The Philosophy of Management

This simple but powerful statement suggests a leadership lesson any manager must learn or re-learn. Yet it is absent in so many in positions of authority and influence.

"You have to earn these things."

We are all in an era of colossal business change, leadership distrust, and poor employee engagement. We need better leaders, yet, there is a vacuum in leadership effectiveness in many areas.?Many have forgotten or ignore what really works. Leadership isn't really about profit , the stock price or a person's pocketbook; it's about people. Therefore, it's about?character, and integrity. ?This ignites enthusiasm, initiative, loyalty, devotion of hearts, minds, and souls.

Quick Bio of Clarence Francis

After graduating from Amherst College in 1910, Clarence Francis went to New York City to apply for a job with Standard Oil. He made a mistake by going to the wrong office and landed a job with Corn Products Refining Company instead. Clarence's philosophy of management served him well as he worked his way up to Chairman of the Board of Directors of General Foods in 1954. As an expert in the food industry and its distribution, he also served US President FDR and US President Dwight D. Eisenhower in a variety of capacities.

A Revolution in Leadership Thought

Clarence's approach to leading appears ahead of its time but I believe he had it right. The major approach to management at the time was?Frederick Taylor's Scientific Management Principles. ?Additional theories over the years include: the great man, traits, behavioral, situational and transformational. Diligent research has studied and shared new ways to lead. Progress has been made, but nowhere near in comparison to the advances in technology. What if? The seduction of greed, ego-fulfillment, power, and influence has derailed the elevation of many. The lack of consistent leadership trust has created a schism between management and employees that hovers over the workplace like a pack of wolves chasing its prey.

This is a different time and we need a new revolution in leadership thought. I believe it relates to leading by example and Servant Leadership. We can all improve, and need to do better. Agree? Your thoughts about how...to earn these things"?

Also, do you want to benchmark your career with the habits of extraordinarily successful people? If so, check out this complimentary inventory and action plan: Servant Leadership: Leading by Example.

In addition, do you want to really advance your management career? Check out Rick's best-selling books, The Superstar Leadership Model and The 5 Dynamics of Servant Leadership.

Finally, for more in-depth career development and acceleration go here: 21 Servant Leadership Training Lessons.

If you liked this post, here are a few other posts you may find helpful.

• 10 Keys To Employee Engagement
• The Lost Art of Servant Leadership
• 13 Troubles of Terrible Teams
• Leadership is About People, Not Your Paycheck
• Character Defines the Leader
• 6 Proven Ways to Deal with a Bad Boss
• How to Get Feedback When You Are the Leader
• Get the Job You Want with this Little Known Technique

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