MODA | ARE YOU A ‘BIG SHOT’ LEADER? OR A ‘REAL’ (POSITIVE) LEADER?
BIG difference. Positive leaders are always looking to the future.
Ask yourself:
- Are you satisfied with the status quo?
- Are you looking for ways to make things better?
- How are you striving to improve yourself? Your teams?
- Do you pursue excellence? Build greatness?
- Do you want to bring out people’s best?
- Do you know what value each member of your team has? Do you try to build them according to their gifts and strengths?
- Why does this matter?
- Because it impacts culture…and without a positive and strong culture; companies die.
Satisfied with status quo? Yes? You’re failing. Good news is, you can turn it around if you want to. Jon Gordon, one of my favorite authors, writes about Alan Mulally in his book titled, The Power of Positive Leadership. Alan, former CEO of Ford, led one of the most talked about corporate turnarounds…EVER. In 2006 after Ford had an annual loss of $12.7 billion and was almost bankrupt — in a few years Mulally completely turned it around. How?
CULTURE!!!!
Yes, culture is it! Gordon writes, “Alan said his number-one job was to be a keeper of the culture and hold his team accountable to the principles, values, process, and behaviors. He said if someone violates the process and you don’t address it, then everyone knows you aren’t committed to it.” One must have a ‘relentless implementation of the plan. Having clear performance goals and making sure everyone knows the goals.’
Positive leadership may sound like ‘fluff’ to people who believe themselves to be ‘big shot leaders.’ Those who lead with fear or intimidation. I coach some of the most incredible executives across the US, and regardless of title and size of company or team, I begin the same way. I watch the executive and ‘how’ they lead. Do the lead with positivity? Fear? Intimidation? Perceived power?
Without positivity, nothing happens. Without really caring about people, drawing out their strengths and building them, failure happens. So, ask yourself, what type of culture do you have in your company? On your team? Are you committed to putting the needs of others before your own?
I am coaching an incredible man – I have grown to like and respect him a great deal. He recently told me that he would not accept a promotion via title or financially before certain members of his team were promoted. Mic drop. That is integrity, leadership and commitment. Are you self-serving? Or a servant leader? Know the difference?
Time to evaluate. Positive leaders welcome ideas – they welcome feedback. They don’t fear criticism.
Why? Knowing the truth makes you better! If you are willing to improve – improve your teams – create the best culture – you will win! Bonus: You will leave a legacy that is unstoppable.
What’s love got to do with it?
Work is not about the money for me anymore. When I am working with a company or an individual, I know I must love them and want the best for them. I recently read that good salespeople know how to sell – GREAT salespeople love their clients. I am direct and have a no-nonsense approach – but I love my clients and they know it. This is a must for all great leaders.
Culture shifts, or realignments, begin with vision and purpose for the leader(s). They also begin with love – yes, love. The greatest coaches on the earth will tell you the same thing – when you say, ‘follow me,’ people need to know they can trust you and that you care about them.
Culture shifts begin with the leader.
Then, the leaders of the teams.
Then, the teams.
Vision, mission and purpose must be clear.
Guidelines should be in place and a positivity that can’t be undone.
Culture is the key to success.
Uncertain of your company culture or your own vision and mission? Let us help.
MODA Image and Brand Consulting is the only company in the United States that is able to integrate corporate brand, personal brand, leadership, marketing, sales, image, internal and external communication, non-verbal communication, emotional intelligence, brand storytelling, the ‘why’ exercises, professional etiquette, executive presence and fashion into training seminars and 1:1 coaching that benefit both the company and its employees.
Email info@modaimageconsulting.com or call 615.656.4279 for more information about individual or corporate services.