leaders – Page 4 – Doug Dickerson on Leadership

Turning Your Stress into Success

Posted January 31, 2015
by admin

When the pressure is on, great leaders are at their best. Whatever is inside them comes to the surface. – John Maxwell

A story is told of actress Carol Burnett who got out of a cab one day and caught her coat in the door. The driver was unaware of her plight and slowly began to edge out into traffic. To keep from being pulled off her feet, the comedienne had to run alongside down the block.

A passerby noted her predicament and quickly alerted the driver. He stopped, jumped out, and released Miss Burnett’s coat. “Are you all right?” he asked anxiously. “Yes,” she gasped, “but how much more do I owe you?”

That light-hearted story shows a humorous way of responding to what could have been a not-so-funny outcome. In our world as leaders we can find ourselves in stressful situations. How it’s handled matters.

It’s not a secret that the stress in the workplace is on the rise. In a recent study by Nielsen (http://bit.ly/1CUMamt), 80% of U.S. workers said they can identify at least one thing that stresses them at work. The stress factors include low salaries, intense workloads, and taxing commutes to name a few.

Great leaders are those who, when under pressure, step up and deliver in spite of the stress. Of course this is easier said than done. So what should a leader do when he or she is in the pressure cooker? Here are three approaches.

Put your stress into context

At times we can be our own worst enemy when it comes to the stress. For instance; we procrastinate on an important deadline and are now scrambling to complete at the last minute. We allow our imaginations to run wild with scenarios we create that adds fuel to the fire. Your workload is doubled without warning and there’s no extra help. We speculate in “what if’s” and get worked up over hypotheticals. It all adds up to one thing: stress! Can you relate?

The best thing you can do as a leader is to put your stress in context. You may be overwhelmed or feel that your current “crisis” is about to sink you. Allow me to make a suggestion – take a step back and take a deep breath. Look at the big picture. It may not be as big a deal as you think. If it is…keep reading.

Get a game plan

Establishing context about your stress is essential. A game plan is a way out. Here is a simple formula to help you get your game plan ready: W (What I am stressed about?) +W (why I am stressed?)+W (What can I do about it?) = S (Success). Get some paper and begin to work on your plan. Here’s how.

First, identify your stress. Is it a personnel issue? Is there a breakdown in organizational structure or communication? Is it a personal issue? How is this stress impacting your ability to lead? Regardless of where it takes you, figure it out. Second, now that you know what it is, you need to figure out why it is stressing you. What are the immediate consequences of your stress? Is this stress an imminent threat to your organization or personal life? Etc… Finally, write out what you can do about it. What are the top two or three action steps you can implement immediately that can help? Is there someone who can help you? Do they need to? Keep in mind, there may not be anything you or anyone else can do about it. In such case, you have to change your attitude toward it. Now that you have a plan – work it!

Apply your lessons

Smart leaders are out-front leaders. You will never avoid stress as a leader so learning how to deal with it will make a world of difference. Smart leaders know how to manage their stress and the negative impacts it can make across the spectrum of your organization.

Every stressful situation is a test and whether you pass or fail depends on your approach. Not all stress is self-inflicted, and not all reactions merit the same response. Smart leaders apply the lessons and learn from it.

Success over stress is all about your context, your game plan, and your attitude. Choose wisely!

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Leadership By The Numbers

Posted January 29, 2015
by admin

Leadership By The Numbers is my new book release exclusively with Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing!

In Leadership By The Numbers you will learn ten powerful leadership lessons to help you grow as a more effective leader. Do you know how to handle your critics? What are the some of the most important habits of kind leaders? How do you map your future as a leader? In this new release I share my insights and answer these questions and more!

In Leadership By The Numbers it all adds up to one thing – adding value and helping you grow as a leader.

You can download the book now at Amazon for just $3.99! Click on the link and make your purchase today!

Order here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SQMLHTC

* This post has been re-sent to you due to a link connection issue that has now been resolved. Thank you!

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Six Threats Every Leader Will Face

Posted January 16, 2015
by admin
1 Comment on Six Threats Every Leader Will Face

Strong convictions precede great actions. – James Freeman Clarke

The legendary bare-knuckles boxing champion John L. Sullivan was confronted by a runt of a man who, suffering from the effects of too much drink, challenged the burly champion to a fight. Sullivan, who once battled toe-to-toe with an opponent for 75 rounds, growled, “Listen, you, if you hit me just once — and I find out about it …” The Champ didn’t need to finish the sentence!

Hang around in leadership long enough and you will have your share of challenges and threats. While they may not be physical in nature, threats to your leadership and how you handle them is important. Some threats are obvious while others can seem rather innocent. If left unchecked they can threaten your effectiveness going forward.

Identifying the threats to your leadership is helpful if you are going to succeed. Here are six common ones. Which one is the most pressing to you?

The threat against your values.

Your values and character are the cornerstones of your leadership. Threats against your character will come and how you deal with it will make you or break you. Don’t take threats to your values lightly. Be diligent and accountable. Make sure that your values are clear and non-negotiable.

The threat against your time.

One of the largest challenges you will face as a leader is time management. If you are not intentional about the priorities of your day or take ownership of your time then someone else will. If something is a priority to you then it should be a priority in your schedule. From family, children, work, deadlines, meetings, etc…set your pace, set your priorities, and stick to it.

The threat against your expectations.

Expectations fuel your dreams and goals. Threats to your expectations surface when people see the obstacles and not the opportunities. Threats to your leadership occur when people opt for what’s safe instead of what’s hard. Bring these people up to your level of expectations if you can but never retreat.

The threat against your personal growth and development.

If you are not growing as a leader you are in decline as a leader. Personal growth and development is fundamental to good leadership. When you commit to grow and develop it will expand your horizons and will open up a whole new arena of possibilities. Never stop growing.

The threat against your health.

Leaders are busy and are often under a great deal of stress. Don’t allow the responsibilities of your leadership to cause you to neglect your health. A healthy diet with exercise is important not only to your physical health but it will keep you refreshed mentally and emotionally. In addition, your spiritual health is not one to neglect either. When you can tap in to the inspiration that your faith provides it can replenish your heart and mind. Healthy leaders are productive leaders.

The threat against yourself.

Sometimes we are our own worst enemies. Often it’s not the jerk down the hall that’s my greatest threat- it’s the one in the mirror. When my body is tired and my attitude stinks then the potential to make a mess of things is magnified. Can you relate? As you work on the fundamentals of your leadership remember that first and foremost it’s an inside job. Before you can lead others you must learn to lead yourself.

What do you say?

* I welcome your feedback! Obviously this is not an exhaustive list. What would you add to the list? Which one of the above do you struggle with the most?

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4 Traits of Selfless Leaders

Posted January 9, 2015
by admin

It’s difficult to find common ground with others when the only person you’re focused on is yourself. – John Maxwell

You may have heard the story of two friends who met for dinner in a restaurant. Each requested filet of sole. After a few minutes the waiter came back with their order. Two pieces of fish, one large and one small, were on the same platter. One of the men proceeded to serve his friend. Placing the small piece on a plate, he handed it across the table.

“Well, you certainly do have nerve!” exclaimed his friend. ”

“What’s troubling you?” asked the other. “Look what you’ve done,” he answered. “You’ve given me the little piece and kept the big one for yourself.” “How would you have done it?” the man asked. His friend replied, “If I were serving, I would have given you the big piece.” “Well,” replied the man, “I’ve got it, haven’t I?” At this, they both laughed.

One leader’s self-confidence is another leader’s arrogance in the world of perceptions. So let’s put the cards on the table up front- many leaders struggle with acts of selfishness. We want the big piece of fish. It’s not a truth to take pride in but one in which we have to acknowledge if we are going to grow and mature as a leader. In my own leadership journey the biggest mistakes I’ve made along the way can be traced back to selfish acts.

Growing to this new level in your leadership is about overcoming your fears, insecurities, and misconceptions about what it means to lead in a selfless manner. Here are four traits of selfless leaders and why they matter.

Selfless leaders empower their people

The emergence of a selfless leadership style begins by embracing this fundamental principle: until you empower your people they are only spectators. When they are empowered they can produce, achieve, and succeed. Unless you mature in this area as a leader you will never grow to your full potential.

Why does this matter? It matters because in any successful organization it’s empowered team members who run with the vision, fulfill its mission, and achieve its goals. Selfless leaders make it possible not by promoting themselves but by promoting others.

Selfless leaders share the credit

Billy Hornsby once observed, “It’s okay to let those you lead outshine you, for if they shine brightly enough, they will reflect positively on you.” The powerful wisdom of that statement must not be lost on the reality that selfish leaders struggle in this area.

A selfish leader wants to take all of the credit- often at the expense of work others did, and boast “look at what I did.”

Why does this matter? A selfless leader will concede being in the spotlight by putting someone else in it. It matters because each individual who had skin in the game and gave it their all deserve credit. A selfless leader will gladly say, “Look at what we did!”

Selfless leaders initiate the conversation

The mark of maturity in a leader begins to take shape when he or she invites open and honest conversation instead of dodging it. Selfish leaders seek to control the message, the agenda, and in the end stifle creativity and deprive themselves of much needed feedback. If a leader’s head is buried in the sand the view for everyone else is not that pleasant. Instead, a selfless leader engages in conversation with his or her people and makes it a priority.

Why does this matter? A selfless leader understands that open communication is the life-blood of the organization. Disconnected people create disconnected organizations. Selfless leaders build bridges and get people talking because your survival depends on it.

Selfless leaders create the culture

Leaders, whether selfish or selfless, set the tone and create the organizational atmosphere. Through your growth and maturity as a leader you’ve come to understand that people buy in to your actions and attitudes before they embrace your vision. Better to be rejected as a leader because people did not embrace your vision than because they did not embrace your selfish leadership style.

Why does this matter? Selfless leaders understand that value is created where value is given. Selfless leaders know that when they help others succeed they succeed. It matters because when this is the underlying foundation of your organizational structure it creates an atmosphere where everybody wins, not just a few.

What do you say?

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Six Leadership Lessons from Winston Churchill

Posted January 2, 2015
by admin

The greatest lesson in life is to know that even fools are right sometimes –Winston Churchill

As a student of leadership I have much respect for Winston Churchill. As a student of history I have an even greater appreciation for his leadership skills in a most turbulent time in world history. His strength and resolve during World War II gave the British people hope in their darkest hours. His courage and sense of purpose was the driving force that ultimately led the Allies to victory.

Step back in time with me and let Churchill’s own words teach us some time-tested leadership lessons that are applicable today. Here are six of my favorites.

Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.

If you are going to last as a leader you have to let this truth resonate down deep. Every leader experiences failure. But failure does not define you- it shapes you. Failure is merely an event that happens on the road to success. What matters is not that you failed or even tasted the joy of success, but that you had the courage to continue.

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.

This is such a valuable lesson to learn as a leader. Many have made the mistake of buying in to the old notion that the one with the most toys wins. But true leadership is not about what you get but rather about what you give. The world will be a little better than you found it when you come to discover the joy of giving.

You have enemies? Good. That means you’ve stood up for something, sometime in your life.

Churchill was greatly admired but he also had plenty of enemies. While the consequences may not be as significant as what Churchill faced, you too, will have your share of critics. But regardless of the challenges that you face and the enemies who would seek to harm you; hold true to your principles and hold true to your convictions. Stand up for what is right and do good by all men.

Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.

In the face of overwhelming odds and at times great calamity Churchill held on to what I would label his trump card. It’s what would give him the courage to move forward in the darkest hours of the war and is what would give his countrymen hope. Succinctly and truthfully put – Churchill’s attitude was a life saver. Never underestimate the power of a positive attitude. As a leader is will make you or break you.

I am an optimist. It does not seem too much use being anything else.

As a leader you choose your attitude and you choose your state of mind. If there was ever a leader who could have chosen a different path and projected a totally different outlook it was Churchill. With the relentless bombing raids on London; the tremendous loss of life coupled with all of the suffering that took place, Churchill could have fallen victim to despair. But his optimism would one day lead to victory. I don’t know the challenges you face today but I do know this much – being optimistic is a choice that will put you on the right path.

Lady Astor: “Winston, if I were your wife I’d put poison in your coffee.” Winston Churchill: “Nancy, if I were your husband I’d drink it.”

Humor was one of Churchill’s endearing qualities. His quick wit and sense of humor was a reflection of the total man who took his work seriously but knew the importance of enjoying a light moment. His humor was as much an integral part of his leadership style as any other trait. Your life in leadership will be marked by important decisions and things that will define your legacy. Churchill reminds us that having a sense of humor makes it all bearable. So remember this important principle in your leadership – it’s okay to smile, laugh, and enjoy the journey.

What do you say?

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Put on Your “Yes Face” in 2015

Posted December 26, 2014
by admin

Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier. – Colin Powell

During his days as president, Thomas Jefferson and a group of companions were traveling across the country on horseback. They came to a river which had left its banks because of a recent downpour. The swollen river had washed the bridge away. Each rider was forced to ford the river on horseback, fighting for his life against the rapid currents. The very real possibility of death threatened each rider, which caused a traveler who was not part of their group to step aside and watch. After several had plunged in and made it to the other side, the stranger asked President Jefferson if he would ferry him across the river. The president agreed without hesitation. The man climbed on, and shortly thereafter the two of them made it safely to the other side.

As the stranger slid off the back of the saddle onto dry ground, one in the group asked him, “Tell me, why did you select the president to ask this favor of?”

The man was shocked, admitting he had no idea it was the president who had helped him. “All I know,” he said, “Is that on some of your faces was written the answer ‘No,’ and on some of them was the answer ‘yes.’ His was a ‘Yes’ face.”

Whether or not you wear a “yes face” is a choice you make each day. Along with it are the consequences of that choice. As we enter into a new year let’s explore a few ways in which a “yes face” can be a difference maker in 2015. Here are four ways.

Say yes to a new attitude

Your attitude is the deal breaker of all deal breakers. 2015 will be no different for you if you do not learn to master your attitude.

As a leader your attitude is contagious and sets the tone for your leadership style and effectiveness. John Maxwell was right when he said, “People may hear your words, but they feel your attitude.” In 2015 say yes to a renewed attitude that is positive and empowering.

Say yes to new realities

Each New Year brings a new set of realities. Are you where you thought you’d be? Perhaps not. But 2015 is your year to embrace a new attitude and to right the course. Don’t be discouraged about where you are – it’s only temporary. It’s your starting point.

It’s now time for some honest appraisals of where you are in order to chart the course to where you want to go. Don’t turn a blind eye to your current realities. See them for what they are – benchmarks to where you want to be by the end of 2015.

Say yes to new successes

As you embrace a new attitude and new realities you can then move forward with a new game plan to achieve new successes. 2015 may be your year to bring on that coach you’ve been thinking about. It could be time to join up in a Master Mind group that can help you achieve your goals and help keep you accountable.

Abraham Lincoln said, “Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other.” This philosophy is essential to your success. 2015 is your year to say yes to new successes and new opportunities you’ve only dreamed about.

Say yes to yourself

2015 is your year to square your shoulders, hold your head high, and to embrace and believe in the God-given abilities you have as a leader. 2015 is the year to tune out the people who would hold you back by their negative talk and influence. It’s time to cut loose from those who refuse to see your potential and those who desire to hold you back.

2015 is your year to say yes to what you already know in your heart to be true about yourself as a leader so you can run your race with confidence and faith. Where other people have doubted you and have said no to your dreams it’s now time to say yes! 2015 is your year to soar!

Say yes!

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Posted December 22, 2014
by admin

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Reclaiming Morale and Loyalty Within Your Organization

Posted December 16, 2014
by admin

The best morale exists when you never hear the word mentioned. When you hear a lot of talk about it, it’s usually lousy. – Dwight D. Eisenhower

Morale issues in the workplace are as important an issue as ever. Frank I. Fletcher said, “No man can deliver the goods if his heart is heavier than his load.” Many organizations today are facing this leadership challenge: striking a balance between what is economically advantageous for the bottom line versus the best thing for the people who operate the business.

As you consider how to build strong morale within your organization take these three ideas to heart. Building strong morale in many ways is about reclaiming the basics of leadership and making them relevant to your environment. Here are three simple steps to help you begin.

Listen to your people

When those in leadership are proactive about listening to the frontline people who make things happen, morale issues can be addressed before they become major problems.

When you take the initiative and care enough to be out among your people and it helps you to more readily identify with your people, assess their needs, and empower them to achieve. It all begins by listening.

Encourage your people

Encouragement is the fuel that drives your business – it’s an awareness of the sacrifices your employees make because they have bought into the vision and purpose of the company. Encouragement is the expression of your human capital IQ and the sharing of common values with like-minded people who also took a risk by following you.

Encourage your people!

Respect your people

Many variables come into play as it relates to strong or low morale within an organization. Strong leaders who listen to and encourage their people inevitably have strong morale. Strong morale begins with mutual respect for the gifts, talents, and contributions of each team member.

Loyalty is the product of leaders who understand the value of human capital.

How is loyalty working in your organization?

This post is an excerpt from the book, Great Leaders Wanted, which can be purchased by visiting the “Order Doug’s Books” page when you click on the tab above.

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What Five Old Ladies Teach Us About Leadership

Posted December 12, 2014
by admin

Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things. – Peter Drucker

Sitting on the side of the highway waiting to catch speeding drivers, a State Trooper sees a car puttering along at 22 m.p.h. He thinks to himself, “This driver is just as dangerous as a speeder!”

So he turns on his lights and pulls the driver over. Approaching the car, he notices that there are five old ladies — two in the front seat and three in the back, wide eyed and white as ghosts. The driver, obviously confused, says to him, “Officer, I don’t understand, I was doing exactly the speed limit! What seems to be the problem?”

“Ma’am,” the officer replies, “you weren’t speeding, but you should know that driving slower than the speed limit can also be a danger to other drivers.” “Slower than the speed limit? No sir, I was doing the speed limit exactly … twenty-two miles an hour!” the old woman says a bit proudly.

The State Trooper, trying to contain a chuckle explains to her that 22 was the route number, not the speed limit. A bit embarrassed, the woman grinned and thanked the officer for pointing out her error. “But before I let you go, Ma’am, I have to ask… Is everyone in this car OK? These women seem awfully shaken and they haven’t muttered a single peep this whole time,” the officer asks.

“Oh, they’ll be all right in a minute, officer. We just got off Route 119.”

The old lady driving the car had her fellow passengers terrified. She had mistaken the route number for the speed limit. Your actions as leader have an impact on those around you. You can lead and inspire your people in magnificent ways or you can scare them to death. Here are three things we can learn from the story.

Leaders set the pace

Mary Kay Ash said, “The speed of the leader is the speed of the gang.” She’s right. You set the pace as the leader. Getting everyone on the same page is important but getting everyone up to speed is critical. If the leader perceives that the people are going too slow then he or she will get frustrated. If the people sense that the leader is going too fast then they will get frustrated. See what’s wrong with this picture? As a leader it’s important to find the right speed so that everyone can succeed.

Leaders chart the course

Knowing where you are going is important. As the leader you set the course by clearly articulating the vision and by everyone understanding their mission in making it come together. Roy Disney wisely observed, “When your values are clear to you, making decisions becomes easier.” Chart the course, communicate the vision, and never confuse the route number with the speed limit.

Leaders can make adjustments

Once pulled over, the old lady realized the error of her way. As a leader it’s important not to let your pride or ego get in the way of making adjustments when necessary. Your plans may look great on paper with your team is solidly behind you, but when circumstances on the ground change you must be prepared to make adjustments when needed. It was William Arthur Ward who said, “The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.” As a leader it’s important that you know how to adjust the sails.

Closing questions for your consideration

Have you set the right tempo for everyone in your organization to follow? Are your team members up to speed as they should be? If not, why? How soon can they?
Is the vision and mission of your organization clear to everyone system-wide? How often is it being communicated? Does everyone know how their specific role contributes to the vision and mission being fulfilled?
Are there any adjustments in your organization that need to be made? What about blind spots and who can help you identify them?

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Three Things to Know…About Lifting the Load of Your Leader

Posted December 8, 2014
by admin

If you have the willingness and capacity to lift the load of your leaders when they need it, you will have influence with them – John Maxwell

Regardless of where you are in your organizational structure you have the potential to be a person of great influence as you seek to lift the load of your leader.

Let’s face it – at the end of the day you are either lifting the load of your leader or you are adding to it. If you want to position yourself as a load-lifter then you will possess these three characteristics (among others) that will cause you to stand out.

Load lifters have the right attitude

Load-lifters are a cut above. They possess an excellent attitude. They are unique in the sense that they had rather exert their energies on making things right rather than complain about what’s wrong.

Those that add to the load of the leader do just that – complain about what’s not fair, do mediocre work, have a bad attitude, and wonder why they never get ahead.

Load-lifters are not worried so much about titles or positions, but rather they focus on doing their best, encouraging their leader, and having an attitude of excellence.

Load lifters understand the big picture

This is an opposite take from those persons who add to the load of the leader. Those people are concerned primarily about one person – the one they see in the mirror. They are concerned about the pecking order, getting ahead, and what’s in it for them.

The load lifter sees the big picture. They realize and understand that when they help their leader succeed – they succeed. When they help the leader look good they look good. They are focused more on the big picture that causes everyone to move upward not just themselves. In understanding the big picture they realize it’s a team effort and they make great team players.

Load lifters create momentum

Imagine for a moment how different things would be in your organization if more people took on the attitude if being a load lifter. What would be different if all of your colleagues checked their egos (and titles) at the door each morning and totally committed themselves to the idea of being a load lifter?

Load lifters create a momentum that once embraced, can take your organization to a new level of productivity and synergy. Is your organization stuck and trying to figure out how to get to that next level? Are you in need of some type of infusion of energy to get things moving? The answer is found in load lifters who can create the energy and momentum you need to go forward.

Load lifters are not necessarily the most talented, gifted, or smartest people – they are just bright enough to know that if they lift the load for their leader they can catch the wave and go to new heights with them.

Are you a load lifter?

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