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Manage your Assets but Lead your People

Guest post by: Dr. Rick Johnson

Article Overview: I have had suggestions made to me by owners, presidents and CEOs that would baffle the mind of most professionals that have integrity. For example, I once was asked to fire an individual because his wife's illness had caused the company to reach their catastrophic cap in their insurance program. This same owner would intentionally run mail that contained checks to his vendors through the meter at two cents so they would arrive with postage due. He thought this was a great cost savings idea until the government sent him a cease and desist letter.

Manage your Assets but Lead your People

I have had suggestions made to me by owners, presidents and CEOs that would baffle the mind of most professionals that have integrity. For example, I once was asked to fire an individual because his wife's illness had caused the company to reach their catastrophic cap in their insurance program. This same owner would intentionally run mail that contained checks to his vendors through the meter at two cents so they would arrive with postage due. He thought this was a great cost savings idea until the government sent him a cease and desist letter.

I once witnessed an owner make an announcement over the corporate PA system; He announced; "Don't _ _ _ _ with Sally today because ‘it's that time of the month' and she'll rip your head off."

Sometimes companies are successful in spite of their personal leadership model. However, failure to treat employees with respect is the number one factor leading to failure.

Self Assessment

When you find yourself in the situation where profits are declining and the business is failing you often have to find out things for yourself. A self assessment of your personal leadership model is essential. Who are you? What do you believe in? Do you have a vision? Do you communicate that vision? Do you trust your employees and your executive team? Do you respect them? Don't always believe what you hear and don't always think the problems and solutions are obvious.

Creating success with even the best strategy isn't always within your total control. If your people aren't on-board, and they don't respect your ability to lead them, you'll fail. You must lead your people not manage them. Leadership starts with respect.

Listening should dominate your interaction with your employees. Distractions need to be removed. Trust must be developed. You must have a sincere desire to understand. You must be aware of individual needs. Be attentive and don't assume anything. Ask for explanations. Don't interrupt because you want to talk. Try to keep an open mind. Be compassionate and don't react too quickly. Avoid talking about yourself.

Your intensity, your focus, your drive and your dedication along with these same attributes from your executive staff are the determinants of the level of commitment you get from your employees. Commitment won't survive if leadership doesn't exist. You must be proactive and publicly demonstrate leadership, confidence and commitment.

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Article Tags: Leadership, management, organizational development, success



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