E-couragement: Dance
“And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance. I hope you dance…I hope you dance.” Lee Ann Womack, I Hope You Dance
At 10:15 P.M. the 2010 Father/Daughter Sweetheart dance was technically over. The DJ, oblivious to his diminishing audience, continued to play on. This was the fifth annual Valentine’s dance I’d attended with my youngest daughter, Carley. For the past thirteen minutes I had been stuck in an endless, creeping, serpentine line of dads hoping to eventually reach their desired destination of the coat check booth. It was then that I heard a loud and familiar voice, “Dad, let’s dance!”
Within a split second uninvited thoughts began zipping through my mind, “Dance? I’m on a mission. I have a goal to achieve. I can’t be swayed from my coat collecting objective.” Those thoughts were quickly replaced by a new voice, “Twenty-years from now, is that what you’ll remember, ‘I retrieved our coats?’ Don’t be stupid… the coats can wait. Choose your daughter and create some memories.” I glanced around hoping to receive coaching from surrounding dads. As my eyes aligned with the man behind me it was as if I could hear his private thoughts, “Sure go ahead and dance, I’m glad to move into your vacated spot.” It was then that I made my decision to leave the line, grab my daughter’s hand, and head to the dance floor.
We stepped onto the floor that had earlier been overflowing with hundreds of dads and daughters. Now with less than twenty dancers we had ample room to move, twirl, laugh, and choreograph some rather impressive hip moves. Upon calling it a night, the coat check line had dissipated and we were promptly greeted by the friendly attendant. We grabbed our garments and smiled as we headed into the evening snowfall.
Engaging leaders encounter a multitude of similar decisions each day. It’s the battle between process and people. My coat gathering initiative was “process” focused while my daughter’s dance invitation was “people” focused. Here’s the good news, you’re smart and you have what it takes. With awareness, determination, and forethought you’ll strike the appropriate balance between process and people. Ultimately, both are vital for successful leaders. In the instances when you feel caught in the middle---like my moment at the Father/Daughter dance---pause and think deeply, “what will have the greatest long-term impact for my team or business?” Then make the best decision you can. Ultimately, I hope you dance. You won’t regret it.
Leave your comments: How have you been able to effectively strike a balance between process and people? What results did you experience?