Leadership Technique – One Simple Step to Give You a Distinct Advantage

It costs nothing, but benefits the recipient tremendously

This leadership technique has a direct link between your intentions and the impact on others. It can affect your leadership and managerial style.

Yet, very few managers and leaders practice this generously

It is a simple formula sitting right under your nose. You know it, but you tend to forget it.

The following questions will give you the answer

1.      When was the last time you complimented someone at work?

2.      Have you ever observed someone in need of encouragement? What have you done about it?

My favorite question:

3.      What kind of encouragement from someone will give you a lift?

You must be wondering – what is the benefit of appreciating someone?

1.      Research has repeatedly shown that genuine praise gives most people a psychological boost.

2.      Feeling appreciated increases your sense of well-being and it sets off a chain reaction of positive reinforcements.

3.      The environment of the entire team improves.

4.      Praise can mean a lot to some people.

What is in it for you?

1.      You come across as a supportive and encouraging leader.

2.      A display of such kind of leadership traits creates goodwill, positive energy and cohesiveness within the group.

3.      Above all, it makes you look like a leader who believes in his people- a golden leadership trait, displayed by very few first level leaders.

So how do you do it?

1.      From today, think differently about the way you operate from day-to-day.

2.      Be aware that you need to encourage people around you. That’s it!

If you want to go further then-

1.      Show your encouragement in front of others—the value of that encouragement simply multiplies for the recipient.

2.      Ask for advice –“can you show me how to do that?” When you treat someone as an expert, there is nothing more flattering or validating for him.

3.      Show interest by asking relevant questions.

Everyone needs encouragement,

So don’t be stingy with your compliments. If you are mindful of this strategy, you will find ways to offer appreciation, recognition, and encouragement to others whenever possible.

Try this for sometime and you will understand what I mean—

Your sphere of influence will increase considerably. People will be more willing to help you with their expertise.

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What is Your Leadership Style?

Do you have a role model?

As a student of Leadership Styles, you must have a role model that is worth imitating. If you don’t, then please look for one.

You have to be very discerning about what you learn

In the luxury of retrospect, I can say that as a new manager or first level leader, you will be tempted to copy your role model. Without realizing, you may adopt the principle of parallelism – to be a replica of the leader you look up to…

I am of the view that:

1.      You must have a role model.

2.      You should be able to learn a lot from his leadership style.

However, there is a caveat–

1.      The role model should be worth imitating but should not be imitated.

2.      If you try to develop a style by imitating your manager, it might look flattering to him initially, but soon you will graduate into a constant irritant with no identity.

If you are trying to be a clone,

You will always be an inferior quality of clone. Interestingly, and at every level of hierarchy, the quality of the clones will deteriorate.

Don’t graduate from the School of Parallelism

I know there is another school of thought that promotes parallelism. However, I am of the opinion that it is not a good strategy. Your role model may have a force of personality that makes him successful in spite of the flaws in the personality. What has worked for him may not be sufficient for you.

You are unique,

Therefore, discover your own leadership style. When developing a unique leadership style, imitation is NOT the best strategy.

Finally,

Your actions should reflect your deep-rooted values and attitudes and not of someone else.

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Before moving into your new leadership role, know this…

If you’re a first level leader, then you are in this position because you must have been an excellent individual contributor… right!

The technical expertise remains a critical competency but no longer defines your role

Now you have to play a larger role than before. Therefore, the qualities that got you here will help you very little in this new role.

What should you do?

Devote some time in planning to develop new skill sets required for the new leadership role. This will put you on the fast track!

Don’t get me wrong by thinking that planning is merely deciding what to do in the future.

Let me clarify – planning is deciding what you have to do now in order to have a future.

How you manage your time now becomes a key to your managerial future

Therefore, investment theory comes into action. If you do not invest time now in planning to develop your leadership and managerial skills, you will soon struggle.

Time equals money

We have all heard the statement a zillion times. It is a resource with unique properties. You can only use it at a constant rate and it gets eroded at a constant rate-60 minutes an hour… the irony is that we don’t know how much time we have.

Are you willing to sacrifice…

Some of your present time, energy and instant gratification in order to invest for the future?

If yes,

Please take a stock of things you don’t know and get on with it before it’s too late.

Make a plan to update your knowledge and then try to put it into action. Nothing happens until something moves. Make mistakes quickly (fast-forward your failures) so that you can  succeed quickly.

And don’t forget – the qualities that got you here will help you very little in this new role.

I am tempted to share a quotation by Dwight D. Eisenhower:

“Plans are nothing; planning is everything.”

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How To Display a True Mark of Leadership?

Do you work in an environment which is highly confrontational and competitive?

If you are in an environment where conversation turns into a battle, then you might add a new dimension to your behavior – you may find yourself becoming argumentative, which may be completely against your grain.

I know sometimes arguments are unavoidable…

But they usually make you look angry, hostile and competitive. They also make you look like you don’t care if don’t get along well with others.

What matters most to these individuals who are always in a combative mood?

To them winning an argument is all that matters regardless of the damage they do for their reputation. When you’re interacting with such individuals remember they’re usually insecure, aggressive, or both.

So what should you do if you work with such characters?

DISCUSS  BUT  NEVER  ARGUE! As a leader you cannot look bad.

What are the benefits of discussing?

  1. You sound and look mature.
  2. Your focus remains on solving problems through deliberations and consideration.
  3. Your opinion will be more respected.

Arguments tend to focus on self-justification rather than on conflict resolution.

So the next time

When someone turns a conversation into a conversational battle, please don’t be like him. Don’t argue, just discuss.

Such people actually give you an opportunity to shine

Don’t lose that opportunity. Develop this leadership trait; it will take you further ahead in life. To keep your civility in such times is a true mark of leadership.

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A Simple Advice For Stressed Out Managers

Imagine the pilot of the aircraft you are traveling on says that –

He is stressed! Will you travel on that aircraft? Probably not…

Similarly as a leader, if you discuss your personal problems with your colleagues,

and look stressed, will they feel confident traveling with you? Probably not…

What happens when you share a personal problem with your colleagues?

You actually open the door to your personal life. And if you happen to talk about all your problems all the time, then you look:

1.      Out of control

2.      Indecisive

3.      Vulnerable

4.      Not dependable

5.      Like a nagging problem to everyone around

Therefore, come what may,

Please keep your personal problems far away from your professional playground. Exercise extreme restraint regarding what you share with your colleagues. Even if you are going through a difficult time, don’t succumb to the temptation of sharing your grief.

And if you have a psychological need to discuss,

Please park your problems elsewhere. Consult a doctor or a counsellor, talk to a friend, read a book, watch a movie, go for walks … whoever or whatever can help you, but keep it away from your workplace.  It is a losing game, so don’t play it in your professional playground.

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How To Be a Charming Leader

Here’s some news for you

Most people hate to work with hard babies. Difficult people make things difficult. People like to work with easy going individuals. Being easy to work with is a leadership quality that makes you charming.

How to be charming?

The short is answer is- Never Complain.

This is especially true, if the listener has no control or authority to solve your problem. No one wants to hear your problem because some of them have problems greater than yours, some are just indifferent, and some of them are happy that you have problems.

I’m not saying that you will not have real issues

Of course you will … but handle your issues without complaining.


You understand what I mean…

Address your problem only to the person who can solve it. There is no point talking to everyone.

How can you present the problem?

1.      You should present the problem as a matter of fact in an informed manner – NOT as a complaint.

2.      Give as much information as possible to help the other person help you.

3.      If you know how your problem can be resolved, spell it out fully and without abbreviating.

In other words, make it easy and pleasant for people to help you.

What happens when you continue to gripe and grumble or whine and complain?

1.      Initially you will negatively impact the morale of others around you.

2.      Then your seniors will dislike you for creating a culture of complaining in the work place.

3.      People will try to ignore you, then they will avoid you and if they have their way, they would try to get rid of you.

It doesn’t matter how good you are at work, if you complain, it will eventually bring you down. Next time you want to complain, think again – after all, leadership is about behaviors and not about titles and roles. Complaining certainly does not make you a charming leader!


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I Am Sure You Are Not One Of Those Managers

Why are fifty percent of managers not effective?

A recent study shows that most managers don’t always know whether they’re displaying effective behaviors or not… and it doesn’t come as a surprise that 50% of managers are not effective-they either have a problem dealing with the team, or display poor leadership skills or lack emotional intelligence, or fall short of their objectives. Whatever be the reason, the biggest concern is that they are unaware of their own deficiencies.

What can they do before it’s too late?

Before it’s too late and leads to ultimate failure, these managers should enhance their self awareness. This advice may sound simple, but is most helpful to avoid derailment.

So how can they enhance their self awareness?

By seeking feedback!

Managers who display signs of cracks in their management style are often not in touch with reality. They are usually not aware of how others perceive them. Their arrogance forces them to surround themselves with people who do not give straightforward feedback.

What else can they do to avoid managerial derailment?

They must have the courage to receive honest and constructive feedback from peers and direct reports. They should now focus more on developing their leadership skills than technical skills. The leadership skills will take them further ahead in their career. Therefore, they should make every effort to strengthen those skills.

In brief:

Seek feedback through formal and informal means and have the courage to receive honest feedback.  This will lead to enhanced self awareness.

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Are You Wearing a Leader’s Outfit?

The way you dress sends a clear message about you. The way you dress tells a lot about you. Today I am going to draw your attention towards a neglected area of first level leadership.

Can you take a look in your wardrobe and map out a strategy?

If it forces you to send some of your clothes to the charity, you don’t have to buy new clothes. With a little bit of creativity and the remaining clothes you have, you’ll be fine. I think one outstanding suit three times a week is far better than wearing five different outfits that don’t really make you look smart.

May I ask you to look at your hairstyle?

Does it look neat and professional? A good haircut is as important as good fitting clothes.

Shoes are one of the few things people notice first

Men should wear the best quality black or brown shoes that are not trendy but conventional. Women should not wear open toed shoes or very high heels. Needless to say, polish your shoes and maintain their shine.

Wear accessories that should be noted not noticed

A good watch, a nice scarf or a necktie, smart glasses all sent signals of confidence and can-do attitude. And above all, do not forget to smile which is your most important accessory of all.

Now check – are you dressing better than others?

If you are not dressing better than your colleagues, then you’re missing an opportunity to create a powerful impression. Therefore, you must explore ways to sharpen your appearance.

How to create a perception of “You are always there”?

Do you want to excel in a leadership role?

Then start practicing by being early to work. People who arrive late convey that they don’t like their jobs or that’s the perception they create.

Would you ever arrive 10 minutes late for a popular movie?

I don’t think so. When you are early, you get a psychological advantage over others. Arriving early shows your commitment, allows you to get your ducks in a row and gives the impression that you are really prepared for the day. Your senior management will always appreciate such dependability.

So how early should you be?

You just need to be there 15 minutes before your boss or coworkers every day and it will give you such a psychological edge over others. The same principle goes for meetings and conference calls – always be early.

I know you must be thinking – What time should your leave?

Should you leave office on the dot? The same philosophy applies in the evening. Leave 15 minutes late; I mean don’t stay late, stay later. Leaving 15 minutes after your boss is gone reinforces the impression that you are a committed employee and take your job very seriously.

15 minutes in the morning and 15 minute in the evening adds up to half an hour every day. You can do the calculation for the entire year… trust me you can get ahead quickly working just an extra half an hour a day.

This is a simple trick which many people tend to ignore. Make sure you are not one of them.

Three DON’TS when you become a manager

  1. Don’t be a part of the office gossip anymore. I know the temptation is too high but refrain from participating in such conversations. Moreover, your role now is to support everyone on the team.
  2. Don’t fall into the usual “boss bashing” activity that goes on in most offices in the coffee room. You lose credibility, you lose control and above all you lose reputation. You are a part of the management now.
  3. Don’t take your new role to the extreme. In other words don’t project the attitude of one-upmanship that you’re better than your former coworkers. The biggest disadvantage of such an attitude is — you lose all the home court advantages that promotion from within can give you. In the bargain you create distance, distrust and greater challenges in managing the same group.

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