Benjamin T Winn’s Post

Stay Focused Stewarding Leader: Life Is Confusing Navigating life can be challenging, especially when balancing leadership roles both at work and at home. Whether single, married, employed, or facing unemployment, the hurdles never cease. Self-doubt and second-guessing decisions can easily take a toll, leaving you questioning how you arrived at your current situation. Often, you may feel isolated, as if the burden of figuring everything out falls solely on your shoulders. This journey can be exhausting, tempting you to give up on your endeavors. It's remarkable how lonely one can feel, even in long-term relationships, or how content one can be when truly alone. There is no definitive answer to complete satisfaction, as life is perpetually evolving. Therefore, it is crucial to find inner peace to better handle life's challenges. Sometimes, seeking assistance to find this peace is necessary, but it is undoubtedly within reach. You might need to alter your environment, adjust your habits, or even change the people you surround yourself with. However, it is vital never to give up. Continuously invest in yourself and take proactive steps to move forward. Yes, life can be confusing, but by taking the time to plan, prioritize, and eliminate barriers to growth, you can bring clarity to your journey. Improving your circumstances may take time, but it is far better than wasting time in confusion. Embrace the process of growth and change, and you will find that leading both at work and at home becomes more manageable and fulfilling Keep Living!

Scenario: Clarifying Responsibilities Stewarding Leader When others lie or present incomplete or incorrect information, the best course of action is to stick to the facts of the situation and circumstances without getting entangled in defending falsehoods. However, it's crucial to be cautious about how you respond to questions. Example Scenario Conversation: Person A: "Hey John, who cleans this area?" John: "Mary, we do when it really gets bad." Person A: "Oh, so your team takes care of it?" John: "Yes." Email Communication: An email is sent stating, "John has agreed that he and his team are responsible for taking care of the area we discussed." Although no formal agreement was made, John's statement has led to a misunderstanding, putting him in a compromising position. John was attempting to convey that if he notices the area is neglected, he will proactively address it. However, this was not clarified, leading to the assumption that it is his team's responsibility. How to Address the Situation Meet with All Involved Parties: Convene a meeting with everyone involved to discuss the issue openly. Benchmark with Other Properties: Look into how similar responsibilities are managed in other properties to provide context. Formulate a Clear Decision: Work together to reach a decision that is mutually acceptable and clearly defines responsibilities. What to Avoid Do Not Go Into Defense Mode: Reacting defensively can escalate the situation unnecessarily. Voice Concerns: If you know that the task is not your direct responsibility, express your concerns clearly. Involve Leadership if Necessary: If the issue cannot be resolved among the directly involved parties, seek guidance from leadership. Key Takeaways Think before you speak and carefully answer questions. This helps avoid unintentionally accepting additional responsibilities for which you may later be held accountable. Clear communication and a factual approach are essential in maintaining professional integrity and avoiding misunderstandings. Keep Living!

Staying True To Leadersip I often write and share my thoughts with stewarding leaders. Today, I am speaking to everyone. As leaders, we must set the example, fostering camaraderie and relationships that help others transcend and develop into excellence, positioning them to succeed and exceed everyday expectations. Unfortunately, many focus so much on what people need to improve that they destroy the bridges to teamwork and an environment conducive to success. Using email to hold people accountable is a cowardly and weak way of addressing issues and opportunities. What happened to face-to-face conversations and handshakes as agreements to help one another improve and create positive change? Nowadays, it's more about self-interest and covering one's own back. Many use technology as a means to highlight others' flaws, turning it into a tool for self-promotion. It's also disturbing to see people going behind each other’s backs to gain an edge over individuals or other departments, mainly to deflect from their own challenges. Yes, I am talking about leaders. I understand the necessity of accountability for growth, but not to the extent that we overlook integrity for personal gain, using others' mistakes and flaws as a pedestal. A true leader helps others improve, working to build a cohesive team across different people and departments. They address challenges openly without resorting to underhanded tactics. They are honest and take responsibility for their mistakes, just as they celebrate their victories. They understand that no one is perfect and that everyone has challenges to overcome. What I am trying to say is that one should not attack others or make them look bad to be seen as an effective leader. A good leader’s actions speak for themselves, demonstrating the ability to bring teams together without strife, anxiety, or insecure tactics. Yes, competition and constructive criticism are valuable in certain circumstances, but it should never involve putting someone else down to elevate oneself. A true leader does everything possible for everyone to succeed. A cowardly leader will always point out others’ faults to appear successful. No matter the industry or position, it is crucial to work with others professionally and respectfully. Integrity and honor are essential. We must teach, coach, support, encourage, serve, and train, even if we don't receive recognition for it. Making people feel inadequate is cowardly and easy; helping them become exceptional is true leadership. Keep Living

Joseph and Jacob: Another Scenario Stewarding Leader Person One: "You and your team seem to lack a sense of urgency. Responding takes forever, and no one is answering the mod. I also sent an email, and no one replied." Person Two: "Given the situation, is there anything my team or I can do to assist you at this time?" Person One: "Nothing for now. I just wanted to let you know what was going on." Person Two: "Thank you for bringing this to my attention. Your feedback is valuable, and I encourage you to continue reaching out whenever you have concerns. Open communication is key to our success." Stewarding Leader: In this moment, you don't need to feel defensive, as you may not have the complete picture. Often in Stewarding, you're tasked with various responsibilities that must be prioritized. Determine what happened in this specific instance, address it, and move forward. Inform the concerned party that the issue has been discussed, and reassure them that they can comfortably reach out in the future. It's important to communicate when you cannot respond promptly. Let the person know it might take some time or if you lack the necessary resources. Understand that while it might not be urgent for the stewarding operation, it could be critical for those making the request. Remember, you are at work because you and your team are essential. A better mindset leads to better outcomes. Keep Living!

Jessie and John: A Quick Scenario Steward Leader Person 1: They didn't even clean the oven last night. I can't tell what they did. All your people do is stand around and talk. Person 2: I understand. I will make sure they clean it tonight. Person 1: Whatever. I'll believe it when I see it. When you have conversations like this, it’s important not to focus on the sarcasm or the condescending tone. Instead, focus on the mission, the opportunity, and the expectation. Have peace in knowing there's no person or department that is perfect. There will always be challenges and obstacles that prevent consistency. As a stewarding leader, you don’t have to fight battles or attitudes. Take action, fix the challenge, and continue to move forward. Be excellent! Keep living.

A Better Mindset Stewarding Leader As a Stewarding Leader, you must recognize that it is not always about you. With all the calls, requests, and complaints you receive, it's easy to feel targeted or unappreciated. However, realizing that you are being called because of a need is essential. Work will present challenges daily, some of which are leftover from the day before. However, your mindset about the moment makes all the difference. Don't take everything personally; get off your high horse because it is not always about you.  Take care of the business, stay focused, and continue to celebrate the wins. When your name is called or mentioned in a conversation, it does not mean it's for a negative reason. It means you have value and something more to offer; it's another opportunity for you to shine. Remember, a better mindset creates better circumstances. Keep Living

Leading with Purpose: Stewarding Leader Embrace your role with unwavering passion and a profound sense of purpose, and you'll achieve true accomplishment and embark on a journey of personal growth. Merely showing up daily is commendable, yet the dedication to surpass the expected distinguishes you. This isn't just a job—it's a transformative journey of personal growth and significant influence, a journey that will shape you into a better version of yourself.As you navigate the different areas of your responsibility, seize this chance to make a transformative impact. Stewarding is a more complex maintenance role. It is about reshaping your environment and making a difference in your company's operations. While some may undervalue the stewarding role compared to other departments, this is a grave misconception. Your role is crucial, and your contributions are invaluable.I want to challenge you: What actions are you taking to command respect? Merely going through the motions or doing the bare minimum will not lead to the recognition you seek. True respect emerges when your name is mentioned. It brings a sigh of relief, a signal that you are the right person in the right place. Reject complacency and strive to be extraordinary. There is always room for improvement, and every moment presents an opportunity to showcase your values, skills, and abilities. Take the initiative to propose ideas, attend meetings, and be proactive- this is how you can make a difference and earn respect. Forge alliances, engage in conversations, grasp different perspectives, and stand as a leader ready to bridge uncertainties and pave the way for growth and stability. To achieve the greatness you seek, you must become a trailblazer, a pathfinder, a voice of honesty, and a reliable team player. While others may find themselves naturally in the spotlight, as a stewarding leader, you must amplify your light to be seen. Remember, the more you invest in your role, the greater the rewards will be. Rather than focusing solely on being noticed, devote yourself to adding value and making a difference. Your actions, contributions, integrity, respect, and recognition will naturally become part of the foundation of your legacy. Believe in working purposefully and being more than an average stewarding leader. Keep Living 

The Power of Unceasing Learning: Stewarding Leaders In the realm of leadership, one truth reigns supreme: the more you know, the more you can teach. When you empower your team with the knowledge to perform independently, you create a resilient foundation capable of withstanding any challenge.  This is not to diminish the value of oversight, but rather to highlight an objective worth striving for—where the last person on the team is as informed as the first. Even if perfection is elusive, the act of sharing and acknowledging information elevates the entire team. Stewarding leader, seek out those who can amplify your value and expand your horizons, and in turn, do the same for those you lead. Steer clear of negative influences that yield no resolutions—they are a waste of time for you, your team, and the organization. Immerse yourself in continuous learning. Read voraciously, study diligently, explore new technologies, and observe the successes of others. Spread this wealth of knowledge generously, celebrate victories, and learn from challenges. There is no failure in learning from experience. Remember, the environment or uncooperative individuals should not dictate your performance or development. While professional collaboration is essential, it doesn't necessitate personal camaraderie. Focus on being the best business partner, regardless of others' attitudes or efforts. A true winner remains fixated on what needs to be done, using gaps created by others' mediocrity as opportunities to excel. In today's world, achieving greatness is more accessible because many settle for mediocrity. By expanding on the great things you do, your achievements will rise above the norm. Stewarding leader, open doors for advancement and growth. The only way to transcend your current circumstances is to remove self-imposed limitations. This will profoundly impact your team's ability to achieve greater things. Keep learning, for the more you possess within, the more you can share with the world. Stay extraordinary. Keep Living!

Igniting the Spirit of Leadership: Motivation Time Stewarding Leader I am somebody. I will make a difference. I will grow in my role. My name, deeds, and contributions carry weight, and nothing can impede my progress." As a Stewarding Leader, when you wake each morning and prepare to enter your workplace, ask yourself: How will I make today superior to yesterday? Will you offer more smiles, spend additional time perfecting a task, or ensure you connect personally with everyone you support? Will you use every moment to demonstrate your dedication to collective success? Embrace each day as a chance to introduce something new, to be the catalyst for change rather than an energy consumer. Infuse your actions and words with meaning, opening pathways for others to achieve and feel fulfilled. Indeed, all these capabilities reside within you, but they require active engagement. Challenge your abilities and talents. Elevate expectations and inspire those you lead by affirming their potential to transform their surroundings and the broader future. If you believe that adopting this mindset is too challenging or unattainable, recognize that such thoughts confine your aspirations and growth to the boundaries of your current mindset. Heed this call, Stewarding Leader: transcend the mere roles of attire and title. Become a beacon of light, a source of hope, a pillar of resilience, and a conduit for ongoing progress. More than mere words, this career is your choice—reflect on your impact, the lives you've touched, and the efforts you've invested to make a difference. Now, embrace this reality, seize this moment, and advance with the gifts you've been given. You are the key to your own doors of opportunity. Step forward and continue to shape the landscape. Rise, Stewarding Leader. Lead with passion and purpose. Keep Living!

Triumph After Failure Stewarding Leader Stay Encouraged Courage isn't just about facing the unknown; it's about summoning the strength to stand up after every fall and try one more time. It's the fire in your belly that refuses to be extinguished, the relentless drive that keeps you hustling when the world says quit. In the daily grind, where dreams are forged in the heat of ambition and tempered by the chill of setbacks, courage is your greatest weapon. Imagine this: the city lights reflecting your resilience, the rhythm of your heart echoing the beat of determination. Every setback is just another step in the dance, every failure a lesson written in the graffiti of your journey. You are a warrior , your spirit unbreakable, your will unyielding. So, when the world feels like it's closing in, when doubt whispers in your ear, remember the power of trying one more time. It's that extra push, that last-ditch effort, that final burst of energy that can transform defeat into triumph. Embrace the intensity, channel the passion, and let your courage roar louder than the city around you. This is your story, your fight, your victory. Keep pushing, keep striving, and never, ever back down. Keep Living!