LEADERSHIP

Leadership: The Basis for Management
by William P. Fisher Ph.D.
We all like to think we have some leadership qualities and strive to develop them. We look at leaders in all walks of life seeking to identify which qualities, traits and skills they possess so we can emulate them. A fundamental question remains “What is the essence of leadership that results in successful management, as opposed to failed management?” At least part of the answer can be found within the word itself.
1. Loyalty
Leadership starts with a loyalty quadrant: loyalty to one’s organization and its mission; loyalty to organizational superiors; loyalty to subordinates and loyalty to oneself. Loyalty is multi-directional, running upwards and downwards in the organization. When everyone practices it, “loyalty bonds” occur which drive high morale. Loyalty to oneself is based on maintaining a sound body, mind and spirit so one is always “riding the top of the wave” in service to others.
2. Excellence
Leaders know that excellence is a value, not an object. They strive for both excellence and success. Excellence is the measurement you make of yourself in assessing what you do and how well you do it. Success is an external perception that others have of you.

3. Assertiveness
Leaders possess a mental and physical intensity that causes them to seek control, take command, assume the mantle of responsibility and focus on the objective(s) . Leaders do not evidence self-doubt as they are comfortable within themselves that what they are doing is right which, in turn, gives them the courage to take action.
4. Dedication
Leaders are dedicated in mind, body and spirit to their organization  and to achievement. They are action-oriented, not passive, and prefer purposeful activity to the status quo. They possess an aura or charisma that sets them apart from others with whom they interact,
always working in the best interests of their organization.5. Enthusiasm
Leaders are their own best cheerleaders on behalf of their organization and their people. They exude enthusiasm and instill it in others to the point of contagion. Their style may be one of poise, stability, clear vision and articulate speech, but their bristling enthusiasm underscores their every waking moment.6. Risk Management
Leaders realize that risk taking is part of their management perch. They manage risk rather than letting it manage them, knowing full well there are no guaranteed outcomes, no foregone conclusions, no pre-ordained results when one is dealing with the future. Nonetheless,  they measure risk, adapt to it, control it and surmount it.7. Strength
Leaders possess an inner fiber of stamina, fortitude and vibrancy that gives them a mental toughness, causing them to withstand interruption,  crises and unforeseen circumstances that would slow down or immobilize most people. Leaders become all the more energized in the face of surprises.

8. Honor
Leaders understand they will leave a legacy, be it good, bad or indifferent. True leaders recognize that all their relationships and actions are based on the highest standards of honor and integrity. They do the right things correctly, shun short-term improper expediency and set the example for others with high-mindedness,  professional bearing and unassailable character.

9. Inspiration
Leaders don’t exist without followers. People will follow leaders who inspire them to reach beyond the normal and ordinary to new levels of accomplishment, new heights of well-being and new platforms for individual, organizational and societal good. Inspiration is what
distinguishes a leader from a mere position holder, as the leader can touch the heart, mind and soul of others.

10.Performance
At the end of the day, leader/managers rise or fall on the most critical of all measurements – their performance. Results come first, but the way in which results are achieved is also crucial to sustaining a leader’s role. Many “dictators” don’t last despite results and many “charismatics” don’t last despite personal charm.

 
 Putting the ten elements together spell LEADERSHIP!
Always remember, if you want to develop a leadership quality act as though you already possess it!
[About the Author: William P. Fisher, Ph.D., a member of Cayuga Hospitality Advisors, is the Darden Chair in the Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida in Orlando.]

k i s s

P S 3Alpaakshararamaneeyam yah kathayathi nishchitham sa khalu vaagmi !

Meaning :

He alone is a master of words who speaks short, sweet and clear.

Explanation : Say only those words that are relevant and useful says Thirukkural.  It is not the words alone that have impact, it is the way  and the intention behind those words that have an appeal unconsciously. Hence talking precisely is more important than elaborate detailing with an intention to impress;  express clearly, rest is taken care of.

Qualities of a professional

10 things that define a true professional

By Alan Norton,

Takeaway: You may be a brilliant developer, a highly skilled net admin, or a crackerjack DBA — but if you’re unprofessional, your career is likely to fall short. Alan Norton offers some attributes to strive for.

The term professional is thrown around quite a bit these days, perhaps too much. I do it myself. But what exactly does it mean to be a professional? As you read through the items below, consider how you compare with each trait.

1: Put customer satisfaction first

Understanding and satisfying your customer’s needs are the cornerstones of a successful business. Do what is necessary to meet those needs. After all, without the customer, there is no professional.

You may not view those you work with as your customers, but in many cases, they are. I remember when one of my managers perceived that I was overly stressed. He pulled me aside and sat me down in his office where he told me stories and jokes for the better part of half an hour. He recognized my needs and acted accordingly.

Professionals identify and satisfy their customer’s needs.

2: Make expertise your specialty

The very word professional implies that you are an expert. Technical competence is essential in IT.

Become an expert in the skills and tools necessary to do your job.

Always perform to the best of your abilities.

Keep your knowledge up to date.

Professionals know their trade.

3: Do more than expected

Professionals aren’t bound by a time clock. They are given wide latitude in their daily self-management. They are expected to manage their time and work habits. Don’t abuse the privilege. If you take an hour for personal needs, give back two hours.

The reality is that professionals are expected to exceed the standard 40-hour workweek. There are times when you may be asked to work weekends. You may have to forego a vacation or work 12-hour days to complete an important project. All are part of the job description of most professional positions.

Professionals are expected to produce results. Strive to complete deliverables before their due dates and under budget.

Professionals meet or exceed expectations whenever possible.

4: Do what you say and say what you can do

This is one of my favorite sayings especially in view of the fact that talking the talk is so prevalent and walking the walk so rare in this age of sound bites. You should “engage brain” before speaking — can you really do what you are about to say? If you can’t, the wizard behind the curtain will eventually be revealed and hard-earned trust can be lost.

Professionals deliver on promises made.

5: Communicate effectively

I go out of my way to patronize a dentist who has excellent communication skills. He takes the time to explain the available options, make recommendations, state the total costs, and promise a date when the work can be completed. I then feel empowered to make the right decisions.

I recently ordered Internet and phone service from the cable company. I told the salesman that the existing cable had been ripped out during a landscaping project. Perhaps I wasn’t clear or perhaps the salesman wasn’t listening — it doesn’t really matter. The message didn’t get through and the wrong person was sent to do the installation. As a result, Qwest, not the cable company, got my business. Not only did the commissioned salesman lose his sale, he and his company both looked unprofessional in my eyes.

Resist the urge to blame the customer when communication goes awry. Effective communication is ultimately your responsibility — not your customer’s.

Whether verbal or written, professionals communicate clearly, concisely, thoroughly, and accurately.

6: Follow exceptional guiding principles

Appreciate and support those you work with. Practice good manners and proper etiquette. Have high ethical and moral standards. Be honest and fair in all of your dealings with others. Obey the law. These may sound like the attributes of a Boy Scout, but they are basic values that all professionals should follow. Many companies have a document that outlines their operating principles. Have you read yours?

Professionals adhere to high values and principles.

7: Praise your peers not yourself

Respect and acknowledge the talents of your peers. There is nothing more unprofessional and self-serving than telling others how wonderful you are.

Professionals are humble and generous in their praise of others.

8: Share your knowledge

When I was hired at Hughes Aircraft, a second person with similar skills was hired with me. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that one of us wasn’t going to survive. The competitive nature of the situation was palpable. I am no stranger to the belief that it is not in your best interest to share your knowledge with your associates, AKA the competition.

It is easy to find yourself in that comfortable place with “unique” knowledge. If you are a hoarder of information and are of the opinion that all of the nuts you have squirreled away grant you immutable job security, think again. The harsh reality is that nobody is irreplaceable.

Information isn’t a limited resource. Contrary to what some might think, your mind won’t be emptied by giving away kernels of wisdom or experience. Think of knowledge as an ocean of facts and not a stream of data. It is possible to share what you know and still keep one step ahead of the competition — simply apply yourself and learn something new daily.

Professionals help their peers and are respected for doing so.

9: Say thank you

I always tried to find a way to thank others for their help. When their help was above and beyond the call of duty, I would buy them a Coke – a testament to the marketing power of Madison Avenue and Mean Joe Greene.

The items I value the most in my personnel file from Hughes Aircraft are two AVOs (Avoid Verbal Orders memos) to my manager from frontline employees. The AVOs thanked me for the support I provided that helped them do their job better.

Silly me — what was I thinking? I was sharing a Coke when I should have been sharing my thanks in a printed internal document to the employee’s manager.

Professionals thank others in a meaningful way that most benefits the recipient.

10: Keep a smile on your face and the right attitude in your heart

This has been the hardest item for me to do consistently over my working years. I believed I was lying to myself and the world by smiling when I was miserable or unhappy with an ongoing issue at work.

I now realize it’s not dishonest to be pleasant when you are having one of those lousy days. It is in fact thoughtful to care about how your attitude affects those you interact with. Share your unhappiness with your manager only. “Share the misery” is not the mark of a professional.

Professionals are pleasant even during trying times.

The final word

Working with professionals is a pleasure, and I have been fortunate to work with some truly exemplary ones. There have been a few who liked to be treated as professionals without having to work and act like one.

You don’t have to look any further than the medical profession to see examples of true professionals. Think back upon those doctors you’ve liked the most and model your professionalism after theirs.

So, how do you measure up? Don’t feel bad if you need some work in one or more areas. Demeanor that is less than professional can lead to an image problem for you and your company. Negative images are hard to shake. Recognize any shortcomings you might have and begin working on your professional image today.

About Alan Norton

Alan has worked at companies like Hughes Aircraft and CSC, where he developed client/server-based applications. Alan is currently semi-retired and starting a new career as a writer for TechRepublic.

Alan Norton began using PCs in 1981, when they were called microcomputers. He has worked at companies like Hughes Aircraft and CSC, where he developed client/server-based applications. Alan is currently semi-retired and starting a new career as a writer for TechRepublic.

 

FIRM MIND

Sage

Rishi

Manasvi kaaryaarthi na ganayathi dhuhkam na ca sukham

Meaning :- The man of determination  considers neither sorrow nor comfort

Explanation :

A person with strong will will not be shattered by difficulties or feel elated by the easy process while performing his tasks and his focus will be more towards sucessful completion of task than being easily  influenced by difficulties or comfort

Obstacles

Sage

Rishi

Bahuvighnaastu sadaa santi kalyaanasiddhayah !

meaning :- auspicious ventures  are always beset with many obstacles

From our own experience we know anything good & concrete we start there are many hurdles from within and without meet us to distract from proceeding ahead; only those who keep proceeding despite distractions succeed finally.

steady mind

Sage

Rishi

 

‘kriyaasuddhih sattve bhavati mahataam na upakarane !’

Meaning of sanskrit quote :
Success of great men is achieved by strength of mind, not by the tools they use. 

நல்லவைக் கேட்டல் – Lofty Thoughts

Kanyakumari-3660_4நுணங்கிய கேள்வியர் அல்லார் வணங்கிய
வாயினர் ஆதல் அரிது
/குறள் 419/

பொருள்: நுட்பமான விஷயங்களைக் கேட்டு அறியாதவர்கள் மதிக்கத்தக்க பண்பான சொற்களை பேசும் வாய் உடையவர்களாக இருத்தல் என்பது அரிது.

Meaning : One who has missed to listen to lofty thoughts will not have the ability  to express refined words.

சோர்வில்லா எண்ணம் -Reinforcement

Kanyakumari-3660_4உள்ளியது எய்தல் எளிதுமன் மற்றும்தான்
உள்ளியது உள்ளப் பெறின்/ குறள் 540/

பொருள்: ஒருவன் தான் எண்ணியதை சோர்வில்லாமல் விடாமல் மீண்டும் மீண்டும் எண்ணிச் செயல் பட்டால், அவன் எண்ணியதை அடைதல் எளிது

Meaning :  If one can reinforce what one has conceived of doing, then it becomes easy to achieve. Thiruvalluvar here emphasizes the need of reinforcement to make things happen.

Earl Nightingale Thoughts

Earl Nightingale thoughts

 

  • You become what you think about
  • Success is the progressive realization of a worthy ideal
  • Your world is a living expression of how you are using and have used your mind
  • A person needs to chip away everything that does not look like the person he or she most wants to become
  • For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction as Sir Issac Newton taught us in physics and the same rule operates unfailingly in our lives
  • Life doesn’t care whether we are rich or poor, sick or well, strong or weak. It is impartial and rigidly fair.
  • We have, we will always have, exactly what we earn: no more, no less
  • Our attitude towards life determines life’s attitude towards us.

Earl NightingaleEarl Nightingale (March 12, 1921 – March 28, 1989) was an American Motivational Speaker  and author, known as the “Dean of Personal Development.

கடுமை என்றாலும் கடமை(undeterred effort)

Kanyakumari-3660_4சுடச்சுடரும் பொன்போல் ஒளிவிடும் துன்பம்
சுடச்சுட நோற்கிற் பவர்க்கு/ குறள் 267/

பொருள்: துன்பம் வருத்த வருத்த மனம் தளராமல் கடமை ஆற்றுபர், சுடச் சுட ஒளி வீசும் பொன்போல புகழ் பெறுவர்
Meaning :- Just as gold shines well when heated, those who keep doing their duty despite difficulty will also shine.

Explanation – Doing persistently what one needs to be doing is important; yet the issue is how to keep the mind strong when facing difficulty; NLP gives tools to be resourceful to keep doing a task though very difficult on the face of it.