d-mars.com Business Journal 52

Inspire, Inform & Educate

june - july 2011

52

Edition

Effective Leadership

INSIDE

Effective Negotiation

By Christina R. Grochett 5 Tips on Negotiation Skills.

PAGE 7

How to Lead By Example

By A. J. Schuler, Psy. D. Ten Rules for Working and Living.

PAGE 19

MR. D-MARS, Shamarion and Quincy Whitaker MR. D-MARS & ??????????

There go the people. I must follow them for I am their leader. - Alexandre Ledru-Rollin

Actions of Leading 7 Things Leaders Do Other Than Issue Directives.

PAGE 21

Dr. A.V. Green M.A.L.E. Inc.

Phaedra B. Dinkins & Samuel Dinkins, III Dinky Drum Company, LLC

Effective Leadership in Group Discussions The majority of work accomplished at meetings is done through group discussion.

TWEF honors men on their accomplishments for being effective mentors and leaders in the community.

PAGE 25

Mr. & Mrs. Rose/Frankie Sanders Federal Workready Inc.

See pg. 6

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Publisher’s Message

Keith J. Davis, Sr. SR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Sr. VICE PRESIDENT Kevin Davis JR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Jr. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Christopher P. Kirksey EDITING CONSULTANT ReShonda Tate-Billingsley EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO CEO Stephanie Myers ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Abbey Rodriguez DIRECTOR OF SALES Eric D. Goodwine ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Mike Jones C.T. Foster Pastor Freddie L. Davis, III Dwight Jones PHOTOGRAPHY L.C. Poullard

Grady Carter MARKETING CONSULTANT Johnny Ray Davis, Jr. Barbara Wiederhold MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR Andrea Hennekes LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Ghuzzala Malik (Faith) Michael J. Martinez

What is effective leadership? That sounds like a question for a philosopher doesn’t it? The truth is that anyone can be an effective leader. They just need to find the right balance between social, moral and business aspects of leadership. An effective leader is generally someone that leads by example and other people just tend to follow because they believe what they do is the right thing. Think of anyone you have looked up to in the past, were they an honest individual that put others before themselves? That is a quality of effective leadership. Being honest gives a person credibility and result in other people trusting and believing in that person.

As always, thank you for your continued support of d-mars.com. When you support d-mars.com, you are supporting more than just our company; you are supporting the communities in which we live and work. Working together, we can succeed in making positive things happen.

CONTENTS Quincy and Shamarion Whitaker................................................................ 4-5 TWEF honors men on their accomplishments........................................... 6 Effective Negotiation…………………………………………......................... 7 Local Organization Aspiring & Leading Men……….................................... 9 Don’t Get Caught with Withholdings Down………..................................... 10 DDC, LLC Moves to Bigger & Brighter Facility…........................................ 13 Entrepreneurs Jeffery Rose and Frankie Sanders usher in a new era........ 16 How to Lead By Example…………………………….................................... 19 Problem or Possibility………………………………...................................... 20 Actions of Leading………………………………………................................ 21 Broaden your horizon, learn from other Chambers of Commerce............. 23 The Power of Effective Business Networking……...................................... 24 Effective Leadership in Group Discussions………..................................... 25 Leadership with an Attitude!....................................................................... 25 What are the most effective leadership styles?.......................................... 26

DISTRIBUTION Booker T. Davis, Jr. Johnny Ray Davis, Jr. Rockie Hayden CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Christian R. Grochett Ronnie R. Alexander Dr. David Jones A.J. Schuler, Psy. D. Tom Stevens Dr. Wendy

MR. D-MARS D-MARS.com Business Journal Tip of the Month Leadership: The art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.

Dwight D. Eisenhower

7322 Southwest Fwy, Suite 806 Houston, Texas 77074 713-272-9511 . Phone 713-272-6364 . Fax 1-800-453-8752 . Toll Free www.d-mars.com

“d-mars.com is certified with SBE, HUB, DBE & Port of Houston SBDP.”

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up and coming leaders working to make a difference in the community

Quincy & Shamarion Whitaker

Quincy Whitaker with tenant Joe Brandon

Quincy & Shamarion Whitaker with lifelong Acres Home resident, Sarah Hill

Quincy & Shamarion Whitaker with Dannette Solomon, owner of Kaye & Quay’s Food and Flavor.

Quincy & Shamarion Whitaker with MR. D-MARS

Quincy & Shamarion Whitaker with their son, Roy

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TWEF

honors men on their accomplishments for being effective mentors and leaders in the community

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Effective Negotiation CHRISTINA R. GROCHETT

By Christina Robinson Grochett, University of Phoenix – Houston Vice President

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ouston is the second fastest growing city for job growth in the nation, according to a recent report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. While the outlook for employment and career advancement is more positive, employers are still navigating this new business environment and being more deliberate with decisions. Therefore, individuals with strong negotiation skills are better poised to take advantage of new opportunities.

Negotiation skills are important in all aspects of a career. For instance, a job interview is effectively a negotiation that ties the skills of the potential employee to the needs of the company. It is rare that an individual’s experience will line up exactly to the company’s needs – instead, it is a negotiation and an effective candidate will make it clear to an organization his/her skills will add the most value.

Once hired at a company, negotiation skills can help define responsibilities, obtain raises, secure desirable projects, discuss flexible work schedules and engage coworkers and customers. In fact, employees who are assertive enough to negotiate, often gain respect within the organization and advance their careers more quickly.

University of Phoenix recently hosted workshops in Houston and Dallas to help professionals grow and hone their negotiations skills.

Here are some of the tips and messages that were discussed.

you want to achieve before the meeting. Prioritize your goals and have a clear understanding of what you value and what is reasonable.

It is also important to know what motivates your boss and to be aware of the current company and market dynamics. Be sure to tie your recommendations to those priorities.

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Keep an open mind Have a positive mindset and be confident – this is easier if you have done your homework so you can negotiate with authority. Avoid undervaluing your worth and your input. If you go into negotiations thinking the worst, the outcome will likely be unfavorable.

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Collaborate Avoid showing all your cards. Negotiate from a position of strength and knowledge, but also be willing to compromise. Being flexible demonstrates respect and understanding for your boss’ position.

Listen Become an active listener and avoid making demands and rushing to judgment.

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Focus on building a relationship Relationships are based on trust.

Keep your emotions in check and remember that negotiation is a process – not a one-time win.

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Do your research and know what

Christina Robinson Grochett is the State Vice President/ Director of South

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Work by The Houston Business Journal and were awarded with the 2008, 2009 and 2010 Alfred P. Sloan Awards from the City of Houston for Workplace Flexibility and Innovation.

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Strong negotiation skills can improve communication with peers, managers, customers, clients and vendors. The key is to always go into a meeting, or rather a negotiation, with a solid plan, the proof points to back up your position and an open mind for collaboration.

For more information about career and other professional development workshops, visit www.facebook. com/uopxhouston.

Be prepared

Texas for University of Phoenix. An accomplished leader and champion of higher learning, she was selected as one of the 2010 Women of Influence by Houston Woman Magazine and one of the Top 10 business women by the American Business Women’s Association in 2008. Under her leadership, the Houston campuses were selected as a 2009, 2010 and 2011 Best Place to

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Local Organization Aspiring & Leading Males through Effective Leadership, Mentorship, Character, Courage and Commitment

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en Aspiring Leaders through Education (M.A.L.E.), founded

by Dr. A.V. Green, Sr. in 1999, has significantly impacted as well as made a difference in the lives of young and adolescent males. Dr. Green has been an educator for more than a decade and during his doctoral studies in 2003-2007, he conducted an experimental study focusing on the effects of early violence intervention on aggression and anti social behavior among elementary males. The motto for M.A.L.E. Inc is “Back to the Basics”. Students in the M.A.L.E. program, who received a violence prevention curriculum, achieved greater gains in knowledge of social-emotional skills, decreased levels of aggression, reduced antisocial behavior, decreased

disruptiveness following program completion, and increased academic achievement than students in comparison groups did.

M.A.L.E. Founder, Dr. Anthony Green, states, “The very essence of leadership is you have a vision.

It’s got to be a vision you articulate clearly and forcefully on every occasion. Leadership always requires courage and courage comes from the French word Coeur, meaning heart,

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a leader must have the heart to communicate his vision no matter how absurd it may sound to others, to risk defeat in the face of bitter odds, to put himself and his reputation on the line, and reach out to others in order to take them on the journey. After all, a leader’s courage is ultimately not for himself, but for all the people depending on him to lead. Every significant relationship in your life has your fingerprints all over it—the fingerprints of your character.

And those impressions on another person’s life are true indications of what your character is really like. Look within you— you can’t borrow somebody else’s vision. It must come from inside of you. The thing that brings it out is passion.”

M.A.L.E. collaborates/ partnerships with a plethora of stakeholders including, parents, community leaders, local and state officials, organizations, agencies, colleges and universities, school districts, and foundations such as M.L.K. III (Realizing the Dream), City of Houston, Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency and Prevention, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Texas Youth Commission, Harris County, HISD, Faith based organizations, InnerChange Freedom Initiative, Reentry programs, local and global businesses, Global Initiatives, YMCAs, community centers, etc.

M.A.L.E. is committed to empowering male youth by aspiring excellence and achievement through scholarship, while strengthening interpersonal skills and character in the cardinal principles of manhood, perseverance, and the uplift of humanity.

The mission is to reshape communities and to provide positive leadership and role models for all mankind. The ultimate goal is to prepare all young males to become

prominent, productive citizens.

M.A.L.E. believes that a social and emotional skills training curriculum can be used at home, school, and communitywide as a male mentoring program as a method of early intervention and as a tool empowerment, grooming today’s male youth into leaders of tomorrow. This is critical not only in the realm of academia, but in society in its entirety.

M.A.L.E. is an early intervention program that seeks to improve children’s lives by providing researchbased violence prevention, anti-bullying and emergent literacy programs for schools, families, and communities.

M.A.L.E. utilizes a multi-component curriculum including, Second Step: A Violence Prevention Curriculum that teaches social-emotional skills. In fact, this guide is an awardwinning curriculum used in more than 25,000 schools across North America.

Ultimately, the M.A.L.E. program increases individual’s safety and well-being by teaching them skills that reduce their aggression and increases their social competence.

M.AL.E.’s Youth and Adult Offender Program (Prison Prevention Program) helps to ensure that the transition individuals make from prison, jail, or juvenile residential facilities to the community is successful and promotes public safety. M.A.L.E.’s collaborative strategies / partnerships (Harris County Juvenile Probation Department, Texas Youth Commission, Texas Department Criminal Justice, InnerChange Freedom Initiative, etc.) address the challenges posed by offender reentry and recidivism reduction.

M.A.L.E.’s reentry process includes services in both pre- and post release settings, designed to ensure that the transition from prison or jail to the community is safe and successful. According to research, mentoring of offenders has proven to be a significant element of a successful reentry strategy.

The Global Minded Academy for Leadership and Education (G.M.A.L.E.) is a collaborative effort between global organizations and M.A.L.E.’s participants. The global leadership development program promotes academic proficiency and teaches global understanding.

M.A.L.E.’s primary goals are to develop

the next generation of minorities that are critical thinkers, thrivals, entrepreneurially driven, and highly competitive citizens that play a key role in the global market.

Ten traits of M.A.L.E.’s effective leadership—Education, Action, Vision, Sacrifice, Risk, Determination, Service, Responsibility, Citizenship, and Integrity.

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Don’t Get Caught with Withholdings Down

By Ronnie R. Alexander, CPA Contributing Writer Have you been shocked at tax time to find that you owe money to the IRS? Well, you’re not alone. Many people have the same problem for one simple reason: lack of proper planning throughout the year. There is no time like the present for some good mid-year tax planning.

Some people look at me like I’m crazy when I tell them that when they file their tax return their net liability/ refund should $0. Everyone wants a refund, but getting a refund means that you made a tax-free loan to the government. In addition, not everyone is going to get a refund but some may be hit with a larger-than-expected tax bill as well as a penalty for underpayment of estimated taxes. There are two fixes to make certain that you at least have enough withheld throughout the year or owe very little. The first is simple enough for anyone to do. The second is a little more complicated, and is probably best to develop with your tax professional.

First, everyone falls into a certain marginal tax bracket based on one’s

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$17,362.50.

The second method would be to sit down with a tax professional to prepare a what-if scenario, taking into consideration increases/decreases in income and deductible items. This will get you closer to a net liability/refund of $0, helping ensure that you don’t withhold too little, and make tax time less stressful.

As the saying goes…when we fail to

filing status and income. The 2010 Federal Tax Rate Schedule for Married Filing Jointly (MFJ) or Qualifying Widow(er) (QW) is listed below:

MFJ or QW Taxable Income 0 16,751 68,001 137,301 209,251 373,651

to 16,750 to 68000 to 137300 to 209250 to 373650 and over

x x x x x x

10% 15% 25% 28% 33% 35%

One simple method to get a good idea of how much to have withheld is to take you paystub and use the table above to estimate what might be owed. For example, if your filing status is MFJ and your taxable income is $100,000, you fall into the 25% marginal tax bracket. The taxes due without any additional adjustments/ deductions would be $17,362.50.

This is not the actual due, but it will give you an idea when you look at your paystub. Now, let’s say that half of the year has passed and you’ve made $50,000, but your withholding to date has only been $4,000. At

minus minus minus minus minus minus

0.00 837.50 7,637.50 11,756.50 22,219.00 29,692.00

= = = = = =

Tax Tax Tax Tax Tax Tax

the end of the year, you would have approximately $8,000 withheld for federal taxes. Do you see the problem?

I do. If you fall into this category, you will have a larger-than-expected tax bill at year’s end unless you go to your Human Resources department and adjust you Form W-4 for maximum withholding. The actual depends on your individual circumstances but will at least fall between $10,000 and

plan, we plan to fail. Don’t get caught with your withholdings down and rest easier when it’s time to file your yearly tax return.

Ronnie Alexander is the owner of Ronnie R. Alexander, CPA. His firm offers accounting, tax and business consulting to small businesses, as well as tax planning and preparation services to individuals. When you are in need of accounting, tax or business consulting services, he can be reached at (832) 638-2757 or on the web at www.RonnieAlexanderCPA.com.

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The Dinky Drum Company Moves to Bigger & Brighter Facility

Phaedra B. Dinkins & Samuel Dinkins, III

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he Dinky Drum Company, LLC opened the Dinky Drum Company School of Drums and Percussion in the fall of 1989; and taught its first student on February 7, 1990 at the Community Music Center of Houston, Inc. (CMCH). Founder and Director Samuel Dinkins, III was in Houston performing with the Scott Joplin Chamber Orchestra, jazz vocalist Kim Wade & Company, with the Music Ministry of Holman Street Baptist Church and doing freelance work as a Drummer/Percussionist. From Brooklyn, New York; Mr. Dinkins began playing music at an early age and started taking private lessons at 8 years of age. Throughout his life, as he studied, played and performed music through Grade School; at Erasmus Hall High School Academy of Performing Arts in Brooklyn, New York (with such classmates as James “D-Train” Williams and Will Downing to name a few) and at Howard University in Washington, D.C. Mr. Dinkins always remembered the valuable start that he got taking Private Music Lessons as a boy.

It was this, and; his vision to pass on what he’d learned musically that created the Dinky Drum Company School of Drums & Percussion (DDC). After six plus years operating at CMCH (in the historic Third Ward community of Houston, TX); DDC moved to the Band Instrument Exchange (in the Museum District of Houston) on August of 1996 where the vision continued and grew. Today, the Dinky Drum Company School of Drums & Percussion is now the “DDC School of Music.” In July 0f 2003, DDC relocated to 2411 Eagle Street june - july 2011

(in mid-town Houston, TX). The Eagle Street location provided the needed space to teach Children and Adults about music through private and group lessons.

At the DDC School of Music students can study Drums/Percussion; Piano/ Voice; Saxophone/Clarinet/Flute; Acoustic/Bass/ Electric Guitar; Trumpet/ Trombone or Kindermusik. DDC School of Music staff also, travels to schools, community centers, senior communities, concert halls and churches performing educational shows; and teaching at several Summer Music Camps in the Houston area and around the United States.

Formerly located at Project Row Houses in the historic Third ward 713-520-0510; or visit our web site at community of Houston, Texas, the www.dinkydrum.com. Dinky Drum DDC School of Music is continuing the vision of Mr. Dinkins. On April 12, 2011, DDC moved into its new bigger and brighter facility at 2213 Wichita Street; Houston, Texas 77004.

This two story, nearly 3000 square foot building located off of Highway 288 (at the Southmore Blvd. exit) minutes from their current location, expanded their services and added space for their current and new programs. Among the programs available are: Private & Group Lessons; the 8 Week Summer Arts Program; Kindermusik group classes for newborn to seven year old music students; HealthRHYTHMS; Music Appreciation Classes and the Group Rhythm Section Class, “Playing With The Pro’s”. Our music students perform in our Annual Spring Recital and learn about music performance through a series of music field trips throughout the year.

The mission of the Dinky Drum Company, LLC is “To provide knowledge and experiences that promote the enjoyment of music for a lifetime.”

Whether you play an instrument or not, whether you can sing a tune or not; all are welcomed to add the joy of music to their life. The new facility at 2213 Wichita Street; Houston, Texas 77004 is also home to DDC Entertainment, 5ive Sam’s Music Publishing (ASCAP) and the Dinkins Music & Art Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. For more information, call us at 713-520-0520;

Company, LLC, “Providing Quality Musical Services, since 1989”

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Entrepreneurs Jeffery Rose and Frankie Sanders usher in a new era of providing quality health care for federal workers

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ome of us have been exposed to the great literary novel of a tale of two cities. Well this is a tale of two fellows.

Two preteens who grew up in the heart of Fifth Ward, Houston, Texas found their way back in the company and trust of each other some twenty plus years later.

Jeffery Rose and Frankie Sanders were both self made entrepreneurs. Jeff, at the age of 16 opened his first business, Citizen’s Catering, providing hot meals, short order, and catering for events. He even catered his own high school football banquet. Frankie Sanders most likely the youngest Texan to receive a liquor license, owned a package store, then went on to become a labor leader. They both parted as teenagers and pursued separate life journeys that would later lead them back to a harmonious and complementing relationship. These individuals grew up in the same neighborhood, attended the same church, and even went to the same junior high school. However after junior high, they would only occasionally meet or see each other in passing. Sanders graduated and moved off to another city to work.

He began working for the Postal Service, then the Postal Union, and married Cynthia Cade in 1995.

Rose continued to pursue his goals and dreams in multiple cities, owned several businesses and married Pamela Cameron in 2007.

Some twenty years following their departure, the two would reunite only two years ago and discuss the concept of Federal Work Ready. The parties knew that they had a jewel because Rose was skilled with working and administrating workers compensation and had proven that he could run a clinic. Sanders had over twenty years of experience dealing with the federal sector and federal workers compensation. The couple met and discussed the feasibility of providing quality and directed care to employees who suffered on the job injuries. The concept of workers compensation was not a new concept, however the method in which this pair would offer it made their venture both new and exciting. There were plenty of clinics around that provided medical care for injured workers, but none that would specialize in providing this service for the federal sector.

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federal workers who are injured on the job. However, this was not the end of the story, after all there are tons of facilities that provide medical care for injured employees, and some federal workers frequent those now. The added magic to Federal Work Ready’s concept is that they provide injury claims case workers. These are individuals who have vast years of experience in handling and administering claims through the U.S. Department of Labor. To knowledge there is no other medical facility in the state of Texas, and even beyond, that specializes in injured federal workers, and has on staff case workers to administer their claims. But wait! Not only was this concept never barked upon by other medical clinics, but all of these services provided by these case workers are done free to the clients of the facility. Totally unheard of before!!!!

Following the initial meeting between Rose and Sanders, the next step was the administration of the business. The two solicited a bright and experienced human resource specialist, Pamela Rose. It was no misfortune that Pamela is the wife of inceptor Jeffery Rose for more than four years. Her talent only eclipses her knowledge and beauty.

Pamela had years of knowledge in human resources, to include payroll, sound judgment, and organization. She worked for more than five years in a fortune 500 company as a Systems Integrator. Pam Rose provides the element of strength to the foundation of a newly developed corporation that provides valued and needed help to an often lost community. She developed systems and protocol that would propel Federal Work Ready to an overnight success.

Federal Work Ready is a one stop shop, providing the best possible customer service to its patients. The individuals who seek and receive services from Federal Work Ready are treated as patients first because they are receiving quality medical attention. They are treated as clients, because the case workers provide immeasurable, not to mention free, case management assistance. Then they are treated as family, because they are loved and respected by the staff at Federal Work Ready. The staff goes above and beyond to ensure that the patient’s experience at Federal Work Ready is second to none.

Federal Work Ready also sponsors a radio show every Thursday on KCOH, with Michael Harris. This show airs at

10:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. and alerts the public and community about not only workers compensation issues, but relevant topics concerning current events. This is the only program that is geared at providing information to the workers and taking their calls to answer questions they may have concerning injuries on the job.

While this program is used to inform the public, it has also been a viable tool in getting the word out about the facility. Many listeners have heard the broadcast, including employee Union Officers and Stewards. These individuals are most pleased to hear about Federal Work Ready because it provides a service for their membership where they can refer and be assured that their member is well taken care of . This frees up their representative to perform other much needed tasks of representation. The Facility has also been contacted by employers wanting to

refer their employees because they are aware of the quality of service provided to the patient.

Rose and Sanders have not only come back to the community after their ventures of entrepreneurship, but they are giving back to the community through their weekly radio program, sponsorships, and most important their medical facilities that are sowing into the lives of those that they touch. When asked about their success in these areas, they responded by saying that their childhood and current mentor, the late Rev. R.S. Rose, Sr. birthed into them the mantra “ We live in a Thinker’s World…..

Those who fail to think become slaves of the Thinker….Therefore, these two have set out to remain thinkers and surround themselves with Thinkers”. Rose and Sanders current thought is to continue to provide quality health care for those employees who are injured workers.

Federal Work Ready, works for you!

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How to Lead By Example: Dr. Schuler’s Ten Rules for Working and Living

By A. J. Schuler, Psy. D. Contributing Writer

This is about the law of averages.

Yes, there is injustice in the world, and yes, there is cruelty. Bad things hapPeople talk about “leading by pen to good people, and vice versa. example,” but what does that mean? By But in general, we may sow what we incorporating the following attitudes reap. I once read a quote: “Make your and practices into your life, you will not words sweet: you may have to eat them only improve your own life, but also later!” People notice how we treat them, begin to fashion yourself into the kind especially when we are in positions of of person that others will follow and leadership, and most especially when emulate - the very definition of leading we think no one is looking. What goes by example. So, here are my “Ten Rules around comes around. for Working and Living:”

You gotta laugh. You just gotta!

Life presents too much that is just fun and funny, even absurd. That’s the beauty of it. If you keep that attitude about you, and nurture it, then you add the power, not only of avoiding negativity, but of adding joy and positivity Don’t Wait for Solutions: to your life, and to the lives of others.

Communication Starts Create Them The Lives We Live are the Lives Laughter is even more infectious than With Listening We Create Some people are experts in seeing negativity, and at least as powerful a Don’t worry about trying to express force for health. If the laughter comes what is wrong with a situation, system, Yes, life is a creative art. Expectaorganization or person. But what good yourself better (you don’t have to be tions are often self-fulfilling. If we at no one’s expense, but comes rather expect life to be good, if we believe it is is such expertise? What does it solve or talkative to be a leader). Think instead from a shared sense of the beauty and about asking better questions, and then absurdity that we see all around us (escreate? I am forever baffled by people filled with opportunities and cause for repeat back your best understanding who see themselves as passive - unable celebration, then we will notice those pecially in ourselves!), then people can to create a solution or work toward one. of what you’ve just heard. Resist the things and live so as to promote them, be drawn to you, and your playfulness temptation to think about what you What does anyone get out of being a even without conscious intent. If we will catch on. want to say in response when carrying believe life is a marathon of unremitting perpetual critic? A temporary feeling of power or superiority? What could be on a conversation. You’ll be amazed at toil and scarcity, then toil and scarcity Do Great Work, Have Fun and how much you learn, and how much a more impoverished way to live than will be all that we find and experience, Lend a Hand Along the Way better you understand people you that? Two schools of thought here: the and we will inadvertently create the Good work is, well, good. Great thought you understood before.

People circumstances that promote them. You active and the passive. The passive and work is inherently rewarding. Do it rightly see leaders as those who undernegative position waits for someone else cannot expect to win the lottery and with fun and style, and you are not stand them, or who make the effort to to make a bad situation better; perhaps then win the lottery: that is magical a prisoner of your labor, but rather a try to understand them.

Only once thinking, the special realm of childhood faulting others for their inaction (we see master of your craft. If you help others you’ve listened will you have earned the (or of adult madness). But you can (and this in offices all the time). The posialong the way, either by teaching them right to speak your own point of view, tive and active position works to build do) nurture a basic attitude toward livor just by setting them up for their own based on a more complete understanding, and if you don’t take control of it, it a productive awareness among those success, then both life and work acquire ing of other people and the circummost assuredly will take control of you. who can influence a negative situation greater meaning.

None of us live stances around them.

That’s what so that all can take collective action to forever, and we should all leave a little makes a person an effective leader.

By make it better. Guess which type of Health and Productivity something behind for the good.

This setting a tone of listening, others will person others naturally follow - and go Hand in Hand

“rule” is one of my favorites; it’s one follow suit. then imitate?

We talk a lot about the importance worth repeating and spreading around. of balance, and surely everyone’s definiBetween Two Positions Always tion of balance is, well, different. In or- Negativity Kills In the End, We Are All More or Lies a Third Option Literally.

What is violence but der to be productive and healthy, we all Less Human an extreme expression of negativity?

Leaders know that dilemmas that have to take care of our minds, bodies But killer negativity does not require . . . And that’s a good thing. We come pre-packaged as “either-or” propand spirits, but the reverse is also true: a physical manifestation to wreck its are imperfect.

We have bad moods and ositions are usually preset for failure. being productive is inherently healthy, havoc.

We know that negative thinkbad moments.

We make mistakes; we There is always at least one other way and doing good, meaningful work that ing weakens the immune system and have parts of our character that may to view a situation, either by expandfits our talents can keep us alive and contributes to disease and to an increase be less than forever admirable. That ing the issue, finding a third alternative healthy a long time. How often do we in mortality.

We also know that negativjust makes us human.

Keeping this or creating a negotiated compromise. see someone retire and then fall into ity is contagious: for example, when in mind helps us refrain from taking There are certainly times not to compoor health? Doing what you love to there is a high profile suicide in some ourselves too seriously when we sucpromise, but even that decision should do, and doing it well, and especially community, health experts know to ceed or when we fail, and it also gives us only come after a creative examination helping other people learn and succeed, expect a new spate of imitative suicides some humility and perspective through of many possible approaches has been brings benefit back to you. In the end, which to understand the inescapable completed. But what makes leaders it does not matter what it is you do, so or suicide attempts, even among those with no social connection to that first frailties of others - especially when they effective is their ability to generate those long as it is not destructive to others poor, despairing person.

Suicide, and fail to see the wisdom of our obviously options, either through imagination and you feel you are making a contribueven severe negativity or depression, can superior points of view (wink wink, or consultation, before making any tion. No matter how menial or arcane spread like an epidemic, or like a cancer. nudge nudge)! In the end, the pursuit final decisions.

While most people get the job, all work has inherent dignity Even in small doses, negativity contribof near-perfection is more important trapped into defining conflicts as either/ and can become a medium through utes to illness and ultimately to death. than its achievement, even if it is good or, win/lose propositions, they end up which a person can grow and make a This represents a universal truth of to be competitive and dedicated to following those who prove they can contribution to others. living, or “anti-living.” Why are people craft better solutions, creating value and excellence in order to bring out the best drawn to leaders? Because leaders, in ourselves and others. advantage for all involved.

As We Treat Others, So Shall through their attitudes and abilities to We Be Treated resist or overcome negativity, function Laughter Cures june - july 2011

like antibodies in the world, fighting negativity and adding “life” to those around them. If negativity is a cancer, then good leaders, just in the way they carry themselves and approach the world, fight that cancer, all the time.

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Problem or Possibility And the Answer Is...

By Tom Stevens, Contributing Writer

Problem thinking is based on perceiving deficits and seeks to fix what’s broken. Thinking from this perspective focuses on analysis of causes and consequences, and logical processes which can lead to problem solutions.

Possibility thinking is based on a positive perspective – finding what is best and getting more of it.

This thinking focuses on discovery of the positive core of the organization, mapping and use of assets, and narrative information that energizes people and encourages widespread use of best practices.

Simply understanding the difference isn’t enough. Leaders must develop awareness of whether their own thinking is problem- or possibility-oriented at any given time, and learn how to switch modes appropriately depending on the circumstances.

Action

A

teacher asks a colleague about a particular student – imagine two different replies.

In the first, the colleague says, “He’s behind two grades in reading, lives in a single-parent home, and is picked on regularly by a number of other students.” In the alternative response, the colleague says, “He reads everything he can about animals, his mom comes to every parent-teacher conference, and he has two good friends he hangs out with at school.”

This hypothetical example illustrates the difference between a problem perspective that focuses on deficits, and a possibility orientation that focuses on strengths.

While based on equally good intentions, we would be right to suspect that consistently responding from one perspective or the other would have a pervasive affect on one’s teaching style.

In my experience, most leaders, and therefore most organizations, over-use problem thinking and under-use possibility thinking.

Consider the following: we all want good health, maximum wealth, and good quality products. Yet we do not gain optimal health simply by treating illness, just as we do not acquire prosperity simply by cutting costs, nor do we assure quality june - july 2011

products simply by reducing manufacturing defects. This is often the mindset of many companies in the respective industries nonetheless, not to mention how individuals manage their personal lives.

We all know it would be foolish, even potentially suicidal, to ignore illness, cost controls, or defects. Achieving excellence, however, requires going beyond problem thinking, and operating from a perspective of possibility thinking.

This key principle applies directly to leaders who aspire to achieve outstanding success for their businesses or organizations. Extraordinary organizations are not created simply by solving problems. Leaders need to be skillful at problemsolving, yes, but to be outstanding they also need to be competent at possibility-building. Jim Collins, in his book, Good to Great, notes great leaders help their organizations “confront the brutal facts” of their circumstances, yet “never lose faith” in their ability to achieve.

To develop organizations that appropriately apply both problem and possibility perspectives, there are two general skill sets that leaders must develop: awareness and action.

The point of leadership is influencing others. Leaders do well to develop a toolbox of skills designed to influence followers to adopt either a problem-solving or possibility-enhancing perspective.

One valuable skill is competency in framing questions to elicit either a problem or possibility frame of reference. One of my

favorite demonstrations in leadership workshops it to illustrate how just slightly different questions on a same topic, e.g., ways to increase excellence in the organization, can lead groups into very different discussions and results. After dividing the participants into small groups, I’ll ask half to come up with “issues and priorities” to help their organization increase excellence. I’ll then ask the other half for “best experiences and how to encourage more of them.” Typically, both processes and results are quite different.

Another skill set includes the ability to facilitate discussion so that dialogue is meaningful and stays true to a purpose. Carefully crafted questions will set up the direction of a discussion, and proper facilitation will keep it on track.

As noted previously, discussion focused on attunement, bringing out success stories, and creating energy and enthusiasm is decidedly different from dialogue aimed at framing a problem and stimulating innovative solutions. Ultimately, organizations need both to excel, but not haphazardly.

Problem or Possibility?

For exceptional leaders, the answer is…problem AND possibility!

Awareness

Leaders must understand the difference between problem/deficit thinking and possibility/strength thinking.

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Actions of Leading

7 Things Leaders Do Other Than Issue Directives 5.

Follow

Leading doesn’t happen until someone follows. Often the most significant act one can do is to follow someone else’s lead - especially if others will then follow you.

T

he comments and questions from many workshop participants and coaching clients often reveal that their basic concept of leadership is about being in charge - i.e. obtaining a position of power, having the most information, and giving orders. The classic boss. From this viewpoint, effective leadership requires having the answer to any question brought to you by someone lower in the hierarchy so you can tell them the right thing to do. What leaders do is make decisions and give marching orders.

There is indeed a command-andcontrol aspect of leadership. However, in today’s knowledge-based environment, most value is created by bringing together specialized know-how from interdependent sources. The head of almost any organization need the knowledge of customers, matrixed team members, vendors, professionals, or other stakeholders over whom they exert little power. Executives, business owners and team leaders find themselves needing to bring out knowledge rather than impart it.

So in a knowledge, service and interdependent environment, if you are not actually telling people what actions to take, what is it that leaders do to get results?

The following are seven leadership actions other than telling someone what to do: exemplify, acknowledge, articulate, frame, follow, facilitate, and presence.

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Exemplify

Do yourself what you want others to do.

Walk the talk. One of the most powerful acts of leadership is setting an example.

Gandhi said it best, “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

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Acknowledge

If serving as an example is powerful, so is acknowledging others who serve as examples. In a world where we couldn’t possibly have time to attend to everything, showing interest, asking questions, giving something attention all elevate an item in importance. The act of offering recognition, public and private, formal and informal, to those who are already performing well can deeply impact future behavior of those recognized and those who witness it.

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Facilitate

If knowledge-based work is about bringing together diverse know-how, dialogue is the process by which this know-how is synthesized into something of value.

The ability to convene, listen to different perspectives, steer conversations so everyone can contribute, and guide people through processes for joint problem-solving and decision making are all critical to knowledge environments, especially those seeking to bring out the best talents of everyone involved.

7.

Presence

Woody Allen once remarked that eighty percent of success is showing up. Absolutely, one has to show up to do any act of leadership. How much more powerful if one takes leadership action when fully present, ready to make a contribution with the all the personal gifts one has to offer.

Used as a verb, to presence is taking action to be present, physically, cognitively and emotionally. One not simply participates, rather brings into existence deeper understanding, a specific emotional tone, or a spirit that is shared with others. Presencing is one of the key elements of bringing about substantive change in human endeavors, as studied by the Society for Organizational Learning over the last couple of decades.

A final word of wisdom. While all of the seven actions can be enhanced when done from a position of authority or responsibility, having a leadership title is not a requirement. Anyone can presence, exemplify, acknowledge, articulate, frame, follow, or facilitate to gain followers for a course of action.

Leading is far more than making decisions and directing others. In the 21st century leadership will increasingly focus on giving people a genuine choice about their action, while making the choice to follow compelling.

Articulate

There is tremendous force in effectively speaking on behalf of a group, to give meaningful voice to collective values, and goals. To inform others, to be able to summarize the what, why, and how of a circumstance, to describe the current path, and to invite people to a vision of the future - all are potential leadership actions of consequence.

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Frame

Framing means using expressions that guide what someone is likely to think (or not think) about an issue, the way that a picture frame puts boundaries around an image. All language involves not only the direct meaning of the words used, but also a host of associations and ideas that channel our thinking in specific directions. For example, public policy makers saying they are “hard on crime” creates different ideas than if they say they are interested in “safe neighborhoods” although either could be about the role of the police department. There is a different set of thoughts that arise when an executive says “everyone here is family” rather than saying “we treat each other like customers” - although both expressions may intend to convey a positive work relationships.

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The Power of Effective Business Networking a loss for words. Have confidence and let it be known that you are one of the experts in your field.

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Image:

By Dr. Wendy Contributing Writer Effective networking is vital in today’s economy. Some people are naturals, but it may take a little more planning and practice for others. Making the right connections will put you on the path to success. Being able to leverage your people networks saves you time, energy, and money.

As you progress through this process remember that people do business with people not with business cards.

Deals are typically closed based on your relationship, knowledge and reputation. Networking can be one of the most profitable activities in which you can engage; however it takes a slight shift in attitude and practice.

Presentation is everything, as you do not get a second chance to make a first impression. Ensure that your attire (from head to toe) is up to par and make sure that your business cards are updated as well. Do not hand out cards that have been written on and avoid drawing a line through your contact information. If you have outdated cards please make the time to order new ones as they are part of your professional package.

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5.

Ensure that you are able to clearly articulate your service or profession in 20 seconds. Your speech should be concise and to the point. This is not a time to recite your resume. You must be on your toes and ready to respond when a person asks about your background.

You cannot blink or act as if you are at

The most critical part of networking occurs after you’ve made the connection. Following up in a timely manner is the first step in developing the relationship. If the contact is interested in doing business or maybe a potential funding source, you need to step things up. Be the “Purple Cow” and set

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Work the Room:

It’s important to have a networking plan in place before you start this process. What are your goals? Are you looking to meet new colleagues, scout out a potential project partner or get your name out there? How many connections do you plan to make? Ensure that you are aware of the various audiences, as doing this will assist in the planning process.

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Making the right connections is vital.

In order to accomplish this goal, you must be strategic and timely. As soon as you enter a social event scan the room and assess how people are positioned.

Break the room into four quadrants and decide what area you are going to work first. Go to that area and start the networking process. Introduce yourself and listen to the conversation and make a few remarks (if necessary) as it is okay to listen. Give yourself about 15 to 20 minutes in each area (depending on how the conversation is going) as it is vital that you work all four corners and the middle of the room.

When you determine it is time to move on, you politely say something like, “Would you excuse me? I see someone I need to say hello to.” Or even just a plain, “Excuse me,” as you step away from the group. If you’re moving to another group where there is someone you know, simply repeat the introduction process from the first group. Making your way around the entire room is critical as this gives you a chance to thoroughly see who’s in the room and how much time you have to make your rounds.

Below are 5 effective networking tips:

yourself apart from the rest. Take the time to pick up the phone and make voice to voice contact, send a text message and set up a lunch meeting. If the person does not answer, leave a message and note that you look forward to hearing from them. Send a follow-up email, as this shows that you want to ensure that the person receives your message.

Networking should produce results; however it is an on-going task

that takes commitment, practice and follow-through. Remember, you can’t do the same thing and expect different results, so take the time and explore the Power of Effective Business Networking!

Follow-Through:

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Effective Leadership in Group Discussions

The best intentions of a leader for keeping a meeting within a reasonable time frame can be destroyed if members put obstacles in the way.

An orator is an able speaker who likes to practice his speaking skills and may tend to talk for a long time. The leader must judge how much time is enough for this person and then get his attention by saying something like, “Ex-

cuse me, Jack, but we’re running short of time and several other members have some points they would like to make.

We’d all appreciate it if you could wind up your comments in the next minute or two. Thank you very much.”

A wanderer tends to bring up an entirely unrelated topic. A leader can get the meeting back on track by saying something like, “Linda, I’m sorry to break in like this, but I think that you’re getting away from the subject. Remember we’d like to settle the issue of ____ and we would appreciate it if you could confine your remarks to that subject.

Thanks.”

The repeater talks numerous times on the same subject while other members haven’t had a chance to talk. You can give the person a rest and the others a chance to talk by saying something similar to, “Dave, before we hear from you again I would like to know how Debbie and Rick feel about this subject.

Thank you.” An alternative could be to go around the table in turn and ask for others’ comments on the subject.

An interrupter tends to interrupt others as they are speaking on a subject. The leader may have to interrupt the interrupter by saying, “Before you say anything more, Jason, please wait until Shirley has finished and you then will have an opportunity to make your point. Thank you.”

Effective leaders have many common qualities. Making the effort to practice and learn the skills it takes to be an effective leader will enable you to use the style of leadership necessary in any situation you come across.

and bad experiences to happen in your life to bring you to a greater purpose and understanding of life.

How many times have you heard someone say of a challenging life experience that it was the best thing that ever happened to them? Admit it; you’ve said that more than once. And, I’m not talking about small problems, but those that have turned your world upside down.

Your attitude is a choice and one tive that I’m going to fail tomorrow’s that you make every day. Think about algebra test.”

When you hear statements like “be the power that you have over your own happiness! That’s the real secret of a positive” or “think positively,” many wonderful life - you get to call the shots shake their heads thinking, “Sure, but on how you’re going to interpret what they don’t know how hard it is to be hand you’re dealt in the game of life. positive in a negative world.” Maybe After twenty years in school not, but regardless of the world we live in; you can and should, do your best to leadership, I’ve learned that a positive mental attitude is an essential qualmaintain a positive attitude.

Only ignorance would suggest that ity of a leader as it sets the tone for everything that follows. While a leader life is challenge-free. Unfortunately, ridiculous thoughts like these are pro- certainly experiences his or her share of mistakes, challenges, and hard times, moted more and more through naïve thought influencers who maintain that it’s imperative that a positive attitude be communicated regularly and consisif anything bad happens to you, then

By Dr. David Jones, tently when people are watching and you must be attracting it – The Law of Contributing Writer when they’re not.

Attraction. Life is filled with a variety Positive leadership makes everyof events. Whether they are good or thing flow more smoothly. It offers a bad depends on how you choose to Little Leroy was struggling with his sense of welcome, it makes people want algebra homework and went to his dad look at things. The “good” or “bad” to open up and share, and most imporlabel comes from your interpretation frustrated and anguished saying “dad, tant, it’s contagious! Great leaders have and classification of something based I think I’m going to fail this algebra test.” His father replied, son don’t say on your beliefs, prior experiences, and positive attitudes.

If you really want to go anywhere that, think positively. Leroy looked his attitude.

Many times God allows challenges as a leader, you have to examine your dad in the eyes and said “I’m posi-

attitude! Whatever attitude you accept in this economic uncertainty is a critical factor in determining the success or failure of your organization and the subordinates that hold their trust in you.

Understand that the attitude a leader has toward how they view and handle things, will determine the results they produce. As long as a leader is viewing things negatively, they are going to get negative results.

Leaders should not let other people govern their outcome. Leaders must have an “I can” attitude. Many people miss opportunities and promotions that God has for them because they let someone else influence their attitude.

Everyday leaders are tempted and challenged to adopt a nasty or negative attitude. But remember a nasty attitude never adds value to production in the work place. A positive attitude in what you’re doing will always produce positive results.

The results not only show up in the work place, but in one’s personal life and the lives of those being led.

Positive leadership is effective in the family, ministry, or business.

Regardless of the many books on positive leadership that flood bookstores across the foundation of positive leadership is etched within the Word of God. “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked rule, the people mourn.” Proverbs 29:2

The majority of work accomplished at meetings is done through group discussion. This is significant as discussions are a time where everyone has the opportunity to contribute to a group.

Group discussion is actually more beneficial to your organization than when one individual is working on a project.

The ideas generated within a group often don’t come alive when one person is working alone. Yet, discussion time within a meeting is also the time when frustrations build.

How can you avoid being frustrated

yet still have a productive meeting? Identify why the group is having the discussion. There are three reasons for having a discussion: to gather information, to exchange ideas and to solve problems. If you know why you are discussing the issue, it’s easier to participate, keep the discussion on track and get results. Be aware of how the discussion is progressing. Two things can be happening during a discussion: the development of information, ideas or issues, or the evaluation of information, ideas or issues.

Usually, developing and evaluating gets mixed together. This is where you can run into problems like discussions that go around in circles and frustrated participants. It can look like this: one person makes a suggestion, the second person says it’s good, the third person says it’s not good and a debate follows.

The suggestion is tossed out and the leader asks for another suggestion. It’s good, it’s not good, it gets tossed out.

Leadership with an ATTITUDE!

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After this happens a few times the group is tired, everyone stays quiet, time is used up and there are no results.

To avoid this scenario, you need to get the ideas out first or develop the information, ideas or issue. Don’t let people evaluate at this stage or it will discourage participation. After the ideas are out, then evaluate. This progression keeps the group moving forward and avoids having a similar debate for each idea or comment. Keeping development and evaluation separate also helps in avoiding the trap of the first idea or the last idea (the survivor of a half hour of frustrating debates) being the best idea.

If you only have one idea, of course it looks like the best idea.

Handling Difficult Conversations

25.

What are the most effective leadership styles?

inspiring his followers, but this may lead to the followers being dependent on the leader. Success may become reliant on the presence of the leader. A sudden absence of the leader can result in the possible collapse of the group.

With all these pros and cons, we can see that none of these leadership styles is the best. To be the best leader, you must be a flexible leader.

Being A Flexible Leader

General leadership training and management studies have identified many different leadership styles.

Out of all these leadership styles, is there any one approach that is more effective than the others? Below are some of the mainstream leadership styles taken from general leadership training and management studies.

Authoritarian

The authoritarian leadership style is when the leader spends most of his time giving out instructions. This type of leader tells their followers what to do, how to do it and when to do it. The authoritarian leader exerts high power over the followers and do not obtain the advice or opinions of others. All decisions are made by him and he does not encourage the followers to participate or offer their opinions.

Democratic / Participative

The democratic leader on the other hand, encourages follower to participate and give ideas. This type of leader allows the others to get involved in the decision making process. The end decision is still made by the leader, but only after respecting and taking into consideration the ideas of the followers.

Laissez Faire (free reign)

The Laissez Faire or free reign leadership style goes a step further than the democratic leader. Totally contrasting to the authoritarian leader, the Laissez Faire leader lets her followers have free reign over the approach, the decision making and basically all aspects in getting the job done. Final responsibility still lies with the leader. june - july 2011

Charismatic

The charismatic leader has high enthusiasm and is a great motivator of people. He infects others with his energy and belief. The presence of the charismatic leader can be a strong boost to the morale and drive of the followers. The ability to motivate and inspire is the hallmark of the charismatic leader.

What does it mean to be a flexible leader? A flexible leader is a leader who has the ability to use all the various leadership styles, which he chooses depending on the situation. Where an authoritarian approach is required, he will be an authoritarian leader.

Where great vision is needed, he will be a transformational leader.

To be an effective leader, we must master and be able to use the different effective leadership styles whenever the situation calls for it. Here are some of the situations where a particular leadership style is more suitable.

Authoritarian: Short on time, need to make quick decisions, leader has all the critical information, followers are less capable.

Democratic: Dealing with a lot of information, task involve various fields and skills sets, leader does not have all the information, leader do not have time to analyze everything, followers are capable and/or experienced.

Laissez Faire: For less critical areas/tasks, leader have other more important priorities, followers are specialists in their field, followers are very capable, experienced and independent.

Charismatic: When there is low morale & motivation, when creativity and passion is required to achieve the goal, when circumstances are not exciting, dull and seemingly meaningless.

Transformational: When radical change is needed, when the future is less than certain, when the goal is pioneering or trailblazing new ideas/concepts.

A good leader is able to get the best out of her followers and train them to be leaders themselves.

Whenever the leadership style that you choose suits the circumstances, you are being a good leader.

Transformational

The transformational leader uses his vision to inspire and lead others. He is a great communicator who is able to communicate a shared vision very well with his followers. This type of leader delegates responsibilities and spends more time communicating.

Most effective leadership styles

So after going through all the various leadership styles, which style is actually the best approach to lead?

There are a lot of arguments for and against each of the effective leadership styles.

For example, the followers of an authoritarian leader are more prone to having low motivation and morale. They may find it difficult to get inspired because the leader is more impersonal, task oriented, demanding, and not considerate of their opinions. However despite this, there are situations where an authoritarian leadership style is the most effective. Such as when time is short, when the leader has all the information and a quick decision is needed. Anything other than an authoritarian leader will result in poorer outcomes.

Or let’s look at the charismatic leader. He can be very effective in 26.

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THE EXPERT NETWORK ATTORNEYS

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THE EXPERT NETWORK ATTORNEYS

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THE EXPERT NETWORK

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THE EXPERT NETWORK

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THE EXPERT NETWORK - INSURANCE

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THE EXPERT NETWORK

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THE EXPERT NETWORK

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