Leading by example, and treating others with respect.

I was asked recently by a colleague who viewed my profile if I could elaborate on my summary I have listed. My current summary is minimal, "I strive to lead by example, and treat everyone with respect."

What she asked was simple. "Can you give me some pointers as to how you do this? I want to know it all from start to finish."

In response I relayed a few quick notes for her to reference that I had developed through my experience in leadership. It was beneficial to her, and it was suggested I post these for others to note.

- Morning Meetings, (the startup)... get in get out, maybe have four or five primary goals to re-enforce or updates to SOP's. Keeping it short gives time for quick feedback, and lets everyone get started in a timely manner. Dragging it on can slow down momentum.

- Discipline is your foundation.

- Don't let others do your job...Deliver the message yourself, write the note yourself.

- Communicate what you want...do this by listening to people...understand where they are coming from.

- Leaders are effective when people they lead are successful.

- Get them excited! Everyone benefits when the organization does well. Ex. "Almost out of the red!" Means the possibility for bonuses, more PTO time, other incentives.

- Build the team ego...re-affirm that the group is significant.

- Recognize team potential.

- Study people who have been successful leaders; study their methods.

- Good time management.

- Can't treat everyone the same; Push people with high self esteem higher, Lower self esteem have to be dealt with differently.

- Crisis Management! - Put it in the past; the quicker you do this the better.

    - You must manage the crisis, don't let others put a spin on it.  

    - Can't place the blame on one person, say "we are all to blame."; share the blame and point to the future.

    - The less you place blame the better.

- Speak wisely, you can't take words back.

- Leaders can't complain, they must keep adapting. 

- Be consistent, and true to your values and beliefs.

- Don't be afraid to...

    - Make mistakes; and own up to your flaws

    - Keep changing things; Don't stop raising the bar.

    - Or get creative. 

- Find ways to win, not excuses for why you lose.

- Handling adversity...

    - Be more positive; a positive attitude is contagious.

    - Be more upfront

    - Explain why they are not being successful

    - Failure should be treated as a learning tool

    - There is no substitute for experience

    - We will survive, and it will make us stronger.

- Always be looking for bad habits; people taking short cuts.

- Try to find out as much as you can about the people you lead; and Listen about four times as much as you speak

- Leaders must be selfless; it can't just be about you

- Keep a cool head... mistakes are made when you fly off the handle

- Don't compete with those you lead

- Negative people will need to know they will need to be part of the team, or leave the team.

- Leadership is always evolving...there are always new challenges.

- Be passionate! 

Please feel free to like, share or comment (Positive or negative; seriously. I feel even negative commentary can be positive as it promotes dialogue).