Simplify Leadership With One Thought

by Andrew Downing

Being a great leader is very difficult because there are so many components to leadership. If you try to do everything perfectly, you'll come across as disingenuous. You can't be all things to everyone, but you can be one thing to someone.

Many beginning golfers hinder their swing by overthinking every component: weight distribution, hip angle, knee position, right arm motion, taking the club back, tempo, swing plane, angle of the clubhead, movement of the knees on the downswing, head position, wrist action, shoulder turn, and weight transfer at the end. Plus, you have to think about aiming correctly with your feet, shoulders, and hips before you even start the swing.

It's impossible to think about every element of the golf swing and get them all right. The process is too complicated, and the swing is too fast. Developing a superb swing requires thousands of repetitions and years of practice. You can't think your way through it. Yet, you often find new golfers on the practice range trying to get everything correct - just like when new leaders try to perfectly perform every aspect of leadership.

The key to making a good golf swing is to use one swing-thought at a time. When I play golf, my swing-thought is to focus on rotating my hips. And when I'm with a teammate, my leadership thought is to concentrate on staying present. I have difficulty making small talk. My mind wanders, and I zone out. Staying in the moment helps me focus on communicating, empathizing, and responding sincerely. My communication skills are far from perfect, but I'm focused and giving them my whole self.

If you want to be a better leader, simplify the process. Focus on one element of leadership at a time. You won't be perfect, but knowing that you are doing one thing with your whole heart is always a major improvement.