What I have learned about people and organizations...so far.

Monday, March 13, 2017

Great Leaders are the Chief Cheerleader of the Vision.

Great leaders keep a group focused on vision. Jesus understood the importance of vision when He said, "Can one blind person lead another? Won't they both fall into a ditch?” Leaders motivate others by sharing their enthusiasm for the vision.  The contagious nature of their enthusiasm raises everyone spirits as in spreads throughout the team. 
Great Leaders are Highly Visible.

A great leader takes the time to get to know and listen to those for whom they are responsible.  This is more than having an open door policy.  Great leaders circulate through their team several times a day encouraging, clarifying, and affirming them.
Leaders Establish the Organizational Culture.

Like a parent, great leaders lead by example and establish the organization’s culture.  This includes standards for treating coworkers, appropriate language, elimination of gossip, putting internal and external customers first, a servant mentality, and appropriate attitudes. Dee Hock, Founder of Visa believes that if the leader does not get it right, no one else on their team will either.  Says Hock, “If you seek to lead, invest at least 50% of your time in leading yourself—your own purpose, ethics, principles, motivation, and conduct.”