A young officer in the Army discovered that he had no change when he
tried to buy a soft drink from a vending machine. He flagged down a
passing private and asked him, "Do you have change for a dollar?"
The private said cheerfully, "I think so. Let me take a look."
The officer drew himself up stiffly and said, "Soldier, that is no
way to address a superior. We'll start all over again. Do you have
change for a dollar?"
The private came to attention, saluted smartly, and said, "No, sir!"
Each of us commands some authority. There are or will be those we
guide, supervise, rear, mentor or lead. Some of us will be effective
and others will feel as if we're running a cemetery: we've got a lot
of people under us and nobody's listening.
Much has been written and taught about leadership, but I find that at
least four traits are common in all people of authority who
effectively elicit cooperation and respect from those who look up to
them. Whether you are a parent, whether you find yourself in the
workplace, sitting on a volunteer committee or teaching some-one a
new skill, these traits will help you effectively guide those who
would seek to follow.
These good leaders are...
L isteners. They take time to listen to the suggestions and concerns
of those they endeavor to lead.
E ncouragers. They don't try to do it all themselves. Neither do they
motivate by force or guilt. They encourage others and help bring out
their best.
A ssertive. They say what needs to be said without being unkind. They
tell the truth as they see it, openly and frankly.
D ecisive. They know what needs to be done and they make timely, even
difficult, decisions when necessary. But they can also take charge
without running over the people in their lives.
In short, good leaders L-E-A-D!
It's said that the trouble with being a leader today is that you
can't be sure whether people are following you or chasing you. But
those who will develop these four traits are sure to find that their
authority will be valued and respected.
From Lifesupport
Lifesigns Life Quotes
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