Over the course of my career I've held two
positions where I was responsible for a staff of 100 or more employees.
Both positions were challenging as well as deeply gratifying. When you
have a staff of this size, it is fairly common to go through many of
life's various transitions with those on your team, over the course of
time. I have officiated at weddings and funerals; have done
interventions, and spent myriad hours sharing my views on leadership in
hundreds of staff meetings, Board meetings, conferences and community
meetings.
One value which I have tried to foster through the years is a model of 'empowerment of,' rather than 'power over' others. Being in a position of authority is principally one of responsibility and stewardship. It is possible to be highly effective as the "boss" without being heavy-handed and hierarchical. Actually, I believe that it is much easier to be effective leading by example rather than by "wearing" one's power. Since shortly after I began in management, I have tried to support personal and professional growth in my employees, even when it meant the eventuality of "losing" some of them to better opportunities. I believe leadership includes mentoring, and working to identify and help bring out the best in each individual entrusted to your supervisorial care. This can mean having the courage to be clear and directive when someone is at a loss about how to move forward; or "speaking the truth in love" when disciplinary action is necessary; as well as being generous with affirmation and praise for exceptional work. This approach and commitment to empowering others tends to motivate, enhance individual strengths, and often engenders loyalty. It also tends to foster the traits necessary to build future leaders. Where appropriate and possible, I always promoted from within.
I think this background has heightened my appreciation of my current passion as an Internet marketing coach. While my previous experience is invaluable and I am deeply grateful for it, it is really the freedom I now have to work solely with those who work for themselves that I love. And I believe that it is my previous management experience, coupled with my awareness of this distinction that enables me a more effective coach. I am not responsible for my team-members' success, but I am in a special position to serve and help support them in their personal commitment to their own success.
Widely respected and internationally known leadership expert John C. Maxwell, expresses this in a marvelous way. He states, "The highest reward of our toil is not what we get for it, but who we become by it." For me, this captures the deep joy of personal growth and development; and it highlights the true blessings of the privilege of leadership. After all, this is what enables us to advocate, support and then happily witness the transformative power of personal growth in others.
For those of us who are committed to our own continued success, and to the success of others, this kind of life-long trajectory is crucial. As Maxwell states, "Growth is the great separator of those who succeed and those who do not." I am absolutely dedicated to an ongoing and life-long pursuit of learning; and I encourage this in each of my team members also. As individuals, we are endowed with the glorious ability to learn, grow and enhance every aspect of our lives. By taking full advantage of this, we will make the most of each new day and further our success.
One value which I have tried to foster through the years is a model of 'empowerment of,' rather than 'power over' others. Being in a position of authority is principally one of responsibility and stewardship. It is possible to be highly effective as the "boss" without being heavy-handed and hierarchical. Actually, I believe that it is much easier to be effective leading by example rather than by "wearing" one's power. Since shortly after I began in management, I have tried to support personal and professional growth in my employees, even when it meant the eventuality of "losing" some of them to better opportunities. I believe leadership includes mentoring, and working to identify and help bring out the best in each individual entrusted to your supervisorial care. This can mean having the courage to be clear and directive when someone is at a loss about how to move forward; or "speaking the truth in love" when disciplinary action is necessary; as well as being generous with affirmation and praise for exceptional work. This approach and commitment to empowering others tends to motivate, enhance individual strengths, and often engenders loyalty. It also tends to foster the traits necessary to build future leaders. Where appropriate and possible, I always promoted from within.
I think this background has heightened my appreciation of my current passion as an Internet marketing coach. While my previous experience is invaluable and I am deeply grateful for it, it is really the freedom I now have to work solely with those who work for themselves that I love. And I believe that it is my previous management experience, coupled with my awareness of this distinction that enables me a more effective coach. I am not responsible for my team-members' success, but I am in a special position to serve and help support them in their personal commitment to their own success.
Widely respected and internationally known leadership expert John C. Maxwell, expresses this in a marvelous way. He states, "The highest reward of our toil is not what we get for it, but who we become by it." For me, this captures the deep joy of personal growth and development; and it highlights the true blessings of the privilege of leadership. After all, this is what enables us to advocate, support and then happily witness the transformative power of personal growth in others.
For those of us who are committed to our own continued success, and to the success of others, this kind of life-long trajectory is crucial. As Maxwell states, "Growth is the great separator of those who succeed and those who do not." I am absolutely dedicated to an ongoing and life-long pursuit of learning; and I encourage this in each of my team members also. As individuals, we are endowed with the glorious ability to learn, grow and enhance every aspect of our lives. By taking full advantage of this, we will make the most of each new day and further our success.
Linda is empowering others to success. You may contact her to find out more about her personal coaching program and the powerful, all-inclusive Internet Marketing Training System with which she is affiliated.
Article Source: http://www.leadershiparticles.net
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