Team must always be valued ahead of narrowly focused individual needs. Whenever possible, help people accomplish their goals even if they are not directly related to your responsibilities. Collaborate, communicate and be a team player. No one likes self-centered individuals who hide information or knowledge and don’t work well with others.
Business logic goes before technology
Business logic, processes and policies need to be in place before a technological solution can be selected. Additionally, start from the desired outcome then reverse engineer the process and steps needed to get there. During this process you must establish ownership and accountability of each of the steps and a clear timeline and what happens when and by whom. Only …
Look ahead of the curve and focus on possibilities
Leading others is a great honor and responsibility, and as such, it should be approached with great care and attention. As a leader, one of your responsibilities is to get out of the weeds and focus on the vision and possibilities ahead. It is your responsibility to empower your team to believe in the vision and mission; to empower them …
Don’t manipulate people, convince them to join you
Manipulating people is easy in most instances, but it is wrong in every single case. Collaborate and be honest with people, build relationships and create trust in order to ensure long-lasting, fruitful relationships. Build alliances, establish partnerships and don’t trick people into things as that always ends in a win-lose situation and you will not always win.
Change is inevitable, embrace it
Change is generally a beautiful thing when it means progress, advancement, improvement and growth. If we look at our history of advancements, education and improvements (and focus on the positive aspects) each passing generation has produced value to those yet to come. With this in mind, please continuously seek improvements by dedicating time and attention to improving everything you and …
Leadership teams must reflect the larger population they lead
Adequate representation within leadership and governance teams is essential. This not only means getting the best people you can get to join your leadership teams, but it also speaks about the importance of being mindful of appropriate gender and racial representation as well. Examples of misrepresentation are everywhere. I have recently come across a governance body representing a very large …
Customer service 101: Listen and engage your clients on social media
In today’s world, customer service is of great importance in everything we do, and as such, it should be approached and handled carefully. Client support and services in person and online matter and should be tailored to the needs of your clients. When starting the initial engagement we may use templates, but they should not be our guide in every …
Leaders own problems and provide solutions, not excuses
Leadership is about solutions, collaboration, motivation and empowerment. In order to be successful as a leader you must be honest, transparent and accountable. You must take ownership of issues that lay within your area of responsibility and leadership and move towards their ultimate resolutions. When they came into existence is less important than what will you do to solve them.
Quitting, self-defeat, six suitcases and your purpose
Quitting on your dreams and your goals should never be one of your options. You are not done until you achieve them and no matter what others may say, you are not defeated until you admit self-defeat. I came to the U.S. with six suitcases, my parents and I were allowed to bring two each when we arrived to Paterson, …
Ideas are cheap, execution is priceless
While ideas are important and valuable, often they are no more valuable than that piece of paper you wrote them on. We all have ideas, some are great, others not as much, but what differentiates success from failure, what determines the overall outcome is what we do with our ideas; how do we execute them.