Developing the Leader Within You Leadership Matters

©Maiers, 2007 In a world that is constantly changing, there is no one subject or set of subjects that will serve you for the foreseeable future, let alone for the rest of your life. The most important life skill to acquire now is learning how to learn. ~Bill Gates~

The Definition of Leadership: Influence  Leadership is Influence. Leadership Proverb: He who thinketh he leadeth and hath no one following him is only taking a walk.  “Once you define leadership as the ability to get followers, you work backward from that point of reference to figure out how to lead.

©Maiers, 2007 Success Traits 1. Think of someone you admire… 2. What are 2 or 3 things they do that stand out? 3. What character traits, abilities or practices do they employ to elevate themselves?

Everyone influences someone  All of us are leading in some areas, while in other areas we are being lead.  No one is excluded from being a leader or a follower.  Realizing your potential as a leader is your responsibility.

©Maiers, 2007 Possible Traits 1. Attitude Conscious 2. Strong Model 3. Self Aware 4. Powerfully Curious 5. Endurance/Persistence 6. Risk Taker 7. Comfortable with Ambiguity 8. Achieve Balance 9. Value on Knowledge 10. Strong Desire to Learn

©Maiers, 2007 NOW WE KNOW… WHAT CAN WE DO?

The Five levels of Leadership Level 1: Position  This is the basic entry level of leadership. The only influence you have is that which comes with a title. People who stay at this level get into territorial rights, protocol, tradition, and organizational charts.

Level 2: Permission  “ Leadership is getting people to work for you when they are not obligated.”  “Leadership begins with the heart not the head” People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.

Level 3: Production  On this level things begin to happen, good things. Profit increases. Morale is high. Turnover is low. Needs are being met. Goals are being realized.  Fresh statistics are shared on a regular basis with the people who under grid the growth of the organization. Everyone is results oriented.

Level 4: People Development  A true leader can be recognized because somehow his people consistently demonstrate superior performances.  A leader is great, not because of his or her power, but because of his ability to empower others. Success without a successor is failure.

Level 5: Personhood 1. The Higher You Go, The longer it Takes. 2. The Higher You Go, The Higher the Level of Commitment. 3. The Higher You Go, The Easier it is to Lead. 4. The Higher you Go, the Greater the Growth. 5. You never Leave the Base Level.

The Most Important Ingredient of Leadership: Integrity Integrity is defined as the state being complete and unified. When you have integrity the words and deeds match up.

©Maiers, 2007 Attitude Hurdles  Frustration: “I don’t understand…”  Embarrassment: “I don’t know…”  Motivation: “I don’t care…”  Perception: “I am not good at…”  Passivity: “I don’t want to…”

The Ultimate Test of Leadership: Creating Positive Change  Change the leader, change the organization.  Everything rises and falls on leadership.

Creating Positive Change:  Profile of a Leader in Trouble 1. Has poor understanding of people. 2. Lacks imagination. 3. Has personal problems. (brings to Worksite) 4. Passes the buck. 5. Feels secure and satisfied. 6. Is not organized. 7. Flies into rages.

Creating Positive Change: Continued……… 8. Will not take a risk. 9. Is insecure and defensive. 10. Stays inflexible. 11. Has no team spirit. 12. Fights change.

The Quickest way to Gain Leadership: Problem Solving  Four common reasons people do not perform the way they should: 1. They do not know what they are supposed to do. 2. They do not know how to do it. 3. They do not know why they should. 4. There are obstacles beyond their control.

©Maiers, 2007 Know Thyself:  I am very good at…  Something positive about me is…  I really see results when I…  It doesn’t work when I…  I have a hard time…  If I was able to change…  One area I could improve on is…

©Maiers, 2007 Getting It Done!!! Set a Deadline Break the Task into Parts Select One Part at a Time Reward Yourself Remove Distractions

©Maiers, 2007 Success Is… The ability to take your skills and talents and apply them in a pursuit of something worthy.