Sharpen Those Leadership Skills
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Think about it. There are only two ways leaders can demonstrate their skill–by their words and by their actions. This article provides two tools for developing your verbal leadership potential.
META FOR YOU
Leaders, not surprisingly, engage in metaphor. Bennis and Nanus noted in their book “Leaders: The Strategies for Taking Charge” that many of the leaders they studied had a “penchant for metaphor.” Management guru Philip Crosby used metaphors when he asserts, “Quality is ballet, not hockey.” Jesse Jackson metaphorically described diversity as a “rainbow coalition.” Ann Morrison alluded to the barriers some organizations erect as a “glass ceiling.”
Assume you’ve been approached by the editor of your local newspaper. She’d like you to write a article of 150 words (two-to-three paragraphs) describing your work as a manager. Begin with a metaphor and extend it throughout your article. And then, try submitting the article to a blog post, to the company newsletter, or even to an outside publication.
ANTIDOTE ACTION
Within the next month, compile as long a list as possible of gripes, complaints, objections that you hear from those you supervise or those with whom you work. Once you have at least fifteen, put the list aside for a few days. (If possible, have a colleague prepare a list of his own and exchange with each other.) Prepare a one-line response for each item on the list. Your one-lines should be appropriate answers.
While they may be funny, they should not be sarcastic. Rather, they should give real answers to the issues-whether those issues are serious or whiny. Regard these one-lines as antidotes to the verbal toxins that can poison morale. Use them the next time you hear one of those negative comments that can wear down an entire office.
Who knows–one of your one-line suggestions might even become an organizational reality, giving you an opportunity to demonstrate your leadership with both words and actions.
Dr. Marlene Caroselli is the author of 60 business books and one, just-released e-book: “Principled Persuasion–Influence with Integrity, Sell with Standards” (named a Director’s Choice by Doubleday Book Club when it first appeared in print). Contact her at mccpd@frontiernet.net re: keynotes, training, curricula and books available for purchase
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