"My boss says my Division's only as good as our last quarter's results," said VP Joanne. "It's a grind. The last week of every quarter we scramble to get over the goal line. Then we feel good, recover for a few weeks, and go at it all over again."

"Are you losing good people?" I asked.

"Yes. After two or three of these quarterly cycles people get tired of the pressure. Can we reverse the trend?"

"You're so focused on what you deliver that you forget that people need spiritual nourishment at their inner core. That's where their hope lies. There's a balance of focus in every relationship between 1) What someone did, 2) What he or she is doing, and 3) Who he or she can become. Try turning the burners up on the last two in your conversations. Your boss has them turned down on you, and, through you, to your team. Explore future pathways more. It's very motivating."

"Okay, it makes sense, but my boss has to turn her burners up first, surely."

"Don't wait, start with yourself, Joanne. Make the choice to start talking with people you trust about your future. As you get your balance right, your increased confidence will show in conversations with everyone else, especially your boss. Many things will start changing for the better."

Being one-dimensional never satisfies. Take time this week in your conversations to discuss who you, and others, can become.

Stephen
ANE = Calm, Confident, Connected Leadership