Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/875930
54 • october 2017 • world fence news Why you? Why now? What makes you relevant? Options are everywhere, and being "good" is the minimum ex- pectation. Why should I pay attention to you rather than hit the "next" but- ton? Unfortunately, the answers most of us give are wrong. Your company's products, service offerings, work processes, and com- pensation plans are not significantly different than those of your competi- tor. The words written on flip charts during your strategic planning ses- sions are not significantly different than those written by others. Chances are good that your "pro- prietary" approaches are often indus- try best practices re-languaged for your use. The same is true for departments, Leadership – Needed now more than ever by randy pennington work groups, and individuals. Your company doesn't hire all the geniuses and leave everyone else with simply average people. You aren't the only organization using the latest technology and work processes while others operate as if it is 1986. The difference between the great and the merely good is leadership. It has nothing to do with position and everything to do with your ability to influence others. Leadership is the engine that cre- ates and sustains a vibrant, nimble culture. It is the vehicle for earning trust and credibility with customers, colleagues, and co-workers. It is the voice that challenges others to ac- knowledge reality and inspires every- one to look forward to ensure relevan- cy in a constantly changing future. Five C's of great leadership The principles of great leadership apply if you are an organization aspir- ing to influence your marketplace or an individual who wants to influence your company or team. They are timeless in their rele- vance and require continual improve- ment in their application. Mastering these five areas will place you firmly on the path to success. Character: The pattern of your behavior and moral constitution de- fine your approach to dealing with yourself and others. Leaders with strong character make decisions based on what's right rather than who's right. They share credit rather than steal it, and they take responsibility. They don't throw others under the bus or take advantage for the lure of expediency. Competence: The most effective leaders never assume that today's ex- cellence will suffice tomorrow. They continually expand their knowledge and ability. Most important, they translate competence into perfor- mance that adds value. Never under- estimate the credibility that comes from continued competence in a world where mediocrity is everywhere. Communication: Mastering the delivery of your message is more important than ever to be heard in a world where everyone is inundated with information. Managing the message is not enough, however. Leaders earn cred- ibility when they combine effective presentation with openness, trans- parency, and a sincere desire to un- derstand. They build trust when they willingly share appropriate informa- tion, listen and accept ideas, and iden- tify with the struggles, joys and aspi- rations of those they seek to influence. Consistency: Consistency creates confidence that allows others to pre- dict your performance and response. Consistency alone will not make you an effective leader – as a person or an organization. But combine it with character, competence, and communi- cation and you begin to build a track record for reliability in good times and bad. Consistency frees others from worrying about protecting them- selves. Most important, it marks the difference between occasional bril- liance and repeated excellence. Courage: Leadership in an in- creasingly demanding world requires courage. Barriers must be confronted. Risks must be taken. Business as usu- al must be routinely and systematical- ly challenged. New ideas must be en- couraged, protected, and developed. Every great innovation began as an idea that challenged convention- al wisdom or extended prevailing thought to a place where someone was uncomfortable. Ineffective leaders shrink in the face of adversity. Cou- rageous leaders strike out boldly in search of new solutions. They never allow their love of the status quo to in- hibit their ability to adapt and change. Every challenge you face can be more successfully addressed with continued on page 56 LOWBUCK TOOLS 1663 Industrial Ave., Unit G • Norco, CA 92860 ALL LOWBUCK TOOLS ARE 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEED We ship UPS daily. Call in your order for immediate delivery. (951) 735-7848 • (951) 733-5432 • FAX (951) 735-1210 www.lowbucktools.com New! 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