The Leadership Blog by Ann Vanino

No secret here, you manage what you measure. This is often said, but not always followed. When measures are created, they must align with the direction and goals of your work. Sometimes measures are created quickly just because they have to be done. Development of measures should be given time and attention. Measures are your way of communicating what you want to get done, either by yourself or others. If you communicate carefully, everyone will be on the same page, you will set focus and direction and when performance reviews come, all will have clarity regarding what the expectations are. Create measures that are comprehensive and address all that you want to achieve. They will streamline the way to your desired accomplishments.

What are the aspirations of youth you know or work with? Often people ask youth what they want to be when they grow up. How often are they asked what their dreams are and what they are passionate about? If you give youth a space to discover and identify their aspirations, they have a better chance at a fulfilling life. Once you ask them, listen. Don’t be quick to tell them the realities of life or why something won’t work. Be careful of dashing their hopes with cynicism or skepticism. Reality has a place, but first youth need to catch fire, become engaged. Once they are motivated, they can walk a path to a life and work they love.

What can you do when events, agendas, strategies at work are kept hidden from you? Not much. You don’t know they are there. Generally, you can stay alert in your work place with your eyes open. That’s your best approach. If someone wants to keep something from you, there is not much you can do about it. But, stay alert and observe your work place. Sometimes, people are not as good at hiding as they think they are. You must be aware that there are few work places where there are no hidden agendas. Observe events and people’s behavior. Listen to your intuition if something doesn’t seem right. Look at whether the quality of your work is recognized appropriately. Who is getting ahead? What has happened recently that could change the playing field? Once something that has been hidden begins to be revealed, be attentive and figure out what is going on. Assume there will always be things in hiding. Be ready.

Sometimes, things go along for awhile and you think you understand them. Then, one day, a dark wind begins to blow. You feel this wind and wonder what is going on. Things do not add up. You sense something is going on that could be harming you. This dark wind is a warning. I recently encountered a dark wind. It is possible, but not proven, that someone I work with had undermined me. I was disturbed. I went over it in my mind, but knew not to jump to a conclusion. I could not accuse without facts and I was not sure the person would be frank with me if I discussed it directly. I am aware of the dark wind now and I am watching. I have retreated and will wait for the facts to reveal themselves. If I have an opportunity to bring this out in the open, I will. If I do so, I will do it strategically and confidently. I will be in my truth and therefore strong.

In the final episode of this season’s The Apprentice reality TV show, Stefani won. In the Boardroom that led up to her win, Donald Trump critiqued four finalists. When he addressed Stefani he said he was concerned that she often was under the radar. She was brilliant and worked well, but still went under the radar. Trump does not often operate under the radar. But, in the end he chose Stefani.

Is operating under the radar a liability? How much does a high profile matter? It depends on your point of view. A high profile has many benefits — you get noticed, you attract attention, you develop influence. Under the radar you get things done, avoid distraction and maintain focus on the task. Is it about balance between the two? Is it about different styles? It’s worth thinking about.