Leadership

You’re the Greatest

November 7, 2009, by No comments yet

A man died and met Saint Peter at the gates of heaven.  Recognizing the saint’s knowledge and wisdom, he wanted to ask him a question. “Saint Peter,” he said, “ I have been interested in military history for many years. Tell me, who was the greatest general of all times?”

Peter quickly responded, “O, that is a simple question. It’s that man right over there.”

The man looked where Peter was pointing and answered, “You must be mistaken. I knew that man on earth, and he was just a common laborer.”

“That’s right,” Peter remarked, “But he would have been the greatest general of all time- if he had been a general.”

- Mark Twain

PGC Leadership Influence

November 6, 2009, by No comments yet

Go APE for your teamates [bosses, peers, subordinates]:

A – Acknowledgement.  Make a big deal out of everything your teammates do good.  They love acknowledgement.  Show excitement, say their name, acknowledge even when you are the one who rightfully should be acknowledged.

P – Praise.  You want to attack your teammates.  Don’t just say nice things, attack, make a big deal about it.  When you praise your teammates and tell them you love them they will do anything for you.

E – Encouragement.  You have to be the first person to recognize someone who is struggling.  You must tell them after a bad play [deal, work failure, etc] that they are a great player and you are going to give it to them on the next play to score.

The APE ratio is 6:1.  Give someone six APEs and then give one suggestion and they will take it better.

PGC Leadership Communication

November 5, 2009, by No comments yet

Another leadership lesson my daughter learned this summer at her elite basketball camp – lessons in communication:

Three reasons players [leaders] don’t communicate, 1.  Too into themselves and selfish, 2.  Too tired, and 3.  Don’t know what to say

NITE communication:

N- Names.  Use a person’s name before you instruct them.  Everyone loves being put in the spotlight, they will respond better

I – Information.  Information is meaningful talk.  Eliminate chatter.  Reminders are only useful before they are necessary.  Good leaders alway give reminders.

T – Tone of voice.  Leadership isn’t about yelling and screaming it’s about influencing your teamates.  Converse with your teamates.

E – Eye contact.  If you want your players to listen to you look them in the eye.  When your coach [boss] is telling you something nod in agreement.  93% of communication is non-verbal.

Point Guard College Leadership

November 4, 2009, by No comments yet

My daughter attended an elite basketball camp this past summer.  Last night she let me have a peek into her notes binder.  I was impressed with the level of time and instruction given to training leadership to these athlete.  The implication is they will be called on to influence their teammates and fans. The three aspects of leadership taught on day one:

1.  Doing extra.  If you want to be a leader, you must expect to do more

2.  Energy.  Transfer energy through enthusiasm and joy

3.  Influence.  lead others by being a servant

Manager and Leader

November 3, 2009, by No comments yet

The manager administers, the leader innovates

The manager maintains, the leader develops

The manager relies on systems, the leader relies on people

The manager counts on controls, the leader counts on trust

The manager does things right, the leader does the right thing

- Fortune Magazine

There is some debate about the attributes of leaders and those of managers.  Some interchange the titles making any leader also a manger and manager leader. Everyone has an opinion based on their job description, corporate culture, personal preference, and so on.

My belief is that  anyone in a position to influence people is both leader and manager.  Lower level positions will manage more than they lead, perhaps 60% management/40% leadership.  The higher you climb in your organization the more leadership competencies used; a CEO might be 20%  manager/80% leader.

The leader who can balance the appropriate level of management skills while leading subordinates through vision, innovation, and trust is the catalyst for organizational excellence, regardless of their position on the corporate ladder.