Counsels

Today Daniel had his very important directors meeting with all the people that report to him. He also invited their spouses to attend if they could. The whole meeting was about doing things as a team. They call this "counsels" or consejos in Spanish. He explained that one counsel occurs when at least two or more are involved in doing something.  One of the biggest mistakes bosses make is to try and come off like they know everything and they do everything perfect. Just think about it – if you are an employee with a boss who proclaims to be or acts perfect then why would you ever feel like you had any chance of contributing to their success? Not feeling that your talents and abilities are needed takes the motivation right out of your job.  People want to feel needed and valued – they want to feel like their involvement will help impact the success of the organization and the best way to make them feel that is to be a leader who is open about not knowing everything and needing and wanting others to help contribute to your success in leading. That is why I think Daniel is very successful as a DTA

Some of you may feel uncomfortable taking your wall down and being open, and there is no doubt that being authentic does require a certain amount of vulnerability  – but you have to recognize that being vulnerable is a good thing.  It just takes having the courage to be open and sincere.  People appreciate and value sincerity tremendously and it is that vulnerability and authenticity that allows deep connections to be formed with others.  I realize that many people fear that others will judge them for their vulnerabilities but in my experience that is not the case – I found that the more open Daniel is with his employees the more they engaged with him and the more they support him. The more that they see him as a regular person who is dealing with the same struggles and insecurities they deal with, the more they rallied to have his back and help him succeed.

The best way to gain the confidence that it’s okay to be authentic is to actually be authentic and the more you do it, the more courageous you will feel. Each time it gets a little easier. The more you open up the more empowered you begin to feel. It’s like having permission to just be yourself and feeling at peace with that. And the best part is that the more you are authentic, the more you give others the courage to also be authentic and your circle of true friends will grow exponentially. I love the fact  that people has always comment about Daniel that they know where he stands. He also talked a lot about the training he received from the Bishopric on the law of the fast, tithing and self-reliance and keeping the Sabath day holy doing the things that bring you closer to Christ. Some of the scriptures that were discussed where: Alma 18:15; Alma 37:6-7; D & C 136: 5,9,27; Moses 7:18; 3 Nephi 24: 11,12; D & C 128:11; D & C 84: 85;