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No matter where you are in your career, taking the leadership
role, at some point, in your organization is a given. Here is the
lesson about creating leadership momentum. It’s not about
you it’s about them. Think about that for a moment… Many
people I meet tell me “I’m not a leader,” “I can’t lead only follow,”
“My boss is supposed to lead, right?” WRONG! Now
take a moment to think of a time when you had to take the lead.
True leadership begins through valuing others .
In working with many organizations and associations, everyone
plays a leadership role, from the receptionist all the way through
the organization to the top dog.
Does everyone on your team consider themselves
a leader? Why not? What can you do to help
others see their role?
Keep the following LEADER
acronym in mind as you lead your team, your personal life and more
importantly yourself!
L
Listen.
You cannot hear anyone’s message if you are talking to yourself.
Stop the mental self chatter and say to yourself, “My mind
will not wander; I will give this person the respect they deserve.”
Do you want respect when speaking to others? You
get what you give .
E
Educate.
Knowledge Management is a hot topic. You can only turn
the tacit knowledge (process and data) into understandable knowledge
(application and wisdom) through positive communications. Knowledge
is power to some people and they are not willing to share.
These people and ultimately their companies are, simply put - doomed.
Bottom line: Share your knowledge and everyone wins .
A
Adapt.
Blessed are the flexible for they shall not be bent out of
shape. Adapting to change is critical. The old theory
of managing by fear is long gone.
D
Delegate.
Releasing your authority and responsibility through delegation
creates excellence in leadership. Fear? Sure! Give them the
objective, hear it in their words (eliminate ‘Do you understand?’
and replace with ‘I want to make sure I explained it well, could
you please play it back in your own words?’) Most importantly, let
them try it their way.
E
Empathize.
Communicate with the intention of the other person in mind.
Leaders can become ego centered and power hungry. Remember
it’s about them, not you. Record yourself. Listen to
the intent of the conversation. If it is about you then erase
the tape. Don't make it personal: it’s not Susie that drives
you crazy, it’s what Susie is doing that drives you crazy. Focus
on the actions and behaviors, not the person.
R
be a Role model.
They watch every move you make, every sentence you speak.
Want to motivate your team? Your family? Your
friends? You must work at creating a positive environment.
Too touchy feely for you? Tough. It is what works.
Have fun, speak positively, stay focused and your team, your family,
your friends will follow.
Now ask yourself, “What part of this acronym do I need to
polish?” The real secret to leadership momentum is to understand
what you can do better. You are not going to change others just
yourself!
Develop your Leadership role; establish objectives for personal
and professional growth.
Article submitted by Fiona Tresolini, Dynamic Visions, (302) 738-8878,
www.dynamvisions.com.
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