Are exceptional leaders born or are they made? We have heard this question asked and discussed at length and it is my belief that truly exceptional leaders are a combination of both. Yes, they learn, grown and advance through their careers, but one’s DNA (for lack of a better acronym) must be predisposed for leadership. While majority of methodologies, tips, …
Open door policy is not optional
Managers and leaders must be available to their teams in any way their staff needs them to be (assuming professionalism and appropriateness of course). Your office door must be open to them, and you need to be accessible and approachable whenever they might need to speak with you. Staff needs to know that you are there to hear them out …
Overworked employees
Overworked employees are unhappy, they make mistakes and they are not contributing at their optimal levels of performance. They are constantly under pressure which has negative impact on their health and lives outside work as well (you do remember that work is only a PART of people’s lives, right?). While I understand that in certain professions and industries one can …
Who inspires you and why?
Who inspires you professionally? In this instance, I am not taking family, friends and historical figures into account even though all of them could be significant sources of inspiration. What I mean is who is currently an inspiration to you from the professional stand point? For me, two very different (age, background, experience, approach…) entrepreneurs come to mind instantaneously and …
Build your team, then get out of their way
Due your due diligence when building a team and get involved in the selection process. Your direct reports need to match your quality standards as well as their personality needs to fit with the rest of the team. Once you have built your team, empower them and get out of their way. Don’t micromanage, trust them and allow them to …
New? Listen, absorb and learn, then act
Started a new job? First order of business is to listen, absorb and learn the culture, environment and players within. Depending on your placement within the organization the impact of your decisions and actions will vary and as such it is essential to educate yourself with the current state of affairs. Your experience is essential, but don’t assume that every …
Success is theirs, failures are all yours
Promote your team and their achievements whenever possible, be proud of them and make sure that their contributions to the organization are known and recognized. On the other hand, when a failure occurs it is the responsibility of a leader to deal with any and to face any public ramifications and consequences. One of many leadership responsibilities is to protect …
Made a mistake? Own it, apologize and fix it
All leaders and all organizations make mistakes and will continue to make mistakes. However, what differentiates them is how they react after the mistake has been made. If a mistake (whatever it may be, a security breach, performance or stability issues…) is made by you or your organization as a whole, own it, apologize, fix it and learn from that …
Opportunities and new clients don’t come announced
Be yourself at all times, as you never know when a random encounter can develop into an opportunity. These opportunities could be personal or business related, but they often workout when least expected from random meetings and very casual conversations. Treat all those around you fairly, be positive and optimistic and keep living your life centered around who and what …
Say it with me: I don’t know
Saying that you don’t know something makes you human and that’s what we are best at being. Not having immediate answers to questions is OK as long as you go out to find the answers and follow up with those who have asked. Saying I don’t know builds your credibility as no one wants to be lied to and fed …