This week from The Backbone Institute:
A Call for Leaders
Special announcement: Susan Marshall going to Brunei in March!
We need leaders!
Susan teaches an MBA Leadership class. The Brunei work is about leadership in school systems.
Some common notions/misunderstandings about Leadership – why people are reluctant to assume leadership role.
· It’s about making people happy. No. It’s about results.
· It takes special abilities. No. It takes purposeful action.
· It’s bigger than most people. It’s yours if you choose to develop yourself.
· Young people are not eager to pursue leadership roles.
o Too much time required – no life balance
o Don’t want the hassles
o Other ways to make a difference
It’s good to know what you want and what you are willing to do to get it.
The Backbone Institute weekly feature:
CALL UP YOUR CHARACTER!
You can be a leader!
Here’s how to prepare yourself: Remember competence builds confidence that enables you to take the risk of becoming a leader.
Learn the industry you’re in — healthcare, engineering, automotive, retail, hospitality, entertainment, manufacturing, etc.
Get to know your customers.
Learn about your competitors. Google alerts.
Stay current with technology.
Study people.
Watch who gets things done in your organization.
Pay attention to what engages and motivates people.
Watch what shuts people down.
Understand yourself. Know what you want. Jeff Immelt, CEO of GE: “Leadership is an intense journey within. It starts with a constituency of one.”
Know your strengths.
Ask for feedback.
Surround yourself with people who do what you don’t.
Keep a journal or log.
Watch leadership exchanges.
What works?
What doesn’t?
What can you learn?
Leadership is a contact sport! If you want to be a leader, go for it!
If not, be a good follower. Tell your leaders what you need. Speak up when things aren’t right.
Tags: leader, leadership, Susan Marshall, The Backbone Institute