Monthly Archives: August 2012

#139 – Never Underestimate Leading by Example

Sometimes we minimize the value of familiar phrases. One illustration is the phrase “leading by example.” We’ve all heard it, and no doubt give it credence, but let it go at that. It’s worth much more than a passing thought. One of my all-time favorite quotes on leadership is by Albert Schweitzer, the Nobel Peace Prize winner who was a musician/physician/philosopher/theologian from Alsace-Lorraine. He said:
“Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing.”
To my mind, that sums it up quite neatly. As a leader, if you use nothing other than this for your guiding principle, you will be well-advised.

Food for Thought ~

Think of the people in your life who have influenced you, both for better and for worse. Most likely it was their example, what they did, even more than what they said. It’s very powerful when your conduct and your words are consistent, and you use language to verbally express the thoughts and values related to your behavior and actions. Remember that the power of example will always outweigh any other type of influence. As a leader, you are always being observed and evaluated based on what you say and do. Use that visibility wisely.

Question for the day ~

Do you conduct yourself as a leader with this in mind? Are there any ways you might improve your leading by example?

Mary

#138 – Leaders Follow Through

One of the seemingly simple, yet incredibly important, characteristics of leaders is that they follow through. And that applies in both directions. After delegating, giving an assignment or providing direction, a good leader will follow up. Checking in gives you a chance to clarify any misunderstandings, to make course corrections if needed, and to remind people about critical deadlines or details. It’s also an opportunity to teach, mentor, encourage and acknowledge. Of course, follow through goes the other way too, when you are the one who’s responsible for execution. It’s equally important to do your “assignments.” If you have a job to do, then do it as agreed. If the timeline proves untenable or circumstances change, communicate or re-negotiate, but don’t fail to do your part or do it poorly.

Food for Thought ~

Leaders are held to a higher standard. And that’s as it should be. If you want to be esteemed as a leader, then you need to perform your job with high standards for personal excellence. Following through is one of those standards.

Question for the day ~

How are you at following through? Are you equally good at follow through in both directions?

Mary

#137 – The Human Compass

Much of the art of leadership lies in its subtleties. One of them is the distinction between providing direction and providing answers. Although oftentimes people want answers, it’s frequently more valuable to provide direction than answers. Encourage and teach people to be critical thinkers, to research, to gather information and differing perspectives, to consider various scenarios. Pose thoughtful and revealing questions that will guide the way forward. Think of yourself as a human compass that helps your organization keep its bearing.

Food for Thought ~

Good leaders realize that even though they know a lot, they don’t know everything. Being a leader is not so much about being “in charge” as it is about being out in front, sensing the world around you and your organization, paying attention to clues, and staying in touch with that reality. Smart leaders encourage people to help find good answers to important questions.

Question for the day ~

Are you able to resist the temptation to answer all the questions that are brought to you?

By the way, don’t you love people who ask great questions? I do!

Mary

#136 – Edutainment at its Best

The Olympics offer example after example of the many facets of leadership. Most of the events are for individuals, relating nicely to my recent theme that self-management is a requisite for leaders. (We cannot effectively manage or lead others if we cannot manage ourselves.) There are also events that require a partnership. And of course there are many events for teams with multiple members, where the leadership lessons become even more apparent.

Food for Thought ~

The Olympic Games received its name from Mt. Olympus in Greece, the mythological home of the Greek gods. It is thus associated with magnificence, the achievement of great attainments, and also with having superhuman calm and detachment. As a casual observer, it is not always obvious to me who the leaders are on any given team. However, I am quite sure they are there – guiding, teaching, encouraging, and generally inspiring their team to do their best.

Question for the day ~

If you are watching the Olympics, have you seen any great demonstrations of leadership? What is your response to the secondary definition cited above describing an Olympian as having superhuman calm and detachment?”

May the Olympics serve to remind the world community of our shared humanity.

Mary