Leadership and a Mirror

 
Bill Hybels talks about 360 leadership. Leading those above, those who work for you and those on an even par. Austin McCann wrote in his blog, “In leadership, the hardest person to lead is not other people, but it is ourselves. We can see that even Paul faced the frustration of trying to lead himself well.”

In Romans 7:15, Paul says, “For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” Even though Paul faced the struggle of trying to lead himself well, he knew the importance of leading himself well and what was at stake if he did not. In 1 Corinthians 9:27, Paul says, “But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” We too, need to understand the importance of leading ourselves well and realizing what is at stake if we do not.

Leadership

“Personal commitments determine the direction I lead myself. The direction I lead myself determines how I lead others.”

Years ago a Fortune 100 I was employed by sent me to a Leadership Class. This 4 day, 3 night refinement was held in Florida in the dead of winter. What I learned was the tutorial’s panache included 360 evaluations from co-workers, a battery of personality tests, group projects and three one on one sessions with a Psychiatrist. These “coach sessions” could have been called “the face in the mirror”

One of the key messages from that life changing event was “work habits make you who you are.” Work habits start with energy, planning, attention to detail and commitment. The hardest person to lead is the face in the mirror. A Small Business article by Jill Leviticus, of Demand Media listed 4 traits.

Passion

Good leaders have a passion for the work they do and feel it is important. Sharing that passion and enthusiasm with employees can help you motivate your employees to become more productive. Praising your employees when they do a good job can be a natural extension of passion

Communication

Strong leaders know how to communicate effectively with staff at both higher and lower levels in the company.

Good leaders understand that success isn’t possible without the help of their employees…

Team Building

Encouraging employees to work together, rather than competitively, can result in higher productivity and improved morale.

Decisiveness

Employees rely on leaders to make decisions that are quick, logical and correct. Understanding the scope of the work your employees handle, the concerns of your supervisors, financial constraints and any other relevant factors will enable you to make fast decisions

Leadership starts with me. It’s my ability to have a positive passion for the job I do. This passion can be demonstrated by your commitment to be on time, to be regimented in your approach to meetings and follow thru. It’s your passion that permits the energy to communicate.

Leadership starts with me saying thank and praising good things. Leadership energizes by example, quality of schedule, timeliness, and high ethical and moral standards. It’s all about the face in the mirror.