dougdickerson – Page 16 – Doug Dickerson on Leadership

Leadership Lessons from Sheriff Andy Taylor

Posted July 7, 2012
by dougdickerson

Barney! You beat everythin’… you know that? – Sheriff Andy Taylor

Last week we lost a beloved television icon – Andy Griffith passed at the age of 86. Griffith starred in numerous television shows over the years but is best remembered for his role as the folksy Sheriff Andy Taylor of Mayberry on The Andy Griffith Show.

Recognized by TV Guide as the 9^th best show in television history, its timeless appeal and life lessons have entertained generations of loyal viewers. Surrounded by a cast of characters such as Deputy Barney Fife (Don Knotts), Opie (Ron Howard) Aunt Bee (Frances Bavier) and Gomer (Jim Nabors), the show remains a fan favorite today.

The passing of Andy Griffith leaves a void in an otherwise challenging era of television where we could perhaps use a little more Mayberry and a little less Jersey Shore. But that aside, the lasting values that The Andy Griffith Show espoused over the span of an eight-season run remain with us. Sheriff Andy Taylor taught us valuable leadership lessons. Here are a few worth remembering.

Lead from the heart not by the book. While sworn to uphold the law, Andy taught us that sometimes it’s best to lead more by the heart than by the book. Andy’s deputy, Barney Fife, was a straight-arrow, letter-of-the-law enforcer. And while Andy appreciated the zeal displayed by his eager deputy, he taught us that in life sometimes its grace extended that means more in the long run than adherence to strict codes. Andy taught us the value of leadership from the heart.

Loyalty is never out of style. Andy taught us the value of friendship. Regardless of how bad Barney, Otis, or Gomer may have messed things up or demonstrated their ineptness; Andy seldom allowed their actions to cast them in a bad light. Andy had a way of finding the silver lining and their mistakes less than what they seemed. Andy modeled a leadership style that always cast others in a good light, even at his own expense. In business, loyalty is a two-way street; Andy shows us that it’s still in vogue.

Slow down and enjoy the journey. Regardless of the duties of his office, Andy always found time to take Opie fishing, Helen Crump on a picnic, to stop by the fillin’ station for a bottle of pop, or strum the guitar on the back porch at night. The demands on leaders are a constant and the “tyranny of the urgent” always remains with us. Andy taught us that the demands of the office will always be with us, but there are no do-overs on spending time with those we love and taking time to slow down and appreciate the journey.

Old-fashioned values still matter. Andy taught us of the value of friendship and that old-fashioned values like honesty and serving others mean just as much today in New York, Washington D.C., and Los Angeles as they did in Mayberry. We are all too familiar with the excesses and abuses of power and greed, but Andy reminds us that the guiding principles of hard work, friendship and loyalty are just as relevant as ever. Call me a dreamer, call me naive, but the leadership secrets of Sheriff Andy Taylor are time-tested and worth a second look. The 249 episodes of The Andy Griffith Show and its enduring popularity are leadership lessons that will remind you to slow down, care more, enjoy life, and lead from the heart.

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4 Leadership Lessons from the Founding Fathers

Posted June 30, 2012
by dougdickerson

The happy Union of these States is a wonder; their Constitution a miracle; their example the hope of Liberty throughout the world – James Madison

In the book, Resources, by Kenneth L Dodge, he writes of the experiences of the Founding Fathers after the Declaration of Independence was signed. As we know, 56 men signed the Declaration of Independence. Their conviction resulted in untold sufferings for themselves and their families.

Of the 56 men, five were captured by the British and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons in the Revolutionary Army. Another two had sons captured. Nine of the fifty-six fought and died from wounds or hardships of the war. Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships sunk by the British navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts and died in poverty.

At the battle of Yorktown, the British General Cornwallis had taken over Thomas Nelson’s home for his headquarters. Nelson quietly ordered General George Washington to open fire on the Nelson home. The home was destroyed and Nelson died bankrupt. John Hart was driven from his wife’s bedside as she lay dying. Their thirteen children fled for their lives. His fields and mill were destroyed. For over a year, he lived in forest and caves, returning home only to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later, he died from exhaustion.

In celebration of our independence it is worth noting some leadership lessons from our Founding Fathers that we can benefit from today. Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world, indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” She’s right. Here are four leadership principles our Founders taught us.

The courage of convictions. Our founders clung to and fought for the cause of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Through years of hindsight and the benefit of our modern comforts, it is hard to comprehend their sacrifices.

Leadership today requires a steady conviction in the face of incredible challenges. What will be the hallmark of your leadership? To say that our Founding Fathers were men of conviction would be an understatement, but all great leaders are.

The sanctity of sacrifice. In the formation of our republic and in signing the Declaration of Independence, the Founders pledged to one another, “our lives, our fortunes, our sacred honor,” The leadership principle of sacrifice is not new. Our Founders understood it well. And to that end we understand that sacrificial leadership is selfless, not self-serving.

The commitment made 236 years ago reminds us that no great thing worth achieving comes without sacrifice and that causes greater than self are generally the lasting ones. Great leaders understand the power of sacrifice. What causes are you serving?

The fulfillment of faith. To their credit, the Founders understood and valued the practice of faith. In their wisdom the founders recognized the truth that we are all “created equal and endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights” by which we live our lives and practice our faith. It is not a prerequisite of leadership to be a person of faith, but it certainly is an asset.

It is through the practice of our faith that we see the world around us and the people entrusted to our leadership in a more meaningful way. A thoughtful leader seeks to be a blessing and to serve causes greater than self; a wise one remembers the source.

The power of purpose. It was through persecution, hardships, and struggles whereby the Founders rallied and mutually pledged their “reliance on the protection of Divine Providence” in declaring our independence.

The innumerable lessons our Founders taught us transcend political ideology and religious creed. The rally today is for leaders with purpose, backed by the power of their convictions, faith and sacrifice, to make a difference in the world. Thomas Paine said, “Those who expect to reap the blessing of freedom must undertake to support it.” Our Founders were leadership pioneers; let us honor their memory as we celebrate.

Happy 4^th!

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Four Ways to Kill Motivation on the Job

Posted June 29, 2012
by dougdickerson

Excellent insights!

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Are You Playing To Your Strengths?

Posted June 29, 2012
by dougdickerson

A key characteristic of leadership is playing to your strengths. What are you good at? Are you playing to your strengths? A leader’s frustration exists when you are playing the roles others have designed or placed upon you rather than fulfilling the role for which you were designed to live.

As a leader, when you understand and embrace your strengths you will be in a better position to live out your destiny and add value to others. There are many benefits to playing to your strengths and this is the purpose of the lesson today.

In today’s leadership lesson on the Management Moment Radio Show, I will share four key principles to help you understand how playing to your strengths will benefit you as a leader and ultimately add value to those around you.

Tune in today at 2 p.m. ET to the show. Simply click on this link and tune in: www.blogtalkradio.com/managementmoment/2012/06/29/are-you-playing-to-your-strengths-with-doug-dickerson

If you are unable to tune in live, simply click on the same link at time to listen to the show on demand! Thank you for tuning in and sharing the Management Moment Radio Show with a friend.

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Momentum by Mistakes

Posted June 28, 2012
by dougdickerson

Even a mistake may turn out to be the one thing necessary to a worthwhile achievement. – Henry Ford

I came across some interesting statistics recently that underscored what could happen if 99% were good enough:

12 newborns will be given the wrong parents daily
2.5 million books will be shipped with wrong covers
315 entries in Webster’s Dictionary will be misspelled.
291 pacemaker operations will be performed incorrectly
20,000 incorrect drug prescriptions will be written this year

This is just a sampling of the types of errors that would occur on a regular basis if 99% is good enough. But let’s be realistic, mistakes will be made in your business or organization and some of them will be made by you.

The question as a leader then is how to minimize them and most importantly what we can learn from them and how to keep from repeating them.

A story is told some years back of when Jim Burke as head of a new products division at Johnson & Johnson dealt with a particular mistake. One of Burke’s first projects was the development of a children’s chest rub. The product failed miserably, and Burke expected that he would be fired.

When he was called in to see the chairman of the board, however, he met a surprising reception. “Are you the one who just cost us all that money?” asked Robert Wood Johnson. “Well, I just want to congratulate you. If you are making mistakes, that means you are taking risks, and we won’t grow unless you take risks.” Some years later, when Burke himself became chairman of J& J, he continued that word.

While no one relishes in mistakes and each one is committed to excellence, a good leadership skill and practice is to allow a margin of grace for mistakes and the possibilities that it creates for future success. Consider this: you might be one giant mistake away from your greatest breakthrough you’ve been working toward. Don’t give up!

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Restoring Confidence

Posted June 27, 2012
by dougdickerson

Confidence is that feeling by which the mind embarks in great and honorable courses with a sure hope and trust in itself – Cicero

The American painter, John Sargent, once painted a panel of roses that was highly praised by critics. It was a small picture, but it approached perfection. Although offered a high price for it on many occasions, Sargent refused to sell it. He considered it his best work and was very proud of it. Whenever he was deeply discouraged and doubtful of his abilities as an artist, he would look at it and remind himself, “I painted that.” Then his confidence and ability would come back to him.

One of the great marks of leadership is the ability to instill confidence in others. Don’t be distracted by all the negativity that surrounds you. Be encouraged and place your faith in the fact that despite how things may look for you at the moment, better days are in your future.

Theodore Roosevelt said, “Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground.” As you chase your dreams keep the faith. Your best days are yet to come!

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It’s All About People

Posted June 25, 2012
by dougdickerson

The more I get to know people, the more I like my dog – Frederick the Great

Are you focused on your people skills? How important is it to you? One of the most important leadership skills that you will ever develop is your people skills. Without it, you are at a distinct disadvantage.

In the 1950s, marketing whiz Stanley Arnold was working at Young & Rubicam, where he was asked to come up with a marketing campaign for Remington Rand. The company was among the most conservative in America. Its chairman at the time was retired General Douglas MacArthur. Intimidated at first by a company that was so much a part of America, Arnold also found in that phrase the first inspiration for a campaign. After thinking about it, he went to the New York offices of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner and Beane, and placed the ultimate odd-lot order:

“I want to purchase,” he told the broker, “one share of every single stock listed on the New York Stock Exchange.” After a vice president tried to talk him out of it, the order was finally placed. It came to more than $42,000 for one share in each of the 1098 companies listed on the Big Board at the time. Arnold now took his diversified portfolio into a meeting of Remington Rand’s board of directors, where he argued passionately for a sweepstakes campaign with the top prize called A Share in America. The conservative old gentlemen shifted around in their seats and discussed the idea for a while. “But Mr. Arnold,” said one, “we are not in the securities business.” Another said, “We are in the shaver business.”

“I agree that you are not in the securities business,” said Arnold, “but I think you also ought to realize that you are not in the shaver business either. You are in the people business.” The company bought the idea.

This example is a clear reminder that while there are many things that we consider important; we can’t lose sight of the most important thing—people! It’s as you develop, nurture, and grow your people that you begin to grow in the other areas that are important to you as well.

Wise leaders model good people skills. Are you a people-centered leader?

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Making Your Workplace Great(er)

Posted June 24, 2012
by dougdickerson

Always treat your employees exactly as you want them to treat your best customers – Stephen Covey

In Reader’ Digest a story is told of a factory worker who refused to sign up for group insurance. The problem was no policy could be issued until all employees signed up. Yet he held out stubbornly. The foreman begged him to sign; the shop foreman pleaded with him; the plant superintendent and general manager begged him to sign. Still he said no.

Finally, the owner of the factory took him aside and said, “Listen, if you don’t sign up, I’ll fire you.” The worker grabbed the paper and signed immediately. “Now,” asked the owner, “why didn’t you sign this thing before?” The man replied, “Because no one explained it as clearly as you did.”

That humorous story reminds us not only of the importance of good communication, but of the importance of a positive workplace environment. Recently in Washington, D.C., the 2012 Gallup Great Workplace Awards were presented. The annual awards recognize the top distinguished organizations based on the most rigorous workplace research ever conducted.

The award honors organizations whose employee engagements demonstrate they have the most productive and engaged workforces in the world. According to the story, the Gallup Great Workplace Winners span the globe and represent all facets of business from healthcare to hospitality, retail and manufacturing, banks and insurance.

From the list of the top 27 companies, here is the Top 10: ABC Supply Co., Inc., Adventist Health System, Alegent Health, Atlanta Hotels International, Bon Secours Health System, Central Retails Corporation ltd., Charles Schwab, Compassion International, Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, and Hawaii Pacific Health. It’s quite an impressive list.

Gallup’s Chief Scientist of workplace management and wellbeing James K. Harter said, “Worldwide, there are more than two actively disengaged employees for every engaged employee. The organizations we are honoring are ones that have worked hard to shatter and reverse what is typical and they average nine engaged employees for every actively disengaged employee.” What an eye-opening fact to be sure.

A Mercer survey last year of 30,000 workers worldwide found that between 28% and 56% of employees worldwide wanted to leave their jobs. In the U.S., 32% said they wanted to find new work. Conventional wisdom might suggest that given global economic concerns most employees would rather stick it out with a job rather than do without one. So how can employers bridge the gap between apparent or perceived dissatisfaction and foster a climate that makes their workplace a great place to succeed? Here are three ideas.

Engagement on all levels. As the Gallup awards indicated, the great workplaces are predominately filled with engaged employees. But what does that engagement look like? I believe it is characterized by strong morale, a collaborative work atmosphere, stellar communication, and respect for each individual’s talents and gifts.

Harter further noted, “Engaged employees are more productive, safer, more customer-centric, and more profitable. They are also 3-5 times more likely to be thriving in their overall lives, experience better days, and have fewer unhealthy days. In short, these winners are improving lives as they improve the overall performance of their companies.” That’s terrific.

Commitment to success. Organizations that thrive in today’s marketplace are characterized by those who have made it their mission to succeed. This takes shape when each individual in the organizational structure makes it their goal to deliver the highest quality possible. When this commitment is made on all levels then the sense of purpose and teamwork takes on a greater meaning.

Legendary football coach Lou Holtz said, “Once you learn how to work with people, you can accomplish anything. To do this, you must subvert your ego in the service of a higher cause. You must never forget that there is no “I” in the word team.” He’s right. Successful organizations are the product of success-minded people. Do you have the commitment of everyone on your team?

The extra -mile mentality. Engagement on all levels and a commitment to success are excellent starting places. But if there is not an “extra-mile” work ethic that captures the imagination of your team then you will be denied “great workplace” status. Going the extra mile may sound like a cliché but being average is not that appealing either.

What if everyone in your organization adapted an “extra-mile” philosophy? How would it change the culture and the success of your business? Wouldn’t you like to find out? As you embrace this mentality you position yourself for greatness.

Workplace greatness begins with you. Are you game?

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The One Minute Encourager

Posted June 22, 2012
by dougdickerson

If you think encouragement is not that significant or necessary; think again. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the number one reason people leave their job is because they do not feel appreciated. The Gallup organization reports that one poll found that 65% of Americans reported receiving no recognition for good work in the past year. How tragic. Almost seven out of ten people last year were not recognized, acknowledged or told how much they were valued or appreciated.

On today’s broadcast of the Management Moment Radio Show, I am talking about encouragement and its three primary benefits. I invite you to follow the link, and tune in today at 2 p.m. ET for the broadcast. www.blogtalkradio.com/managementmoment/2012/06/22/the-one-minute-encourager-with-doug-dickerson

If you happen to miss the show live, you can follow the same link and listen to it later on demand. Have a great day!

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Encouragement on the Road to Success

Posted June 20, 2012
by dougdickerson

It is said that Thomas Edison performed 50,000 experiments before he succeeded in producing a storage battery. We might assume the famous inventor would have had some serious doubts along the way. But when asked if he ever became discouraged working so long without results, Edison replied, “Results? Why, I know 50,000 things that won’t work.”

I like Edison’s attitude. His determination in the face of obstacles and countless setbacks serves to remind us that we are one attempt away from success before we give up. Whatever the challenge you face today on your road to success, do not let your setbacks hold you back. Stay focused. Be determined. Don’t give up!

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