Effective Leaders Ignore the Trivial

In this month's edition of my monthly column on leadership, (sign up for it by clicking: http://www.on2url.com/app/adtrack.asp?MerchantID=55031&AdID=102734) I talk about "blind spots," things we don't see in ourselves, even though they're obvious to everyone else.

Now I'd like to talk about something that's the opposite of a blind spot. This is something that exists mostly in our heads, but its counterpart in reality isn't nearly the same. It gets stuck in our heads, and we're convinced everyone else sees it, and is thinking about it.

The reality, though, is that it's not a big deal to other people.

For example, I coached a manager several years ago who was convinced that his direct reports were focused on the manager being younger than the people he was managing. I knew this wasn't the case.

He kept saying, "It's because I'm younger than they are." Or, "They don't like working for a younger manager." I finally said, "Frank, the only one who's focused on your age is YOU. Get it out of your head. They're not thinking about it, so neither should you."

It can be anything. Your gender, lack of an advanced degree, or even a project you screwed up years ago.

Don't let it hold you back. Don't let it be an excuse. Don't let it prevent you from focusing on the leadership skills you need to improve.

Effective leaders ignore the trivial, and focus on what they can control:  Skills and behaviors that communicate accountability, consistency, and respect for others.