3 ACTION ITEMS OF A GOOD 2020 LEADER

It is 2020 and times have changed. The hierarchical command central leadership attitudes of the past no longer work. I will never forget my first management experience leading a small technical support team at General Electric. I employed my freshly acquired leadership skills from the Navy and it fell flat in a hurry. My boss said, “this is typical for a new manager” as she coached me on how not to be so dictatorial. Today leaders must attract and maintain the best talent by doing the following: 

1. Make Your People Happy

Have you thought about the radical concept of putting your employees first before even thinking about clients? Recently I met a new web developer who was referred to us from someone who has helped us in the web department. When we met he said, “I have heard good things about you.” That made me realize how important it is to put employees/subcontractors first. Why? Because when someone loves working with you, they want to please you, and inevitably the client is pleased - simple. Happy employees (and in our case, subcontractors) make happy clients.

When we are positive, we think clearer and energy is not wasted on negativity. According to a survey from the Social Market Foundation, happy employees are up to 20% more productive than unhappy employees. The Gallop Poll reveals that happy sales people produce 37% more sales. The Wall Street Journal reveals that employees would give up $5,000 per year in salary to be happier at work. Make your employees happy and a lot falls in place.

2. Be A Servant Leader

Serving your employees is a topsy-turvy concept that leaders of the past cannot easily grasp. However, when we not only engage with employees, but actually serve them, we are truly leading. Aside from Chameleon, I also serve in a Christian ministry. The founders are a couple who have literally given their life for the vision. They are up late at night, work day jobs, and go way out of their comfort zones to serve their people. When they ask me for anything, I jump. Why? Because they are leading the way showing how to serve. It is an honor to be like them in this way..

A 2020 leader takes action by serving. This trickles down to every employee and ultimately impacts why we are in business - to serve our clients.

3. Create a Clear Vision

I love the quote from author Simon Sinek who says "People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it. And what you do simply proves what you believe." People who work for your vision and mission need to know the “Why” so they are empowered with purpose. A solid Why in your vision is contagious. Our Why is clearly delineated on our website - “Passion is the fire that gets ignited when a company realizes who they are, why they exist, and what makes them burn...we exist to ignite brands and spread that fire. This is why we burn.”

A 2020 leader needs to burn with a vision that can ignite everyone who contributes to it. If employees don’t know the vision, they are less likely to be engaged.

It's time to face the truth: our world is changing, evolving, and catering to a different constituency. As leaders, we have to embrace what connects us, and our vision, to those whole are teaming to bring it to our client with excellence.

To learn more about how we “Color the World with Your Story” using the latest innovative tools (video, branding & digital) DM met on LinkedIn and visit our website at chameleoncommunication.net.