Morning Motivator – How Dodgeball Exposed a Leader

"The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant."
-Max De Pree, "Leadership Is an Art"

For those that know me well, know that I cherish 3 things about my life – SPORTS, JUNIOR CHAMBER (www.najcc.org) and LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT. I am fascinated by all three and occasionally get to see them merge together harmoniously. Last night, I began a dodgeball league in Nashville with my Junior Chamber mates. Commonly, I would have stepped up and taken the "captain" role to help coordinate a smooth merging of a team. I have decided that I will not assume that role as it is time to pass the torch! I believe that TO BE A LEADER, YOU MUST TAKE ACTION IN THE MANNER YOU WISH OTHERS TO TAKE ACTION – DON'T JUST "TELL" THEM WHAT TO DO. (see above quote)

Reluctantly, Andrew, a friend in Junior Chamber, assumed the role of captain and with it the responsibilities of leading a small groups of very different personalities. I knew that initially he did not want the role and yet he assumed it. Why? The answer is: Leadership! Andrew IS a leader. He consistently steps up when the opportunity presents itself and others fail to assume that role. What I am most excited about is the idea that this young man, who can often be reserved, is a GREAT leader in the making. I am not sure he has taken OWNERSHIP of that trait yet, however, one day he will and great things will await him for his efforts. Funny how DODGEBALL can define a leader, huh? How are you demonstrating your LEADERSHIP?

2 DEGREE SUCCESS STEP:
As a leader – YOU have a responsibility. Whether you are a CEO, Manager or working your way up the ladder, it is YOUR job to OWN your leadership role and develop others around you. Your responsibilities are to:

* Help DEFINE the goal of your team by identifying the "critical measurement" for success – Ask yourself what is the KEY driver of our success?

* Structure an ACTION PLAN to lay out an effective process for your team to be successful - Give direction and support

* DEMONSTRATE work ethic by DOING what you say - no one respects a leader that beats people up for doing something then fails to do it the next day

* SUPPORT the actions of your team – Become the SERVANT to your team. If they need help, YOU help them. It's YOUR role to make them successful!

* REWARD their achievements – Celebrate the accomplishments of your team. Their success is directly related to YOURS!

* MOTIVATE and INSPIRE them when needed – ALWAYS pick your people up in the face of adversity. If they have a bad day, brush them off and help them get back in it. NEVER undercut their motivation with negativity!

Often, especially in business, a person is a leadership role believes that barking and being critical of others is leadership. Look in your office or around you for the GREAT leaders you know – they are FOCUSED, PERSISTENT and SUPPORTIVE of their team. They KNOW they are only successful when their TEAM is working at its best!

Cheers,
Zach

*To enjoy past editions of the Morning Motivator go to – http://grow-learn-lead.blogspot.com


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