Finding Your VOICE
A leader must communicate with great clarity. In order to do so, a leader needs to work diligently to develop a very personal VOICE, consisting of their: - VISION - To lead, we must have a very definite image of how the future will look
- OVERT AGENDA - (As opposed to ‘hidden agenda'). Leaders must be explicit
- INVOLVEMENT - Leadership is a team event, using the talents of everyone
- COURAGE - Leaders have the audacity to step beyond the norm
- ENERGY - True accomplish comes only to those who persevere
When leaders are absolutely clear - to themselves and as well as to others - about their goals, values, and expectations, they can expect to accomplish the extraordinary.
What You See Is What You Get
Each of us views the world through our own "lens," defined by our history, our hopes, our environment. Those of us who understand our own lens without confusion can redefine and sharpen that lens to clearly see what actions we must take to achieve our aims. It's the difference between scrutinizing your team for how they mess up or "catching people doing things right." In essence, our lens can become our destiny, as we can either control our choices or keep drowning in unrelenting self-fulfilling prophecies.
Branding: Inside and Out
Organizations and the individuals who make them up have to change and redefine themselves together. Clear brand identity is crucial for each and every economic entity, and each member of the organization has to be clear about what they bring to the endeavor and how they align with the overall purpose and meaning of the work. It's an exciting challenge to achieve authenticity for both the individual and the team.
Leading in Difficult Times
As the world becomes more confusing, it is even more important for those who choose to lead not to be stifled by the noise. Leading in turbulent times requires focus, daring, vision, and the ability to help others see through the mist. It is especially crucial today, in our post-9/11 world, that leaders spend time clarifying their own views and then find the most effective ways to consistently and repeatedly communicate.
Leader as Coach
The primary role of a leader is to create a climate for greatness. One key to that goal is fostering the ‘right' conversations in the workplace. What percentage of conversation at the water cooler is actually the ‘wrong' conversation? Leaders need to focus on dialogue, one-to-one and group discussions to make sure that purpose and direction are constantly emphasized. The leader needs to create individual relationships and networks that lead to great performance.
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