MANAGE YOURSELF, LEAD OTHERS

The principles of leadership are not something you acquire after you become a success. Putting them into practice is what makes you a success. Whether you are the president of a large corporation, a volunteer in a school or church, a line manager of a manufacturing plant, or a college student about to enter the workplace, you can begin to apply the traits of leadership in your daily dealings.

What leaders think:

• About themselves: Good leaders serve others and put the common good ahead of personal gain. They are continually developing their own sense of character and competence. They know that they need to get their mind right because a leader's state of mind affects every person in the organization. Successful leaders seek to change three bad habits a year - and get phenomenal results.

• About their job: They know they can take charge without always being in control. They understand they must be accessible as well as accountable. They reserve 15 minutes a day for themselves for uninterrupted quiet time.

• About their employees: They know that what's good for the employee is good for the company. They realize that all people want to be heard and understood. They see themselves in a partnership with their employees or associates. They know they can learn from their associates. They praise in public, criticize in private. They give employees a chance to demonstrate their skills knowing it will develop their confidence.

• About the workday: They realize that an in-person visit beats a written memo every time. They try to be "invisible" one day every other week. They visit each associate's work area at least once a month. They spend extra time with those who want to improve, and sometimes they send everyone home two hours early one day a week...just because.

• About decision-making: They realize that decisions should be based on the core values of an organization. They realize that finding a solution is a higher priority than placing blame. In solving problems, they first look for flaws in the organizational structure rather than in people. They give others a second, third, and fourth chance. They often put out a suggestion box - read the contents once a week, and act on them. They will ask their associates, "What would you do?" and expect powerful results.

• About goals: They have a clear-cut goal, are able to articulate it to other employees, then look for commitment - not mere compliance - with the shared vision. They realize that goals are dreams with deadlines. Successful leaders learn from the past, focus on the present, and prepare for the future.

• About teamwork: Leaders visualize results. They understand that a group of people committed to a shared vision can accomplish the impossible. Give employees some breathing room. Each week they select two items from their to-do list and delegate them to a capable employee. They are willing to create openings for exceptional people, even when a position isn't available. They surround themselves with talent and carefully nurture it.

Byrd Baggett, a veteran salesman and former executive in office furniture and consumer products, owns a successful business in Memphis, Tenn. He has also written The Book of Excellence and Satisfaction Guaranteed.

From Taking Charge by Byrd Baggett, copyright (c) 1995. Used by permission of Rutledge Hill Press, Inc., Nashville, Tenn., 1-800-234-4234.

© 1997 vinebranch@hotmail.com

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