Good morning fellow leaders and influencers. It is a lovely morning here in Vancouver, and I hope it is for you, wherever you are.

A correspondent in our Leadership Notes group raised an interesting question in response to last week’s edition where we explored self awareness using the example of a friend apparently blocked from her ‘busy’ path by someone moving at a slower pace. Our correspondent wrote, “The issue here, I guess, is the differentiation of self-importance from justifiable mission, from appropriate standards of service and responses to inadequacies….” First of all, thanks for a great question.

This is a balance game. On the one hand there is the ego with which we all live. I recall for example, a bad influenza epidemic here in this part of the world where the Health Authorities  gave priority to the elderly, infants and people with chronic diseases, in short the most vulnerable. One of these folks, a friend of mine, was at the local health clinics and two very healthy men were there, justifying their presence on the grounds that the organizations for which they worked needed their presence. I suggest one of the very first leadership lessons, and perhaps the most difficult is that, “we’ll miss you when you’re gone, but we will survive quite well without you, thanks.” On the other hand, the organizations for which we work have a mission, and as leaders we are tasked with moving people on that mission. It’s why we hold ourselves and each other accountable; it may be for example that it is really important that certain employees be at their workstation, ready to work at a particular time. If someone comes in late for the 3rd time this week, my ego may be involved, but more important is the need to ensure that the standards are being met by the particular employee. It will be important to be as self aware as possible so that I maintain my composure, and that I work towards building and enhancing the relationship I have with that employee, but it is my job to ensure the standards are being met.

How do I find this balance between ego and mission? Some years ago Don Miguel Ruiz wrote a wonderful little book called The Four Agreements. http://www.amazon.ca/The-Four-Agreements-Practical-Personal/dp/1878424319

These Four Agreements help in many ways, and especially in finding a conscious balance between ego and mission. They are;

Be Impeccable with Your Word; and you’ll find holding yourself and others accountable is easier….

Don't Take Anything Personally; and you’ll find your ego sounds off less….

Don't Make Assumptions; find out the story from the person, don’t make up your own and your ego has less of a chance to write it’s version of events…

Always Do Your Best; and then you’re able to lead by example, and gain people’s commitment far more easily…

Thanks for your comments any questions, they are always welcome. And may this week be a place of balance between ego and mission for us all.