The POWER OF YES In 2017!

What I Was Doing:  My Story…

Over a year ago I wrote a blog post titled, The Power of Yes In Innovation. I wrote these words:

Each day I try to live the POWER OF YES–the power to give people the freedom to explore, test, and win, the power to let my children be all they want to be, the power to allow innovators the freedom to create what has never been created before, and most importantly, the power to say yes to life.

At that time, I had no idea the profound impact these words would have on me as a leader, executive, friend, husband, father, or overall person. Those words became more and more important to me every day as I walked through 2016.

I’ll share a brief story about the POWER OF YES in my own life. I had the privilege to be a part of a new organization this year as the Chief Transformation Officer. When the opportunity was presented to me, I could have said no. I knew the role would be hard and a challenge for me, but I also knew I could not run from it. So, I said YES – and in doing so, learned so much about my capabilities as a person, and as important, my capabilities as a leader!

What I Learned…

First, I learned that as a C-Suite Executive, my word and actions could empower a culture to change. I did not need to be the decision maker. I did not need to know everything. I did not have to be at every meeting. All I had to do is say the word, YES!

Yes! You Can Make That Decision!

Yes! You Can Take That Risk!

Yes! You Are Able To Do It!

Second, as a leader, I learned that I had the ability to see talents and skills within associates that they may not see or they may not have had the opportunity to share.

Eleanor Roosevelt said, “Never allow a person to tell you no who doesn’t have the power to tell you yes.”

Simple! But yet, so hard for so many leaders. As a leader, we have the power to say no – but being able to say yes opens the door for engaging collaboration, opportunities for growth and the realizing of untapped potential.

Now, saying yes has it risks – but you cannot empower your organization, your team, and your associates unless you are willing to take the first step. By doing so, you will equip your teams with their own courage to say, YES!

Lastly, I learned that saying Yes doesn’t always mean that I am right or that it is going to go the way I want it to go.  I have to provide my team members the ability to fail or take risks that I may not take myself.  This means I must empower and support my teams to make decisions that may not necessarily be the ones I would make. As I worked with my teams over the past year, I did my best to get out of the way and provide the freedom for them to be their best. By doing so, I was able to help them to be better leaders and stronger team members.

What I Will Do With It…

For 2017, I am determined to live by the POWER OF YES! How? By following these three simple steps:

Y – Yes, I can! Yes, you can! Yes, we can! Yes, Yes, Yes! In all circumstances, opportunities or challenges, I will do my best to say Yes first!

E – Equip and Empower all those around me to not only reach for their dreams but for the things they may feel are unattainable.

S – Succeed! There is a measure of success within each and every opportunity. Even if I fail, I learn and I move forward.

In 2017 I will be fulfilling a dream of my own to write a book. Be on the lookout for it! Also, I will be launching a website on the POWER OF YES!

As 2016 comes to a close and we all begin to look forward to the New Year – my challenge to you is simply this: Live by the POWER OF YES in 2017! 

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