kreg@leadershipmentor.net.
Best regards
Kreg Enderson
http://www.leadershipmentor.net
Leadership In the "Gaps"
We often talk about the big debate about whether leaders or
born or made. Are we just born with all the skills and
traits necessary to inspire others to want to follow us, or
is it more of a process of learning these skills? While
that debate will go on and on, there's one thing I do know,
you define yourself as a leader in the "gaps". Those
seconds between something happening and your response. In
this small amount of time, you show your people just what
you value and who you really are. It's in those situations
when you have little if any time to think, you just react.
In the "gap", you rely solely on your character and values
to drive your actions. No faking, no rehearsal, no second
chance to get it right.
This is why I feel it is so important that one of the first
things we do as a new leader is define ourselves. What do
we really value? Where will you draw the line in terms of
getting results? Will you lie, will you ask people to do
things that you would never do yourself? At some point we
are all faced with decisions that define who we are as a
leader. I can't think of a better way to gain the respect
of others by making decisions that are always aligned with
your values. If you have been blessed with some great
mentors, you are probably well grounded in having a solid
foundation as to who you are and how to align that with
your leadership style. If not, one of the fist things you
need to do is find someone that can help guide and mentor
you until you have your values securely attached.
Think about some of the decisions you were faced with last
week. Anything that you did not feel good about but felt
you "had" to do? Those are usually the ones that deviate
from your core values. Define your values for a lifetime,
and your "gap" decisions will be consistent and right on
the money.
Remember that your team members see and hear everything you
do, You are continually watched and judged not just by
your words, but more importantly by your actions. Always
act as if someone is watching, because they usually are.
Remember, your job as a leader is to always lead by
example. Your team is watching.
----------------------------------------------------
Kreg Enderson is a certified coach, speaker, and successful
leader. More information can be found at
http://www.leadershipmentor.net Free weekly mentoring
available for new leaders just by visiting our site.
