Good intentions!

When we decide to become intentional, we set out to learn new things. Often, we seek to learn new things in a particular area or discipline. For me, some could say I was accidentally in the right place to begin learning about performance measures in pharmacy. But it was when I became intentional with the measures that I really took the next step in understanding the fine details and unique strategies that needed to be put in place to address these measures. 

From there, I intentionally decided to improve my public speaking skills. Now, I am not going to buffalo you and tell you I am a great public speaker. Far from it. But the reality is that I put myself in situations to teach adults on a weekly basis and I have now given hundreds of presentations over the last decade plus.

That did not happen by accident. That happened because I was intentional. I have become intentional about a great many things over the last few years, and it has changed my life. Perhaps you can identify with this one: I found it all too easy to get completely wrapped up in my work. And I realized that I was becoming a poor husband and a worse father. I realized that I would not have good relationships with my kids by accident. So, I started being intentional with each child (I have three kids, if I haven’t shared that before). 

Every Saturday, I would take a least one kid and we would go get some groceries and grab lunch. This also had the benefit of giving my wife a little bit of margin by having one less kid to keep track of and me the benefit of focused time with one (or more) of my kids. With each one, it wasn’t so much about the grocery list, it was more about the things we could find at the store that we would try to smuggle past my wife. It was more about finding the best French fries for lunch. It was more about learning what the interests of each kid are. I cannot tell you that this has all paid off, at least not yet. But I can absolutely tell you that I like my chances as I go forward. This only happened because I was intentional.

To some reading this column, the word "intentional" will hit you like a punch in the nose. It will possess your attention and inspire your action. Intentionality does not discriminate. It is a principle that will serve all who choose to adopt it. I have yet to find anyone who has not benefited from intentionality.

For you and me, as leaders, when we adopt and embrace the principle of intentionality then link it with the principle of expansion, we have taken dramatic steps to differentiate ourselves in the marketplace. I would suggest that fewer than one in 10 have even thought of these two principles and fewer still use them. 

We have said before that everyone deserves to be led well.  For us to lead others well, we must first start with ourselves. We cannot lead any better if we are not better ourselves. 

This brings us to a decision. Are you intentional? Are you willing to become intentional?  Many years ago, my answers to both questions were “no.” If you have made it this far, I would suggest that you among the few brave enough to answer these questions “yes.” This brings us to the next question: what are you being intentional about? The beautiful thing about this question is there is no wrong answer. To some the answer might be work-related. To others, the answer might very well be home-related. While some people might separate these two, you understand how they are related. Work and home are deeply interwoven. An improvement in one will yield benefits to the other. Conversely, a struggle in one will carry over to the second as well. 

Today, I encourage you to adopt the principle of intentionality and choose an area of life to become more intentional in. It has the potential to absolutely change your life!

Next time, we will look at the third principle of leadership growth.  

Until next time

Jesse McCullough, PharmD

Connect with Jesse on LinkedIn