One of the area's of my business and my life I am examining is the tone. It's been a great process to go through and very revealing. I think those that produce great results intentionally set the tone. Great leaders set the tone. And then great leaders examine the tone to make sure it is consistent with the purpose.
As I young man, I had the absolute privilege of working for a NFL team, the Miami Dolphins and working for the All-Time leader in wins for a coach in Hall of Fame Coach Don Shula. I learned so much from him and regard him as one of the best leaders I have ever known. One of the biggest lessons I learned from Coach Shula was on tone. Coach Shula set the tone...and it was crystal clear to not only players and other coaches, but to the entire organization! So clear in fact, that the fourteen year old ball boy got it! Tone is critical for success.
When I went through this, I found some area's where I was entirely too relaxed and others where I was entirely too rushed. All of this has allowed me to set a new more effective tone. Here are some of my notes:
- Crisp is the goal
- John Wooden and one of my favorite quotes on tone: "Quick but don't rush."
- Smooth
- Clean
- Relational
- Purposeful and Intentional
- Sharp
- Clear
Look at your tone. Examine. Be intentional.
