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 …
Relaxed and creative environment
One of many leadership responsibilities (both formal and informal) is to create and maintain a relaxed and creative environment for your team as that is a major prerequisite to them performing at their very best. Be professional, courteous and aware of varying needs of your team members, but ensure that each of them enjoys being part of that team.
Meetings don’t have to suck
Meetings don’t have to suck…well, most of them do actually, but with a bit of structure and clear objectives they could be less of a nuisance. Some of the important things to consider are: Share the agenda at least 24 hours in advance (it allows for participants to arrive prepared and ready to contribute) Keep the meetings focused on the …
Balanced life
We are all different and unique in our own ways and as such we are driven by different things, people, goals and ideas. One of the greatest advice I have received by those I admire is to find what I care about and enjoy and what do I want to do for years to come. Once you do a bit …
Entitlement will get you nowhere
We are all equal and organizational rules, policies and procedures apply to all alike. Do your best, no matter how urgent something is not to become a person who comes off as entitled; who believes and acts as if they are better than others, because chances are that you are not. Arrogant and entitled behavior actually speaks volumes about you …
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 …
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 …
Focus on core competencies, outsource the rest
Perform a complete review of your operations and realign appropriately to ensure competitiveness, value and success. All business are doing things they shouldn’t and are not doing those which would bring them much needed value and quality. Focus your talent, people and effort into products and services you are good at, want to be better at and want to be …
Know your audience
Yes, it sounds like a cliche, but it is an extremely valuable piece of information as you advance through your career and have opportunities to work with people of different backgrounds, experience and knowledge. Make it about them, make your presentations and pitches make sense to them and bring them value.