Dr. Steven M. HaysFreshman Seminar

Bishop Kearney High School

Vision and Quick Victories Symbolism and Personal Example Optimism and Reality Stamina The Team Message Core Team Values Conflict Lighten Up! Risk Tenacious Creativity

Channel energy toward two equally important goals◦ Continually be aware of ultimate destination◦ Be vigilant in focusing scarce resources of organization

on critical short term tasks Create momentum Ensure survival

Application for organizations◦ What are key opportunities for action?◦ What are structures and routines that you use to create a

sense of stability?◦ Can you think of distractions that would affect the morale of

organization?◦ What are your short-term milestones?

Set a personal example◦ Use visible, memorable symbols and behaviors

Can mean difference between success and failure Let people see you in action

Application for leaders◦ How can you give the right speech to mobilize the power

of the organization?◦ What are you doing to ensure you are a visible leader?

What is your visibility plan? How much time do you spend out of the office?

Instill optimism and self-confidence Stay grounded in reality Begin by instilling optimism in yourself Believe you will succeed and it will pass to others

◦ “I was ever a fighter, so – one fight, more, The best and the last!... For sudden the worst turns the best

to the brave. The Black minute’s at end…“Prospice” – Robert

Browning

Application:◦ How do leaders react when faced with adversity or

potential setback?◦ Think about a current business challenge you are facing.

What are you doing to instill optimism?◦ How do leaders stay in touch with reality and get the full

picture?

Leaders must take care of themselves ◦ Maintain stamina ◦ Let go of guilt

Pursuing lofty goals can place heavy demands on physical and psychological reserves

Personal Application ◦ Are you taking care of yourself, as well as those who work

for you?◦ Who do you turn to when you need to vent?◦ Do you let feelings of guilt or frustration distract you?

Reinforce team message constantly◦ “We are one – we live or die together”

Challenges faced by organizations can only be overcome through unified effort

Keep everyone informed, involved and thinking about solutions

Application for leaders◦ What can be done to promote a sense of shared identity for

the organization?◦ Are team values explicit and understood by all? Are they used

to make decisions?◦ What else can leaders do to promote identification with the

team?◦ How would you assess the quality of communication among

those in your organization?◦ Do all members of the organization have a clear picture of

challenges faced by team as a whole? Do they have a sense of personal responsibility for the team’s success?

Minimize status differences

Insist on courtesy and mutual respect

Be willing to admit mistakes

Create an environment in which taking care of one another is the norm◦ Helps forge emotional

bonds

Application: ◦ Are there special

distinctions that create differences in class or status at your organization?

◦ Would you describe the leadership at your organization as “being in the trenches”, “above the action”, or “looking on”?

◦ Does the culture of the organization reinforce courtesy and mutual respect?

Master conflict◦ Deal with anger in small doses◦ Engage dissidents◦ Avoid needless power struggles

Lessons for Leaders◦ Identify individuals or groups that undermine your

leadership◦ Be proactive and keep troublemakers close by◦ Find ways to minimize negative impact of their behaviors◦ Treat everyone, including dissidents, with respect even

when they are antagonistic◦ Be willing to set limits◦ Avoid the temptation to denigrate malcontents and keep

personal opinions about people to yourself

Find something to celebrate Find something to laugh about Under extreme pressure the ability to lighten up,

celebrate, and laugh can make all the difference

Application: Do you celebrate major successes and achievements?

◦ Do you look for opportunities to celebrate small wins? ◦ Do those you manage feel free to be themselves and to find

humor in work situations?◦ Can you laugh at yourself?

Be willing to take the BIG Risk Never take unnecessary chances When risk is justified, do not hesitate

Personal Application ◦ Are there any risks you might take to improve the

effectiveness or profitability of your organization?◦ Is there a risk you might take to improve your

own effectiveness as a leader?

Never give up – there’s always another move Encourage thinking outside the box

Personal Application◦ How would you characterize your core beliefs about

problems and obstacles?◦ What are your typical reactions when things go wrong?◦ Do you have a systematic process for identifying

problems and finding solutions?◦ Have you demonstrated tenacious creativity in making

things happen in your organization?

“It is never too late to be what you might have been”- George Eliot

Find an environment that supports learning Practice the art of thriving

◦ Work◦ Relationships◦ Physical health ◦ Sense of purpose◦ Balance

Come to terms with fear and failure