This morning I had another request for our services.  The person loves the work we do, feels that our company makes a real difference and that we offer unique capabilities.  Sounds wonderful doesn’t it?  Unfortunately, the request also came with an all too common commentary on the current economy. In other words, ” I love you guys but can you do it for free?” I believe the exact quote was ” in such tough economic times, I do not have a budget.” I agree that these are economic times, I do however take exception to them being called tough economic times. The economy is the economy, as cyclical now as it as always been. It is our individual and collective behaviour that creates the adjective of “tough”.  It occurs that our connection and commitment to a bad economy is the very essence of what is creating the economy that we so abhor. If each of us, in our own sphere of influence, would commit to growing the economy, to making a contribution, I can say with conviction that we could replace the adjective of tough with the more palatable adjective of robust.  If we shifted 90% of our energies to creating growth instead of cost cutting what could we collectively cause? I understand that a shift of this magnitude takes courage. I understand that a shift to the positive is not the popular path. It’s just that when I look at leadership – I believe that leaders are paid to be courageous and forge paths that while not always popular are insightful and forward thinking. Of course – this is just one girl’s opinion.

What type of Leader are you?