The Importance of Leadership

“You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you're going, because you might not get there.”

Yogi Berra

Expectations

What do you hope to get out of our session?

Ground Rules

No heckling the facilitator

Defining Your Role as a Leader

Who are the leaders at Acme?

What is your responsibility as a leader?

Defining Your Role as a Leader

What’s your Leadership style?

What do employees expect of you?

Defining Your Role as a Leader

Motivation and LeadershipMaslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Maslow argued that people are motivated by different levels of needs and that lower level needs (food, shelter, clothing) must be met before higher level needs (acceptance, respect, challenge). How does this translate to the workplace?

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

A Rutgers University study identified what employees really want from their jobs. They are:

RespectPersonal GrowthSelf expression in work and lifeAllowance for individual preferences and needs (diversity)Positive work environment that values the individualInformation about company decisions and policies

What does the executive team expect of you?

Defining Your Role as a Leader

What makes a great leader?

Think of a historical leader you admire – why do you admire that individual. What qualities did they possess to achieve what they achieved?

Think of a leader you have worked with during your career –why did you admire that individual? What qualities did they possess that you have or would like to emulate?

What makes a great leader?

Provide VisionProvide InspirationMake others feel important and appreciatedLive their values – behave ethically

Primary Rules of Leadership

Make the choice to Lead

“ . . . the number one reason people don’t practice leadership is that is requires 24/7 commitment. You can’t be a part-time leader! You’re either 100% committed or not at all. You make the choice.”-Joseph Alicia, The Leadership Void

Do you agree? Why or why not?

Primary Rules of Leadership

Influence and Empowerment

"Leadership is the capacity and will to rally men and women to a common purpose and the character

which inspires confidence."— Bernard Montgomery, British Field Marshall

Primary Rules of Leadership

Influence and Empowerment

How do you influence direct reports?

Do you influence your peers differently?

What’s the difference between leading and managing?

Primary Rules of Leadership

Character Counts

"The respect that leadership must have requires that one's ethics be without question. A leader not only stays above the line between right and wrong, he stays well clear of the gray areas."

— G. Alan Bernard, President, Mid Park, Inc.

Primary Rules of Leadership

How do poor character and ethics affect a company’s employees?

Worst case – Enron

Jobs lost, pensions lost, 401K’s lost, stock options lost

How did this affect employee trust in corporate leadership?

Primary Rules of Leadership

Worst case – Enron

Jobs lost, pensions lost, 401K’s lost, stock options lost

Once trust is lost, it is difficult to regain.

Primary Rules of Leadership

Hire Well

"While you, the leader, can teach many things, character is not taught easily to adults who arrive at your desk lacking it. Be cautious about taking on reclamation projects regardless of the talent they may possess. Have the courage to make character count among the qualities you seek in others."

— John Wooden

Primary Rules of Leadership

Hire Well: Thinking beyond skill and experience

Why is character important in employees as well as leaders?

What specific characteristics should we be screening for?

VIDEO:

Chris Widener

Right Now Leadership

Improving Leadership Today

CHOOSE TO LEAD

Improving Leadership Today

CHOOSE TO LEAD Make the tough decisions

Improving Leadership Today

CHOOSE TO LEAD Make the tough decisions Engage in respectful communication

Improving Leadership Today

CHOOSE TO LEAD Make the tough decisions Engage in respectful communication Rely on your character and ethics when making decisions

Improving Leadership Today

CHOOSE TO LEAD Make the tough decisions Engage in respectful communication Rely on your character and ethics when making decisions Delegate to enable employees to grow and experience

individual freedom in their roles

Improving Leadership Today

CHOOSE TO LEAD Make the tough decisions Engage in respectful communication Rely on your character and ethics when making decisions Delegate to enable employees to grow and experience

individual freedom in their roles Embrace diversity and understand that your way is not the

only way

Improving Leadership Today

CHOOSE TO LEAD Make the tough decisions Engage in respectful communication Rely on your character and ethics when making decisions Delegate to enable employees to grow and experience

individual freedom in their roles Embrace diversity and understand that your way is not the

only way Share information freely

AN ACME INDUSTRIES PRESENTATION