"In the past a leader was a boss. Today's leaders must be partners with their people...they no longer can lead solely based on positional power."
--- Ken Blanchard
I think we've all either seen it, heard about it, or worked for a boss who served more as a dictator than a leader; one who demands respect rather than earns it. This is also the person who did not have a team that worked from the heart, but rather with body only, out of fear rather than out of a desire to make a difference.
Obviously, this is the type of manager or supervisor that can do extreme damage to a company. His or her style is such that it invites destruction rather than creativity and is probably helping to run your company into the ground right now.
"Checking the results of a decision against its expectations shows executives what their strengths are, where they need to improve, and where they lack knowledge or information."
--- Peter Drucker
On the other hand, a humble leader leads their team toward success. They are not only concerned about success for the company, but for the success of each individual on the team. His desire is to have each employee work using heart, mind, and body.
"Leadership rests not only upon ability, not only upon capacity; having the capacity to lead is not enough. The leader must be willing to use it. His leadership is then based on truth and character. There must be truth in the purpose and willpower in the character."
--- Vince Lombardi
There is the story of a great NBA player who missed some really good opportunities to score during a big game. Afterward, he was ordered to run around the court over and over again. As the player passed the coaches on one of his laps, he told them that they can make him run all night, but his heart is not in it. He was moving his body, but there was no change in his attitude.
We want our team members to have their hearts in their work. That can't happen if the leadership of the organization does not know how to lead effectively.
"I have yet to find the man, however exalted his station, who did not do better work and put forth greater effort under a spirit of approval than under a spirit of criticism."
--- Charles Schwab
The fist step in changing to become a better leader is to relax. Seriously. It actually takes more effort to be a jerk boss than a great leader. Relax and be human. Take responsibility for your team in a caring manner. Have, and show, concern for each and every member. Get to know their issues. Know where their strengths and weaknesses are. When they do fail, build them up, don't tear them down. Be an encourager, a cheerleader, a motivator, and a teacher.
"Leaders are made, not born. You learn to become a leader by doing what other excellent leaders have done before you. You become proficient in your job or skill, and then you become proficient at understanding the motivations and behaviors of other people."
--- Brian Tracy
Next, if you really want to become a great leader or at least a good leader, then study the lives of great and good leaders. Follow what they do. They followed others. The "secrets" get handed down to those who seek them. They are not hard to find and they will change the outcome of your business for the good. Start today by just reading or listening to a good leadership book or article. There are hundreds online and at your local library.
Sales Compensation: Starting With the Basics
By David M. Fellman
There are a lot of opportunities to improve sales performance by improving sales compensation strategy. Let's start with the basics.
Read the article...
Campus Dynamic Signage Networks: Communications Value and New Revenues, Part III
By Lyle Bunn
In this third part of a four-part series, Lyle Bunn explains revenue potential, including approach, new revenue, and some simple actions.
Read the article...
Looking for an article or trying to find an old one? Check out the SignIndustry.com article archive:
View the archive now
| Advertiser - 2011 SGIA Expo - New Orleans |
On a sign at a gas station in Ocean Isle Beach:
On a large banner on an observation deck below Niagara Falls that gets hit with torrents of water :
On a building in Ephesus Turkey:
"Genuine Fake Watches Souvenir Shop"
We know those funny signs are out there. Take a moment and send them in to us and we'll share them with the world. Send all hysterical observations to: info@signindustry.com.