The Uniform of Leadership is Thick Skin

After talking about this topic at a Men's Leadership meeting last evening in Flint, Michigan, several men asked if I could post these points.  Here they are!

Inspired by the statement, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going!"

Principles of Leadership Toughness

1. It's not going to be fair (leaders often carry an unfair load)

2. Leadership is an inside job (nobody is responsible for motivating you, but yourself)

3. Expect Obstacles (cute little fella) and problems (remain calm, remember it's not what happens but how you respond, remember the axiom "This too shall pass," and stay committed to the purpose)

4. Success is never easy

5. "It's a long climb from the bottom and a short drop from the top" (don't get cocky, and don't stop doing what you did to get success in the first place)

6. Winners play hurt (remember the phrase "Doesn't matter, doesn't matter, doesn't matter . . . . )

7. It's always worth it to be a hero (you'll never regret the times you gave of yourself to others)

8. To be tough, you must find the source of your courage

9. Being tough does not mean being mean, cold-hearted, bossy, or abusive. 

10. The role of leadership requires the uniform of thick skin

11. Purpose is the key (you must be tough in the name of something.  Find you purpose and live your life serving it)

Other points:

To make a difference, you've got to be different.

To make a stand, you've got to stand out.

You will be remembered for something, what will it be?

Comments

[Jim Kloosterman]

Great talk last night Admiral Perry, oops I mean Chris.

[coach]

Chris- Our Creator did not put us here on earth for comfort,but for excellence-- Tough times don't last but Tough people do-thanks for your staying Tough example--be free coach

[Capt. Jon]

Thanks Chris,

I was forced to miss Men's Leadership last night due to issues at work. My spirits were down, until I read this. The good news is I can make it tonight.

Jon -

[Mike Hilmes(Team Maximus)]

Chris,

Everyone on Team Maximus had the privilage to hear a similar talk when you came to St. Louis in January for our men's leadership. I got some really good nuggets that night. Call me a "Mel"(or a "C") but I'm actually going back through my notes right now because I missed a couple of your main points from that talk.

I know everyone on Team Maximus appreciates Orrin and you carring the unfair load for us. We are all blessed to have such tough, thick skinned leaders in this great organization.

P.S. I printed out the picture of you with the Maximus crew snowmobiling and I use it as a book mark. It motivates me everytime I open a book and see that picture. You can count me to be in the next one!!!

[Diana McAdams]

Chris,
Wish we still lived in Michigan every month about this time...just so we could make the men's (and quarterly ladie's) leadership nights. You(and others in the front of the fight) are amazing and we so very much appreciate your wisdom and vision.
Arkansas Rampage Renegades for TEAM !

[Ian from Texas]

Chris, (and the other 5 bloggers) :)

I am finally off nite shift and have just returned from the Houston Seminar. The speakers were Tom and Ramey Hutson. Great speakers!!
I could tell by the things they said, just how much belief they have in the leaders of the Team. They know how unfair the load you guys are carrying is.
It reminded me of Terri speaking in St. Louis when, through her tears, she said, "Just give me a cannon!!" or something like that. (It was hard for me to tell, I was too busy crying like a baby.)

The point is...if I may be so bold as to speak for others on the team.....
we all wish there was something more we could DO.
Give us a CANNON, a spear, a can opener, just let us help. I hope you and Orrin truly understand how much we love and appreciate you guys. The stand that has been taken. The risk and the pain for you guys is huge. Even thought I can't understand the magnitude of everything, I try not to take it for granted.
I appreciate my leaders.
Thank you Chris and Orrin.

Ian from Texas
reporting for duty

[Phyllis Hoff]

Chris:

This post sounds exactly like many things you have taught us on several CD's regarding leadership. It is great to have it all consolidated in this post.

As always, thank you for your wisdom, inspiration, and for all you do.

With leaders such as you and Terri, and Orrin and Lauri, all of us will stand with you.

Phyllis

[Chris (from Flint, spelled the right way)]

Awesome job, Chris! I was at the Flint Men's Leadership when you gave this talk, and it was the highlight of the night (which is saying alot!) I'll definitely be framing those notes.