Ladders against the wrong wall
Excerpt from First Things First
by Stephen R. Covey
While failing to achieve our goals creates painful problems, accomplishing them can as well. Sometimes the goals we achieve are at the expense of other more important things in our lives.
It’s the “ladder against the wrong wall” syndrome, meaning we climb the proverbial ladder of success only to find that it’s leaning against the wrong wall for us.
Several years ago, a man announced to his friends and neighbors that his goal for the year was to earn a million dollars. He was an entrepreneur who believed, “Give me a good idea and I can sell a million.” He developed and patented a state-of -the-art recreational product, and then drove around the country selling it.
Occasionally he would take one of his kids with him on the road for a week or so. His wife complained to him about taking the kids, saying, “When they come back, they stop saying their prayers and doing their homework. They just party the whole week. Don’t take the kids if you aren’t going to help them do the things they ought to be doing.”
Well, at the end of the year, the man announced that he had met his “goal” he made a million dollars. Shortly after, however, he and his wife divorced. A couple of his kids wound up on drugs. Another went off the deep end. Basically the whole family disintegrated.
This man was focused on a single goal and measured everything against it. But he failed to count the total cost. That million dollars cost him a lot more than it was worth.
……..end of excerpt
Sharon’s thoughts on the “Ladder Against the Wrong Wall” syndrome
The "Ladder Against the Wrong Wall" syndrome is a common pitfall, especially for new managers who are navigating their roles and finding out that it may not be what they thought it was. Here are some of my thoughts to help you avoid this syndrome and find fulfillment in your leadership journey…..
1. Define Success on Your Own Terms
Understand what success means to you personally and professionally. Don't solely rely on external markers of success; instead, identify goals and outcomes that align with your values and aspirations.
2. Regularly Reassess Your Goals
Periodically review your goals and objectives. As you gain experience, your priorities and ambitions will evolve and change. Be willing to adjust your path and realign your goals to ensure they remain meaningful and fulfilling.
3. Cultivate Self-Awareness
Develop a deep understanding of your strengths, weaknesses, and leadership style. Self-awareness is key to making decisions that resonate with your authentic self and contribute to long-term satisfaction in your role.
4. Seek Mentorship
Connect with mentors or experienced colleagues who can provide guidance. Learning from others' experiences can help you navigate challenges, avoid common pitfalls, and gain valuable insights into effective leadership.
5. Prioritize Learning and Development
Embrace a growth mindset and invest in continuous learning. Attend workshops, read leadership books, and stay informed about industry trends. The more you learn, the better equipped you'll be to make informed decisions aligned with your aspirations.
6. Focus on Impact, Not Just Activity
It's easy to get caught up in the busyness of managerial tasks. Instead, focus on the impact of your efforts. Regularly assess whether your actions are contributing to meaningful outcomes and aligning with your overall objectives.
7. Build a Supportive Team Culture
Foster a positive and supportive team culture. When your team feels engaged and motivated, it not only enhances the work environment but also contributes to your sense of accomplishment and purpose as a manager.
8. Embrace Flexibility and Adaptability
Flexibility allows you to respond effectively to challenges and seize new opportunities. Be open to change and be willing to adapt your strategies. The business landscape evolves, and so should your approach.
9. Delegate Wisely
Recognize that you can't do everything yourself. Delegate tasks to your team, empowering them and freeing up your time to focus on high-impact activities that align with your long-term goals.
10. Celebrate Milestones and Progress
Take the time to acknowledge and celebrate achievements, both big and small. Recognizing progress not only boosts morale within your team but also reinforces your own sense of accomplishment and direction.
11. Regularly Reflect on Purpose
Reflect on your purpose as a leader. Why did you take on this role? What impact do you want to have? Regular reflection on your purpose can guide your decisions and keep you on a path that aligns with your values and aspirations.
“Leadership is a choice, not a position.”
