LLML NUMBER 6
Some people happen to hate mowing the lawn. I happen to love it. Could I pay someone else to do it? Yes. Could I upgrade to a rider mower to make it easier? Yes. Are there times when it makes my schedule difficult? Yes.
Nevertheless, I keep on mowing the lawn. I do this because of certain benefits that I derive from mowing the lawn. Although I could list many benefits such as the meditation time, the lawn’s appearance, and the feeling of accomplishment, one of the most important benefits is the physical fitness. I have exercised my entire life because I believe in keeping myself in the best possible physical condition. Mowing the lawn throws another kind of exercise at my body and I always feel great because of it. This leads me to LLML (Leadership Lessons from Mowing the Lawn) Number 6:
Know what creates benefits, even when it is not obvious to everyone.
You see, it would be easy for other people to identify the apparent disadvantages of mowing the lawn myself, criticize my priorities, and persuade me to stop mowing the lawn. However, I know the benefits that I derive. I’m not about to give up those benefits.
As leaders, we sometimes discover powerful benefits derived from a process, colleague, or strategy. Therefore, we do what we have to do to preserve those benefits. Our observations along with an intuitive awareness consistently confirm that truth. We understand the benefits-production model and that knowledge leads us to maintain our commitment to the model in spite of what others may say or think. LLML Number 6:
Know what creates benefits, even when it is not obvious to everyone.
