also told that I should still do them. What a waste!
Benjamin Franklin said it best: “If you’re finished changing, then you’re finished” (That might be slightly paraphrased, but you get the drift)
As always, thanks for the excellent post Cynthia. I can’t wait for your book to come out!
Thanks Lynn! I always love hearing your perspective. Us change agents need to hang together, eh?
Cyn