Lifelong learning…a key to success.
John P. Kotter from the Harvard business School once said,
“The most notable trait of great leaders…is their quest for learning. They show an exceptional willingness to push themselves out of their comfort zones, even after they have achieved a great deal. They continue to take risks, even when there is no obvious reason for them to do so. And they are open to people and ideas, even at a time in life when they might reasonably think- because of their success – that they know everything.”
When I first read this quote years ago, I remember thinking about the truth of learning. It is very easy for many people to rest on their laurels and get by. When I was in the Navy, I witnessed many people doing “just enough” to get by and stay out of the way. On the other hand, I also had the privilege to know people that were willing to go the extra mile to make things happen.
Great leaders have a quest for learning. Any leader who tells you that they are comfortable with what they already know, is lying or sadly mistaken. CEOs of Fortune 500 corporations do not rely on their outdated education. Sure, they use the foundation school created to springboard them into success. But they must continually learn more to keep up. As human beings, most of have a desire to be the best at whatever it is we chose do.
Donald H. McGannon said it best, “Leadership is action, not position.”
What does that mean to you? Learning is action! Regardless of where you fit within your organization, positive results begin with YOU! Continuous learning is the key to personal success. And personal success equates to organizational success. Whether it is beginning a Masters or PHD program, taking a class a The Home Depot on Saturday morning, or reading an article on how Wall Street works. Learning is human nature, and learning is human nurturing.
My challenge to you is to learn something new each month. Cross-train for the position you would like to move in to, to make a soufflé, or change the oil in your vehicle. The self satisfaction and confidence you gain from these actions will fuel you to move further down the road of lifelong learning.
Josh Brody is the President and CEO of Corporate Guidance Solutions, a consulting firm specializing in helping organizations and individuals realize their potential and enhance their performance.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Keep your finger on the pulse...
I worked for a CEO in the past that was invisible. The only time he was visible was when he would arrive in the morning and leave in the evening. He was a very hard worker, but had no concept of what was happening around him.
As I think back, my thoughts are filled with sadness for him. How he must have thought everything as running smoothly, and all of his people were happy. The fact of the matter is that he had no idea what was happening. I know what you're thinking, "what about his managers?" Well, they were trying everything they could to do their jobs and keep the people happy. You see, when employees feel that there is an ivory tower syndrome going on, they lose focus. I would often hear coworkers saying, "he doesn't even know we're here." And, "he doesn't care whether we are here or not." Before he knew it, the turn-over ratio had doubled and his best, most talented people were leaving.
They weren’t leaving because they felt micromanaged; on the contrary, they felt unwanted. People need to feel wanted. Many studies have proven that people demonstate proclivity to work better when they are wanted and appreciated. Unfortunately for this leader, he had no idea of what it really took to run an organization…from a personnel standpoint. Afterall, people are what make-up an organization!
What could he have done to ensure his employees knew that he cared? Easy enough; walk around and be seen. The mere ability of great leaders to be seen is powerful. A 10 minute walk around an organization can reap millions of dollars, increase motivation and morale, or even build confidence within the workforce.
So, the next time you are in a board meeting and you hear something you did not know or can’t believe, remember…a 10 minute walk can solve many problems. Sure, you will hear stories you don't need to, and get asked questions that should be fielded by someone else. But the message will be sent to your people. the message that you care enough to walk around one a week and see who works in your orgainzation and what they do for you.
I think you will be amazed at the outcome.
More to follow…
Josh Brody is the President and CEO of Corporate Guidance Solutions, a consulting firm specializing in helping organizations and individuals realize their potential and enhance their performance.
As I think back, my thoughts are filled with sadness for him. How he must have thought everything as running smoothly, and all of his people were happy. The fact of the matter is that he had no idea what was happening. I know what you're thinking, "what about his managers?" Well, they were trying everything they could to do their jobs and keep the people happy. You see, when employees feel that there is an ivory tower syndrome going on, they lose focus. I would often hear coworkers saying, "he doesn't even know we're here." And, "he doesn't care whether we are here or not." Before he knew it, the turn-over ratio had doubled and his best, most talented people were leaving.
They weren’t leaving because they felt micromanaged; on the contrary, they felt unwanted. People need to feel wanted. Many studies have proven that people demonstate proclivity to work better when they are wanted and appreciated. Unfortunately for this leader, he had no idea of what it really took to run an organization…from a personnel standpoint. Afterall, people are what make-up an organization!
What could he have done to ensure his employees knew that he cared? Easy enough; walk around and be seen. The mere ability of great leaders to be seen is powerful. A 10 minute walk around an organization can reap millions of dollars, increase motivation and morale, or even build confidence within the workforce.
So, the next time you are in a board meeting and you hear something you did not know or can’t believe, remember…a 10 minute walk can solve many problems. Sure, you will hear stories you don't need to, and get asked questions that should be fielded by someone else. But the message will be sent to your people. the message that you care enough to walk around one a week and see who works in your orgainzation and what they do for you.
I think you will be amazed at the outcome.
More to follow…
Josh Brody is the President and CEO of Corporate Guidance Solutions, a consulting firm specializing in helping organizations and individuals realize their potential and enhance their performance.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Business Health
How healthy is the organization you work for? Is the health of a business really measured by the bottom line, number of sales quotas met, or amount of new customers? I would venture to say that many CEOs feel that these are some of the main ingredients for strong business health. Albeit true, I would also argue that the true health of a business is based upon the morale and communication of and between employees.
All too often, organizations appear to be healthy and thriving, only to be reeling from turmoil within. How well we take care of our employees and team members is the key truth behind a successful business. How important is it to make sure that your front-line personnel are happy and believe in the vision? Very important! After all, it is the job of the CEO to create the vision for the organization, and the managers carry out the mission to move toward the vision. If your front-line employees are not happy, none of this matters.
Think about the number of transactions delayed or even lost because the first person a potential customer interacts with is not happy and doesn’t believe they are important. It is vital that all personnel within an organization believe in the vision. How is this accomplished? By empowering each employee with responsibility. I know what you’re thinking; there is that “empowering” word again. Ask yourself one question: no matter who answers the phone, can they provide a positive projection of your organization? If you can answer yes, then the health of your business is more than likely, strong. By providing our employees with the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to make a decision or where to look to find the right answers, we empower them. When they wake each morning they know that they make a difference each and every day. Your business will thrive and your bottom line will grow.
So, how healthy is your business...really?
More to follow…
Josh Brody is the President and CEO of Corporate Guidance Solutions, a consulting firm specializing in helping organizations and individuals realize their potential and enhance their performance
All too often, organizations appear to be healthy and thriving, only to be reeling from turmoil within. How well we take care of our employees and team members is the key truth behind a successful business. How important is it to make sure that your front-line personnel are happy and believe in the vision? Very important! After all, it is the job of the CEO to create the vision for the organization, and the managers carry out the mission to move toward the vision. If your front-line employees are not happy, none of this matters.
Think about the number of transactions delayed or even lost because the first person a potential customer interacts with is not happy and doesn’t believe they are important. It is vital that all personnel within an organization believe in the vision. How is this accomplished? By empowering each employee with responsibility. I know what you’re thinking; there is that “empowering” word again. Ask yourself one question: no matter who answers the phone, can they provide a positive projection of your organization? If you can answer yes, then the health of your business is more than likely, strong. By providing our employees with the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to make a decision or where to look to find the right answers, we empower them. When they wake each morning they know that they make a difference each and every day. Your business will thrive and your bottom line will grow.
So, how healthy is your business...really?
More to follow…
Josh Brody is the President and CEO of Corporate Guidance Solutions, a consulting firm specializing in helping organizations and individuals realize their potential and enhance their performance
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Followers are just as important as leaders.
There are two kinds of people in the world; leaders and followers. It doesn't matter which category you fall within, because both leaders and followers are needed to make things work in the world, and are equally important. As a matter of fact, most leaders have great followership skills.
In fact, with the amount of information and training available today for leadership, many people who are uncomfortable in leadership roles are often "pushed" into being something they are not. Many people are very happy doing what they need to do, and being part of the team. How many times have you been in an office and run into the janitor, and he has been one of the happiest individuals in the building? How many times have you been in a restroom at a swanky hotel or restaurant and it seemed the happiest employee was the attendant handing you the towel?
Followers are just as important as leaders. Leaders create vision! Followers generate revenue!
After all, each person, no matter what their position or status within an organization has value. Good leaders recognize what value each person has and they capitalize on it. Followers know what they do best and don't mind doing whatever it takes to get the job done. They are usually the epitome of the word TEAM! They have individual projects they lead.
Leaders that are open to discussion, get "out and about" in their organization, and keep their finger on the pulse so to speak...are invaluable.
Many organizations have leaders with the "Halo Effect." Many times followers become apprehensive about making recommendations or small decisions because they feel like leadership is unapproachable. Great leaders empower their people to be great followers. By doing this, they build confidence and ingenuity. Remember, without good people and ideas, leaders would not lead!
More to follow…
Josh Brody is the President and CEO of Corporate Guidance Solutions, a consulting firm that specializes in helping organizations and individuals realize their potential and enhance their performance.
corporateguidancesolutions@gmail.com
In fact, with the amount of information and training available today for leadership, many people who are uncomfortable in leadership roles are often "pushed" into being something they are not. Many people are very happy doing what they need to do, and being part of the team. How many times have you been in an office and run into the janitor, and he has been one of the happiest individuals in the building? How many times have you been in a restroom at a swanky hotel or restaurant and it seemed the happiest employee was the attendant handing you the towel?
Followers are just as important as leaders. Leaders create vision! Followers generate revenue!
After all, each person, no matter what their position or status within an organization has value. Good leaders recognize what value each person has and they capitalize on it. Followers know what they do best and don't mind doing whatever it takes to get the job done. They are usually the epitome of the word TEAM! They have individual projects they lead.
Leaders that are open to discussion, get "out and about" in their organization, and keep their finger on the pulse so to speak...are invaluable.
Many organizations have leaders with the "Halo Effect." Many times followers become apprehensive about making recommendations or small decisions because they feel like leadership is unapproachable. Great leaders empower their people to be great followers. By doing this, they build confidence and ingenuity. Remember, without good people and ideas, leaders would not lead!
More to follow…
Josh Brody is the President and CEO of Corporate Guidance Solutions, a consulting firm that specializes in helping organizations and individuals realize their potential and enhance their performance.
corporateguidancesolutions@gmail.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
