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Retired CEO of Herman Miller and author Max DePree (from my hometown) wrote that, the first responsibility of a leader is to define reality, the last is to say thank you, and in between to be a servant.
By servant he meant someone who takes care of the needs of others and positions them for success. A servant is one who removes obstacles and honors those who are served. Such attitudes are not common practice today but are certainly the traits of effective leaders.
Be honest in your communications with others, even if the message you bring is not comfortable. People deserve the truth. Only then can situations be changed and opportunities be grasped.
The more you respect others the more you are obligated to share the truth!
Learning the skills of a servant leader that leads not from the front of the parade but from its middle is a goal worthy of pursuit and mentoring. Where are you leading from.? Do you routinely define reality? Do you position others for succes? Are you satisfied with your leadership?
Bob
(c) copyright 2008
Performance Builders
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
Quotable
"There are so many men who can figure costs, and so few who can measure values." - Author unknown
Monday, September 22, 2008
Performance Matters - Idea #24
Avoid taking, or needing to take, defensive positions. It's been often said that, "the best defense is a strong offense".
It's true.
Defense takes time and resources to just to maintain the status-quo. The same time and resources committed to executing offense strategies and tactics can generate competitive advantage, forward momentum, and force others into defensive positions.
One defensive move or position generally leads to another, and another. One offensive move generates new options...
Opportunities invariably favor those on offense rather than defense.
Keep in mind that in situations of "either or" a "both and" option usually exists. The best ultimate option is one that provides both offensive and defensive advantage.
Play your game, don't follow the crowd. When everyone is zigging there is generally value in zagging.
Is your business or profession fighting just to keep up? If it is it is likely you are taking defensive positions. There are options and alternatives - MANY of the them. Options for growth, reward, and influence. There is certainly one or more that will fit you just right.
Look around. Ask for advice. Listen carefully. Decide boldly. Execute aggressively. Play offense. The alternative is just defense...
Bob
(c) copyright 2008
Performance Builders
It's true.
Defense takes time and resources to just to maintain the status-quo. The same time and resources committed to executing offense strategies and tactics can generate competitive advantage, forward momentum, and force others into defensive positions.
One defensive move or position generally leads to another, and another. One offensive move generates new options...
Opportunities invariably favor those on offense rather than defense.
Keep in mind that in situations of "either or" a "both and" option usually exists. The best ultimate option is one that provides both offensive and defensive advantage.
Play your game, don't follow the crowd. When everyone is zigging there is generally value in zagging.
Is your business or profession fighting just to keep up? If it is it is likely you are taking defensive positions. There are options and alternatives - MANY of the them. Options for growth, reward, and influence. There is certainly one or more that will fit you just right.
Look around. Ask for advice. Listen carefully. Decide boldly. Execute aggressively. Play offense. The alternative is just defense...
Bob
(c) copyright 2008
Performance Builders
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Quotable
"Real experts do not call themselves experts. They let you discover their expertise for yourself." - Alan Cohen
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Performance Matters - Idea #23
Make decisions that need to be made. Don’t make decisions that don’t need to be made.
Life is all about decisions - those you need to make and those you don't. And, its recognizing the difference.
What are some decisions that need to be made? Here are a few...
What is your purpose in life? ...in business? ...in relationships?
What are the values that will drive the decisions you make?
What decisions do you need to make that will take you toward your vision and aspirations?
What decisions do you need to make that will prevent you from moving away from your vision and aspirations?
What are some decisions that don't need to be made? Here are a few...
Don't make decisions for other people.
Don't show up for every argument you are invited to.
Don't rush decisions that can wait for awhile. Allow time for matters to become clearer.
Don't allow others to define your priorities.
Decisions are are your most potent tool. Decide well.
Bob
(c) copyright 2008
Performance Builders
Life is all about decisions - those you need to make and those you don't. And, its recognizing the difference.
What are some decisions that need to be made? Here are a few...
What is your purpose in life? ...in business? ...in relationships?
What are the values that will drive the decisions you make?
What decisions do you need to make that will take you toward your vision and aspirations?
What decisions do you need to make that will prevent you from moving away from your vision and aspirations?
What are some decisions that don't need to be made? Here are a few...
Don't make decisions for other people.
Don't show up for every argument you are invited to.
Don't rush decisions that can wait for awhile. Allow time for matters to become clearer.
Don't allow others to define your priorities.
Decisions are are your most potent tool. Decide well.
Bob
(c) copyright 2008
Performance Builders
