Leadership Skills – Page 11 – Doug Dickerson on Leadership

Leadership Minute: Seek to Serve

Posted September 24, 2014
by admin

We lead best when we seek the welfare of those we lead, when we seek to serve rather than being served. – Alan McGinnis

As a leader you will put many skills into practice. You will learn the ropes of good people skills, time management, vision casting, teamwork, conflict resolution, and much more. But chief among those skills and what will set you apart from your counterparts is a genuine heart for those you lead. When you seek the welfare of those you lead above your own it will be the defining mark of your leadership. When you seek to serve your people they will see up close and personal what real leadership is all about. This leadership philosophy runs contrary to what many people experience and what too few leaders practice. But think of how different things would be if it were. Your leadership is a privilege and it’s a gift. The joy of leadership is found in that discovery. Seek first to serve and everything else will take care of itself.

Please follow and like us:

The 4 Stages of the Company Critic

Posted September 19, 2014
by admin

Be grateful for what you have and stop complaining – it bores everybody else, does you no good, and doesn’t solve any problems. – Zig Ziglar

A guide at Blarney Castle in Ireland was explaining to some visitors that his job was not always as pleasant as it seemed. He told them about a group of disgruntled tourists he had taken to the castle earlier in the week.

“These people were complaining about everything,” he said. “They didn’t like the weather, the food, their hotel accommodations, the prices, everything. Then to top it off, when we arrived at the castle, we found that the area around the Blarney Stone was roped off. Workmen were making some kind of repairs.” “This is the last straw!” exclaimed one lady who seemed to be the chief faultfinder in the group. “I’ve come all this way, and now I can’t even kiss the Blarney Stone.”

“Well, you know,” the guide said, “according to legend, if you kiss someone who has kissed the stone, it’s the same as kissing the stone itself.” “And I suppose you’ve kissed the stone,” said the exasperated lady. “Better than that.” replied the guide. “I’ve sat on it.”

Moaners, groaners, and complainers – you know exactly who I am speaking of and no doubt already have them identified. These are the ones in your organization who just can’t help themselves – they tend to complain about everything.

Recent surveys (http://bit.ly/1o4sJ0u) indicate that negativity is on the rise in the workplace. According to Jim Harter, Gallup’s chief scientist for workplace management 18 percent of U.S. employees are actively disengaged and will complain about their companies. Knowing the stages of company critics is a must for leaders who desire to improve employee relations and maintain a healthy culture. Helpful to you as a leader is to know where your people fit into each category. Here are the four stages for your consideration.

The resistant critic

The resistant critic is the one who for no other reason than just to be antagonistic is against most every new idea and tends to be the resident complainer –in- chief. The resistant critic is locked into a predisposed mindset that makes it difficult to welcome new ideas, sees progressive ideas and people as threats, and will be the last to sign off (if at all) on strategies moving forward.

It will take an extended amount of time to convert the resistant critic and the way forward will not be easy- if achievable at all. The potential value of this person must be weighed against future benefits. If the resistant complainer is too much of a drag on morale and progress then it might be best to cut your losses and move on. In short – proceed with caution.

The reluctant skeptic

Unlike the resistant critic the reluctant skeptic is cautiously engaged. Healthy organizations need these people. By and large they tend to come on board with the mission of the organization but are not certified “yes men” and are not afraid to state the obvious. Reluctant skeptics may have their opinionated ways but for the sake of your future it can be a good thing to hear their voices and pick their brains.

Reluctant skeptics are a careful breed and tend to buy-in to the vision but only after careful deliberation. Arm them with the facts and give them time to process it and they can be your voice of reason. They may be the last to come on board but once they do they can be your strongest allies.

The reasonable participant

The reasonable participants are your tried- and- true loyal troopers. Almost always you can depend on them to be in your corner. While not as vocal in their criticisms as their above mentioned counterparts their voices tends to offer support first while working out the flaws later. The reasonable participant is the backbone of your organization and seldom seeks to rock the boat.

The reasonable participants are your influencers. They are the ones who can come alongside the skeptics and critics and elevate the dialogue and keep morale strong. Important for you as a leader is to never take these team members or their loyalty for granted.

The responsible performer

Ultimately, this is the outcome you are striving for in your organization- people who are engaged, producing, and performing at their best. Chances are you know where most of them fit. Moving people in your organization to this stage will take time, effort, and the best uses of your leadership skills. When each team member is now a responsible performer then your organizational culture is performing as it should.

Knowing the direction that your company critics are moving is important. As a leader it’s upon you to show the way.

What do you say?

Please follow and like us:

Leadership Minute: Building Blocks

Posted September 18, 2014
by admin

One measure of your success will be the degree to which you build others up who work with you. While building up others, you will build up yourself. – James E. Casey

Building others up is one of the simplest and most effective things you can do as a leader. Your ability to influence and build up others can be a real game changer. When you take the time to acknowledge a colleague, congratulate on a job well done or give a word of encouragement, you have no idea the impact it can have. Perhaps that person is having a bad day and you’ve just renewed their faith in your leadership. You just never know the private struggle the other person is carrying. But because you are a leader who builds others up you can make their day. Will it come back on you in positive ways? Of course it will. But as you grow as a leader you will soon discover the joy of being the blessing more than receiving it.

Please follow and like us:

Leadership Minute: Are You Adding or Subtracting?

Posted September 17, 2014
by admin

No matter what level of the company you’re on, you have a choice about what you will contribute to the culture. – Bill Hybels

When it comes to your participation in your organizational structure are you adding to it or subtracting from it? Each day at your place of business you are either the face of everything that is good and right about your business or you are a good bad example. Your organizational structure is only as good and right and productive as each person in it. Some days are tough. I get it. There are some days and some people that just rub you the wrong way. I understand. The boss may be a jerk and there may be days you feel you are carrying the load by yourself. It happens. But at the end of the day your presence, your attitude, and your work ethic is a contribution for the good of your company’s culture or it’s taking away from it. The choice is yours. Let your contributions be an example others will choose to follow.

Please follow and like us:

The Power of Ordinary Leaders

Posted September 12, 2014
by admin

If you want a starring role, you’ll miss the miracle. If you’re willing to be an ordinary extra, God will do something extraordinary. – Mark Batterson, The Grave Robber

A story is told of a group of elderly, cultured gentlemen who met often to exchange wisdom and drink tea. Each host tried to find the finest and most costly varieties, to create exotic blends that would arouse the admiration of his guests.

When the most venerable and respected of the group entertained, he served his tea with unprecedented ceremony, measuring the leaves from a golden box. The assembled epicures praised this exquisite tea. The host smiled and said, “The tea you have found so delightful is the same tea our peasants drink. I hope it will be a reminder to all that the good things in life are not necessarily the rarest or the most costly.”

In recent years there has been an explosion of books and material on the topic of leadership. I am not only a contributor to the topic of leadership but I am also a consumer as it’s in my interest both personally and professionally to grow and develop. A recent Google search of leadership books netted more than 67,300,000 hits. Talk about your reading list!

With the availability of such quantities of leadership material out there perhaps it’s time to think through our expectations of leadership and what constitutes being a good leader in today’s world. Too often we look at those who have a large spotlight and are seen as the “superstars” in the world of leadership and think we can never measure up. We’ve read all about going from “good to great” but how do we simply become good or better- much less “great”?

I’d like to offer up some practical tips and words of encouragement for all current and aspiring “ordinary extra” leaders who daily work to make a difference. Here are four tips to help you become better.

Stay the course

My friend Dr. Greg Morris (on Twitter @LdshpDynamics) uses this phrase frequently and it has stuck with me – stay the course. I think on many levels this is part of the secret of being a good leader. There’s nothing really glamourous about it. It’s just a simple reminder that being a good leader and becoming a better leader is a matter of commitment. When times are tough – stay the course. When critics attack – stay the course. In times of success – stay the course. Leaders who last are committed and committed leaders stay the course.

Stay curious

Leaders who grow and improve their leadership skills over time have an insatiable desire to learn and grow. Curiosity is the gift that keeps on giving and good leaders ask the questions that one no else is asking, and as my friend Dan Rockwell suggests, will ask the second questions (http://bit.ly/1pWVyeG). Curious leaders want to know what his or her people are saying and thinking so that the culture of the organization remains healthy and strong. Curious leaders want to know what the customers are thinking in order to better serve them and to improve the bottom line. Curiosity will keep your thinking fresh and your skills sharp. What are you curious about?

Stay connected

It’s similar in nature to curiosity so being connected is central to your growth as a leader. Being connected is about relationships and communication. These are the basic tenants of your leadership development. Good leaders value and build relationships. Communication works best when relationships are strong. Being connected is an intentional act of your leadership. There are no shortcuts when it comes to being connected and there’s no better person to do it than you. If you want your people to connect with you then you have to take the first steps and connect with them.

Stay confident

Confidence is a key component to your success. You have achieved the measure of success that you enjoy, in part, because of confidence in your abilities and using them wisely. But this encouragement is dispensed also with a dose of warning. Be careful not to become arrogant and believe it’s all about you. It’s not. But confidence is needed in order to grow and become a better leader. In as much as low morale is devastating to the culture of your organization, so too, will low self-esteem hinder your personal growth. Stay confident in your abilities and keep your ego to yourself.

When you are willing to be an “ordinary extra” type of a leader you can make a significant difference. Your name may not be in the limelight but your contributions are just as valuable. Stay the course!

Please follow and like us:

Leadership Minute: Courage to Lead

Posted September 10, 2014
by admin

You will never do anything is this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor. – Aristotle

When it comes to the naming of essential leadership traits, courage ranks high on the list. Courage is what it takes to stand by your values and convictions even if it means standing alone. Courage is what inspires you to act when all other indicators say it’s not a good idea. Courage is telling people what they need to hear and not just what they want to hear. Being courageous may not always be popular but it is essential. The confidence that springs from being courageous is the product of being careful. Courageous leadership comes about by being confident, considerate, and is never about being arrogant. The fuel that drives courageous leaders is not ego but humility. You need courage to lead. Courage is your secret weapon and with it you can go far. Let it be your silent partner and give you strength. The world needs courageous leaders like you.

Please follow and like us:

10 Courtesies Every Leader Should Remember

Posted August 30, 2014
by admin

Courtesy – Excellence of manners or social conduct; polite behavior. –Random House Dictionary

“Everything rises and falls on leadership,” says John Maxwell. He’s right. The temperament of a leader is an important ingredient that goes a long way in determining his or her success. In short; behaviors and attitudes matter.

Too often sadly, we hear the stories of workplace bullying and other behaviors that are contributing to poor morale and working conditions. As a leader it is important to be aware of your surroundings and your workplace culture. Now is a good time to be reminded of simple courtesies that make a difference. Here is a list of ten common courtesies every leader should remember. The list is not exhaustive but is a good place to start. They are in no particular order.

How to say “thank you”, “please”, ‘you’re welcome”, etc.

It should go without saying but these polite yet simple forms of communication are essential words in the vocabulary of every leader. Use them often and use them with sincerity. They are still relevant and meaningful.

Return your phone calls and emails.

How many times has this happened to you? You leave a voicemail or send an email and you go days or weeks without a response. How did it make you feel? Nothing screams “you don’t matter” any louder than the silence of being ignored. A courteous leader will return calls and emails. For a great resource I recommend my friend Dr. Monica Seeley (the Email Doctor) you can find her blog at http://bit.ly/1rF6FAr

The timing of your words

One of the courteous things you can do as a leader is to speak words of encouragement to those around you. The timing of a kind word to a colleague can be just the thing he or she needs to make it through the day or through a difficult time. Be aware of the needs of those around you and don’t be afraid to speak a kind word.

The timing of your silence

As the writer of Ecclesiastes says, there is a time to keep silent and a time to speak. As a leader, there will be times that the best thing you can do is to hold your tongue and not say a word. You can be just as courteous by what you don’t say as you can by what you do say. As a leader you have to learn the appropriateness of the moment.

The value of time

A courteous leader is considerate of other people’s time and knows how to manage their own. Showing courtesy as a leader means that you value and respect other people’s time and won’t waste it. You’ll show up to meetings on time and you won’t waste it on trivial things that don’t matter.

The giving of your undivided attention

On so many levels we are losing the art of being present in the moment. We are losing the art of conversation. The better connected we are through technology the more distant we’ve become relationally. Don’t believe me? Try having a 30-minute lunch with a group of friends without each person checking their mobile device repeatedly. A courteous leader will put away the phone or any other distractions and give others their undivided attention.

How to stay out of other people’s business

Gossip and office politics has been around for a long time. A courteous leader will stay out of it. If it’s not your business then don’t make it your business. If it is your business then use it as a teachable moment to show the proper way to handle it.

How to let things go

Extending courtesies as a leader can be challenging. But one of the wisest things you can do is to learn how to let things go. Don’t be so hell bent on winning the battle that you lose the war. Consider the issue and measure your response. Learn how to forgive and move on. You’ll be happier in the long run.

Keep your word

Courteous leaders are reliable and keep their word. Be slow to make promises and if you do – follow through and do it. Reasonable people understand that circumstances change and things come up that you didn’t anticipate but as far as it depends on you do what you say you are going to do.

10. Be kind

It’s simply stated because it is. A courteous leader is kind, considerate, and helpful to others. It’s the little things you do as a leader that makes a big difference. It begins with common courtesy.

What do you say?

Please follow and like us:

Leaders and Learning Curves

Posted August 20, 2014
by admin

Please follow and like us:

Leadership Minute: Vocabulary Test

Posted August 12, 2014
by admin

The word impossible is not in my dictionary. – Napoleon Bonaparte

Words are important. From them your belief systems are formed and realities are defined. As a leader you will inspire confidence and courage based upon your word selection. What message do you want to send? To be sure, you will face many obstacles and challenging circumstances will always be a companion on your journey to success. But when the word impossible enters your vocabulary you then marginalize your leadership and the chances of success for your team. When your words sow seeds of doubt about the obstacles before you then that doubt will serve to magnify the challenge. The challenge of your leadership is to sow seeds of faith and to instill confidence. This happens by the words you speak. It doesn’t make the challenge or obstacle any less real; it simply means that you choose to not be defined by them. The sooner you take the word impossible out of your vocabulary the better off you will be.

Please follow and like us:

Leadership Minute: Keep it Together

Posted August 11, 2014
by admin

If you fall to pieces in a crisis, there wasn’t much to you in the first place. – Proverbs 24:10 (The Message)

One of your tasks as a leader is to model confidence in times of adversity and crisis. It’s during these times that your team looks to you for leadership and direction and you’ve got to deliver. But if you are falling apart and are unsure of yourself then it can quickly become a crisis in leadership. Now the problem is compounded. However, when you have it together your team can come together because they have confidence in your leadership ability. Be assured; times of testing and crisis will come, but it doesn’t have to defeat you. Keeping it together is the result of fine-tuning the fundamentals of your leadership – strong people skills, strong organizational skills, being engaged in what is going on around you, and a commitment to personal growth and development. In times of crisis there’s no need to fall apart; it’s the time to step up and lead.

Please follow and like us: