Friday, November 13, 2009

BE A Leader


Leadership is leading by example, walking the walk and never asking anyone to do anything that you are not willing to do yourself. It is someone who guides and inspires others towards the accomplishment of a collective goal, mission, or vision. Inspire others to be creative, work hard to accomplish things instead of requiring them to get things done - is a much better solution.

Dwight Eisenhower said, “Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.”

Each one of us was sent to this earth to become Life Long Learners. From the time we were born we have a thirst to learn and the need to experience new things; however, too many of us go through life just mildewing our way to retirement. The result leaves us unsatisfied, unchallenged and often lifeless.

It is powerful to realize that attention goes, energy flows! When we drink from the fountain of knowledge we are continually investing in ourselves by fuelling our life tank of edification. I am not saying to drop everything and go back to school, (unless you want to) I am saying, read a book, listen to an audio book, listen to your parents and grandparents, and learn something new. Step away from the computer and start asking questions…as long as you are truly ready to “Listen and HEAR” the answer. Spend some time learning how other people experienced life and the lessons they learnt. Take a look at how it was done in the past and then create your own outcome. Leaders stand out in a crowd because of their ability to influence others through vision, integrity, authenticity and self confidence. They possess humility, focus, people skills, and effective communication skills.

Great Leaders are Mentors that build a team of the right people and put them into a position that highlights that individuals’ straight while recognizing and praising the team member’s accomplishments. Mentors spend time in all areas of the company learning from the front line as well as being able to gain perspective of the big picture of the corporate setting. They share information- knowledge is power, arm your staff with all of the tools they need to reach their goals. Long gone are the days of Management by dictatorship…"if you don't like it, then we can find ten other people to do your job!" We now live in a time where employers must create a culture that inspires greatness in employees [a time that all staff yearn to make a difference and feel they are important to the company they work for.] Managers must listen more then ever to the needs and desires of their staff. The more ideas that are shared the more solutions that are created. Also, very importantly, Leaders have Mentors to whom they turn for opinions and ideas.

Finally, the old saying of, “God gave you two ears and only one mouth for a reason,” is so true because we should be listening twice as much as we speak. Listening is a much undeveloped talent that we all continually need to work on. Far too often we enter into a conversation only waiting for the other person to finish speaking just so that we can talk. We stand there looking at them intently rehearsing what our reply is going to be instead of really hearing what the other person is saying. In order to truly become good at anything we must practice, Listening like all talents must be utilized continually …strive to fully develop your talent of Listening. Good leaders must be willing to handle opinions contrary to their own and absorb as much as they can. Learn all that you can about your team members and strive to build strong relationships. Never take them for granted… create an ownership mentality. When staff are treated like equals, they will respond in the same way, they will strive for greatness in all they do. When you take care of your employees, they will in turn take care of your customers…who are they reason why you are in business in the first place. Never forget that and you have the recipe for success.

The three key ingredients that make up a great leader:

Lead by Example
Be a Life Long Learner
Listen twice as much as you speak.


Be a Leader in your own Life!
Humbly Yours,
Marcia

Blog http://www.eaupening.blogspot.com/
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P.S. I am about to hit the Facebook Friend Limit of 5000 friends. It would be great to connect & learn more about YOU so I invite you link with me here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marcia-Johnson/108904942429 on my facebook page. I have created about 30 groups, pages & applications so I have a lot to share with you, I will do my very best to Inspire and Motivate YOU to live your full potential. Thank YOU... Feel free to share with me, more about YOU!

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