Leaders Are Readers

"Leaders are Readers" I don’t remember where or when I heard that statement. But I was very impressed and I believe it is mostly true. I say mostly because it does depend on what you read. I don’t think it was intended to mean leaders are people who read celebrity gossip. You know what I mean.

Today, while waiting for my office appointment I picked up a magazine to read. It was a financial magazine, of course. The magazine featured some of the best Financial Advisors in the Los Angeles area. These are professional people who are very successful and who do well for the clients. Each advisor was asked a few questions including what is the minimum investment amount required for new clients. I was immediately disqualified by their answers. Maybe you can qualify.

Nevertheless, I was intrigued with one other question asked of these advisors. The question was – What book are you now reading? That was it and I was fascinated to read their responses. Unfortunately I can’t recall all the names of the books they are reading. What I can tell you is they are reading books that were written to inspire and educate. Can you imagine? These are already successful people and they are feeding their minds with new ideas and helpful information. So there you have it. Leaders are indeed readers.

Here’s my question to you (Rhetorically). What book are you now reading? Let me suggest a couple for you. Both are very easy to read. "Go-Givers" and "Go-Givers Sell More"

A Walk Can Get You Thinking

Last night I did something I hope to do on a regular basis. I went for a good walk. That's right. I have a goal to exercise and get leaner, better looking! You know what I mean. I walked for about an hour. Boy was that an hour.

I processed so many things on this walk. First, I thought a lot about the reason I was walking. Then I thought about the things I used to enjoy doing but have little time for these days. Things like golf and going to the gym. I reminded myself these are things I have to make time for. So, I will work on it and let you know.

I think during most of the walk, I thought about being a business owner and the freedom and personal satisfaction that goes with being your own boss. I also thought about the challenges that go with it as well. But one thought consumed me. What can I do to enjoy more success? Have you ever had the same thought? I am sure you have.

For some reason, the answer to my question came to the light. I was hearing the words of Zig Ziglar. Yep, Mr. Ziglar. He always says "you can have what ever you want by helping enough people get what they want." Until my walk, his words appeared lost to me. But now, I was seriously entertaining the meaning of these words.

After much thought about what I want, I asked another question of myself. What do other people want? Obviously, the answer has a broad scope. So, I began to think about in it relative terms. I modified the question a little and asked myself what do I have or what can I offer that people want? Boy, that loaded me up. I am now on a mission to figure that out. Stay tuned.

Meanwhile, here is a little suggestion for you. Take a walk. And while you are at it, ponder these questions yourself.

You’re The Leader…. Or Are You?

Okay, you have a team or a group of people who work with or for you. Seems to me you either have an opportunity and/or a responsibility to be the leader. You decide which is more important to you. Personally I see it as an opportunity. But what’s really important is how you show up - If you show up at all. My point is you cannot lead if you are absent – perceived or real.

You may have a committed group of people who are very good at what they do, but they still depend on your presence. Think about it. What happens to a group that has no true leader?

The answer: A leader will emerge or the group members will seek new directions or new alliances. The result can be a fractured organization or team. That can have a negative effect on your organization’s overall productivity and profitability.

When I talk about presence, I am not necessarily talking about being physically present. That is not always possible. But what I am talking about is being in touch, consistent, reliable and forward thinking. If you are not doing these things at the very least, are you really a leader?

People are only followers if there is someone who leads. Imagine That!!

Our Human Capital

Times are tough. Everyone around you feels it. As the leader of a team or organization you need to be aware how these tough times affect your employees. This is especially true when it comes to their ability to perform on the job. You don’t want to ignore the concerns of your human capital. Now is not a time for guessing. There is much at stake - namely, the future of your business.

So, how can you learn what’s going on with your employees? The obvious answer is to ask. But you need to be prepared to offer a meaningful response. The message you deliver needs to be clear, relevant and truthful. You may not have all the answers but you are among other human beings. It is the common thread. The message you give needs to say “we are in this together.” These times will not last forever. Nothing ever does.

After setting the table, you will be better able to address areas for performance improvement. Here you can introduce the idea of subjective performance development assessments. This means you can help your employees to assess themselves to discover what and where support will be most helpful on the job. Remember “we are in this together.” Keep that intention in mind. You’ll be able to receive more cooperation and collaboration. And, the bottom line…, well let’s say it will be impacted. Imagine that!!