Over the last couple months I have had the pleasure of co- facilitating the Leading the Journey class.  Just recently we celebrated the graduation together in Stamford. (insert applause)!  This will be the second class that I have enjoyed playing a part in the learning.    Each week we engage in the same process…. Todd Lincoln sends me the Power Points and then we would have a rehearsal class.   On Wednesday the show kicks off.  Sometimes after the call Todd and I  talk and the overall mood is great.  When we have breakthroughs in learning… the mood is awesome.  There are other weeks when technical difficulties or lack of participation make the mood less than euphoric. 

That being said, there has not been one class that hasn’t given me an “aha moment.”  In one of the last modules we discussed Internal Marketing Plans.  Recruit, recognition, and retention: three things that, without focus, will certainly spell disaster for a property.  Can you imagine a property that doesn’t have the best associates working for them?  High turnover? No recognition?   I held the mirror up to myself and thought, “What if we put as much energy into recruitment, retention and recognition of our associates as we do into the recruitment, retention and recognition of our guests?  WOW!  What a difference that would create.”

Another “aha moment” was during our discussion on Action Plans.  When was the last time your thought to yourself, “Wow I’ve been wanting to do this.  I have had the same issue for the last couple months staring me in the face.  Why haven’t I attacked it?”  Well – – it probably wasn’t on the Action Plan.  I was reminded that  Action Plans bring focus!  They help us FOCUS on the few things we MUST do to create a SIGNIFICANT difference in our RESULTS.

I think the biggest moment was recent… during our Leading the Journey Graduation.  I was looking at a slide about the role of a Journey leader.

1. Determining Focus and Direction
2. Removing Obstacles
3. Developing Ownership
4. Stimulating Self Directed Action

Often I feel that I am running into the same issues every day; sort of like the movie Groundhogs Day with Bill Murray.   But it is with me in a discussion as to where the bellman cart needs to be stored or why the cigarette containers are full.    I thought to myself “Imagine if all associates worked towards one goal, owned the problems and took this action on their own.  Imagine that!”  The things we could accomplish.  So I looked at myself – – the most important Journey tool of all… THE MIRROR.  I needed to determine focus and direction, remove obstacles, empower ownership and stimulate people to take action.

In your daily life what have been your “aha moments” when it comes to your own leadership journey?