I’m blessed with a father who is a life-long influence to me. Every day the influence of my father is evident in my mannerisms, my life view, and my drive for excellence. Without him the very essence of who I am would not be and the success I’ve achieved only a hope. The influence I receive has been extended to my wife’s father since our marriage. I am blessed with two Christian...
Without a clear understanding of what the boss wants, organizations will inevitably fail to achieve it. Without the gift of mind reading, success depends on the boss clearly communicating what he wants. This holds true regardless of the nature of the organizations, its size or purpose. Church leaders, business executives, managers, and heads of families could take a lesson from an enterprise that...
Live a life of undivided integrity
Always demonstrate a positive attitude
Consider other people’s interest as more important that your own
Don’t settle for anything less than excellence
from Chris Widner: The Art of Influence: Persuading Others Begins With You
I’m a proponent of leadership over management as the primary course of study to improve one’s ability to influence people. Management, however, seems to have reigned as a subject in books since the 1800s. The google Ngram below charts the usage of the keywords “manager,” “leader,” “management”, and “leadership” in books since 1800. I...
The Maxwell Leadership Bible counts the leadership style in the United States since World War II. There has been an evolution of leadership styles over the past sixty years which illustrates the change in the generations and a move to more internalized and inspired followers. 1. Military Commander. Leaders returned from the war emulating the leadership styles that won the war. They...
A warrior is a person experienced in or capable of engaging in combat or warfare, literally or figuratively. Most leaders are figurative warriors, those who show great vigor, courage, or aggressiveness in everyday challenges. Merely acting like a warrior is insufficient, a warrior leader must become one by consistently walking the path of: 1. Integrity – honest and sincere 2...
I grew up in a time when church frequently included special gospel meetings that featured a guest preacher imploring nightly over the course of a week to get right and reap the rewards of heaven or certainly go to hell. We were encouraged to invite our friends and neighbors where every night the message and volume would escalate until a satisfactory number had responded to avoid the punishment of...
Opportunity to succeed (43%) The good life (37%) The pursuit of happiness (34%) The American dream (22%) A fair shake (17%) To be left alone (13%) A fresh start (9%) Everything I can get (9%) A fighting chance (8%) A new beginning (8%) The American dream has been dropping on the list because young people don’t think they will ever achieve it. Wanting the good life has moved up in its place...
Communicate. Clearly let others know what you and they can expect Listen. Listen more than you talk Follow-through. Keep your promises and expectations Own-up. When you or a subordinate fall short take personal accountability Trust. You have to trust others for them to trust you Respect. Respect others regardless of their position WYSIWYG. Be a what you see is what you get person Loyalty...
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...