In the last few weeks, we’ve seen a lot of mental energy spent on memorable ways of quitting a job.  Steven Slater quit JetBlue with exit theatrics.  He grabbed a couple of beers and bailed out of the emergency exit.  Another woman, just known as Jenny, quit her job on a whiteboard.  Yes, it’s a cute and artistic display.  It’s even funny.  It might be therapeutic for the angry quitter.  Is that what you want to be remembered for?

What’s tougher is to create something good-memorable.  Watch this laugh out loud video by Baazarvoice.  They spoofed the already hilarious “Real Men of Genius” campaign by Bud Light.  Of course, it’s hilarious and it sticks because so many of us are guilty of using  heaps of jargon every day.

Or what about this one?  As an eLearning professional, I salivate when I see an engaging production like this RSA Animation on The Secret Powers of Time.  It’s good-memorable too.

Here’s the challenge:  What can you do to “get known” and to satisfy your creative outlet?  Maybe a spot on TMZ is good for a minute, but winning a great new client or a dreamy new job is better.

Each time the conversation goes something like this:

Gen Y Guy – I worry about where to look for a job.  I can’t go work for a big company because people of my generation don’t trust the institution.

Me - What are your career goals long term?

Gen Y Guy – I’d like to be a manager.

Me - Then, Poof.  As soon as you are a manager, you are the institution.

Gen Y Guy – Huh.  I hadn’t thought of it like that.

Companies are not humans. They are made of humans. Naming it “the institution” is another way of skirting accountability for taking personal actions to improve a situation.

So next time you hear someone talking about the institution, the man, or corporate America…help them think about the story lines they tell themselves.

The first thought that popped into my head was a quote by Lily Tomlin. She said, “Somebody should do something about that.” Then I realized I am somebody.”

It’s a perfect opportunity for these two ladies to demonstrate leadership now.  There is no Government Bureau of the Office of Leadership Certificates and Appointments.  If you wait to be appointed before leading, you will not get anointed.  Lead now.  Act before you are asked.  Anticipate.  For more on this topic, check out Speaking of Anne’s post on thoughts driving actions.

Next time you catch yourself wishing that something was different, lead the change.

In our careers, it is the critical thinkers and action-biased people who get results.  Yet, too often, hiring managers select candidates who are consistent.  We shudder at those who break the rules and bring big ideas to the table. We say they are too risky.  We tell them that they should work on being more politically savvy.  This phenomenon is even true at high levels of leadership in the organization – exactly where we should look for the opposite.

I admit, it is simpler to give someone instructions and have them follow.  The problem is, you’re only preserving mediocrity. So, easy isn’t desirable.

One of my favorite colleagues of all time is known as someone difficult to manage.  He questions status quo. He doesn’t take orders well. The leader who tries to manage him will get a defiant, disenchanted, underutilized genius. Yet, the leader who can see his brilliance and give him freedom to do his thing will see unprecedented progress.

Consider this challenge: Don’t be a sheep.  Don’t hire sheep.  Unlock the potential in your organization by finding the underutilized strengths on your existing team.

1. Do the right thing consistently, especially when you think no one is watching.
2. Lead by example, not by threats and demands.
3. Bring out the best in your team. Spend time figuring out each person’s gifts.
4. Think uniquely.  Don’t fear going against consensus – offer unpopular ideas with mutual respect and conviction.
5. To get genuine respect…earn it, don’t demand it.
6. Risk more than seems safe, and dream more than is practical.
7. Work for your team and customers, not for self interest.

What are you doing this year to be a better leader?