Leadership Wisdom of the Ages
By Susan Cullen
If you gather 100 experienced leaders together
to share with you their most important secrets for success, you probably
wouldn't hear a lot of academic theory or jargon.
Instead, this is a good idea of what you'd hear:
1) Put ethics first. If you make
unethical decisions for short- term gain, you will lose in the end.
Let your principles guide you in the many decisions you must make
regarding business practices and people. You will regret it if you
don't.
2) Surround yourself with the best people
you can find. If you are able to attract the brightest, most
dedicated, most talented people, they will move your organization
forward. Leverage their skills, ideas and creativity. your people
are your greatest asset.
3) Show your staff you value them personally.
Research shows the personal relationship with a direct manager is
the key for retaining your best and your brightest. Don't ever withhold
your praise. Tell them why you value them and recognize their contributions.
4) Be trustworthy. Be fair in your
dealings with others. Don't show favoritism. Remember you must always
walk your talk. Your actions speak louder than your words. Don't ask
others to do what you can't or won't do. You can't lead if others
don't trust you.
5) Develop Win-Win-Win Solutions.
Your company will only grow if you can provide valuable services that
help your clients succeed. In the meantime, you must help your staff
achieve their goals, and the organization must grow. A win-win-win
approach means you create solutions and services that support the
best interests of your client, your staff and your
company. If one of these elements is missing, your business won't
grow. Don't try to shortchange one element to the benefit of the other.
Susan Cullen is President of Quantum Learning Solutions,
Inc., based in New Jersey. She has over 15 years experience in Organizational
Development and is considered an expert in the use of blended learning
methodologies for lasting organizational change. For more information
go to http://www.quantumlearn.com
or you can reach us at (800) 683-0681.
