Conflict in life and work - missed blog writing 101 May 17, 2007
Posted by inspiredleaders in Leadership.trackback
Writing a blog and keeping life on track sometimes conflict, at least they have for me for several weeks. My schedule has been wild, in a good way, and something had to give. Writing gave!
So now it’s back to recording what’s happening as it relates to Inspired Leadership. Focus jumps into my head because that’s what has got in the way of my writing. I’ve been extremely busy conducting sessions to help others get on track with supervision so I let my own focus stray. Lesson learned.
For the next 12 weeks or so I get a superb chance to share my knowledge with 20 new and experienced supervisors. It’s a great opportunity for all of us because we can learn from each other. Because I’ve been in supervision and management for 40 years, I know that I can still learn or relearn in every session. The diversity of people involved allows us to look at concerns from a variety of angles and, as we all should know, a variety of angles provide a 360 degree look at a problem.
In a recent session three drug and alcohol counsellors brought their unique perspective into a “normal” supervisory discussion. In their case they know they’re dealing with major problems and frequent chemical influences that require extra-ordinary patience and insight. Don’t you sometimes wish you had this knowledge when dealing with some of your people? We don’t know the outside influences or demons that stalk our clients and colleagues.
How about you? What is the worst coaching, speaking or training situation you’ve ever encountered?
I think that even in the worst coaching, speaking or training situation, good leadership takes people from point A to point B. Great leadership does a lot of great stuff, like empowering people so that they can go from point A to point B. Great leaders demonstrate teh following competencies:
First, they articulate a clear and compelling vision.
They are visionary. They communicate a common vision that gives people a purpose and meaning. It outlines the priorities of the group and the direction that is is going in.
Second they act confidently and optimistically.
The leader’s confidence, conviction and optimism is contagious. It rubs off on the followers. Lack of this weakens leadership of its potential.
Third, they express confidence in their followers.
Great leaders have high confidence in people and make them feel good about themselves. They foster their confidence and optimism.
Lastly, they lead by example.
One leadership proverb says, “Example is the main thing in influencing others.” Their example leverages the whole organization and enables people to come into their full potential.
Great comments, Herman. It’s interesting that my current 10 week session got started with the opportunity to address the bosses of the folks I’m working with. Now the managers what’s happening and have been challenged to step up to the plate and make the training worthwhile for their staff. One of the managers even commented that they now have to lead by example and talk more to their people.