While it's not something I do on a regular basis, there are times when it becomes necessary and that's flexing your leadership muscles. I'm very easy going and relaxed. I'm not a micro manager and I believe if you hire a person for a job, give them the freedom to operate as independently as the role will allow.
Today I felt as if an employee was taking advantage of that abundance of kindness and I had to set a firm deadline on when I expected an assignment to be completed.
There is a balance that must be perfected when it comes to being lax with your staff and an authoritarian. There are times when you must put your foot down, but not in a dogmatic manner, to get your point across in order for your team to know you mean business.
After you've made your expectations clear, go back and reaffirm the staff member and give adequate praise when they meet your demands. You'll find that you won't have to flex your muscles that often.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Monday, January 7, 2013
No Response Required
If I haven't learned anything else in my 10 years of leadership, it's that a response is not always required. Listen more than you speak and when you do speak - have something to say.
Lately I've felt as if my team has been under attack and while I can come off as defensive, I've chosen to take a silent approach. I'm listening to the blame that others are trying to apply to our hands, but time is telling that what they are saying is not factual.
The ground I gain is by allowing the work of my team to speak for itself. Some people talk to hear themselves; others talk to try and prove a point. God have you two ears and one mouth for a reason - to listen more than you speak.
The true test of strength is when you can keep quiet when you know your're right.
Lately I've felt as if my team has been under attack and while I can come off as defensive, I've chosen to take a silent approach. I'm listening to the blame that others are trying to apply to our hands, but time is telling that what they are saying is not factual.
The ground I gain is by allowing the work of my team to speak for itself. Some people talk to hear themselves; others talk to try and prove a point. God have you two ears and one mouth for a reason - to listen more than you speak.
The true test of strength is when you can keep quiet when you know your're right.
Friday, January 4, 2013
I Am A Servant...
The first lesson that I'd like for you to learn is that being a leader is about being a servant. Your role is to serve the people who you lead. It's really that simple. Your job is to run interference and clear the path so that those you oversee can operate more efficiently.
Being a leader isn't just about having a title and distributing business cards. It's about building a rapport with those that report to you so that they have confidence to know that you'll fight for them until the end. I'm a huge believer that people are not loyal to companies, but to leaders.
Some people are allowed the opportunity to be leaders based upon who they know and there are others who are there because of their skills and there are others who've truly earned their right to set an unforgettable standard.
TRUST and KNOW that we do not succeed based upon our own skills and talents, but you succeed because of God’s grace and favor upon you. There are many people out there striving to be leaders, but YOU have been granted that special opportunity. God has entrusted you to lead His people. I hope you well know how much of a blessing that is for God to trust you that much!
Being a leader isn't just about having a title and distributing business cards. It's about building a rapport with those that report to you so that they have confidence to know that you'll fight for them until the end. I'm a huge believer that people are not loyal to companies, but to leaders.
Some people are allowed the opportunity to be leaders based upon who they know and there are others who are there because of their skills and there are others who've truly earned their right to set an unforgettable standard.
TRUST and KNOW that we do not succeed based upon our own skills and talents, but you succeed because of God’s grace and favor upon you. There are many people out there striving to be leaders, but YOU have been granted that special opportunity. God has entrusted you to lead His people. I hope you well know how much of a blessing that is for God to trust you that much!
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