Leadership Philosophy
May 1, 2009 by admin
Filed under Leadership
Leadership comes in many different shapes and forms. As leadership comes in different shapes and forms, so do leadership philosophies. There are people from all walks of life who have their own philosophy on leadership. Who’s to say which is right and which is wrong? But if you expand your mind and allow your leadership to grow, you will benefit any organization.
Followers expect leaders to show them the standard and train them to reach it. They expect leaders to lead by example. Additionally, they expect leaders to keep them informed and take care of them. Being a leader will require you to ask others to make extraordinary sacrifices to achieve goals. Leaders may have to call on them to do things that seem impossible. However, “If leaders have trained their people to standard, inspired their willingness, and consistently looked after their interests, they will be prepared to accomplish any goal, anytime, anywhere” (Reeves, 2004).
Leadership philosophies are based on opinions and experiences of an individual, which is why philosophies may not necessarily coincide even though you may have the same common goal. The best thing about leadership is that it will always evolve if you expand your mind. What maybe your leadership philosophy today may not necessarily be your leadership philosophy tomorrow.
Many of my philosophies were influenced by traits that are used by the U. S. Marine Corps and standard maxims, which will work well in any organization and some of them are: justice, judgment, dependability, initiative, decisiveness, integrity, enthusiasm, loyalty, and courage just to name a few. Another important skill that must be implemented for all of this to work is applied knowledge.
Justice teaches you to be fair and consistent. No one can ever say that you are showing favoritism. Using judgment gives you the ability to think about things thoroughly and rationally. Good judgment leads to sound decisions, and sound decisions leads to better quality.
Dependability “is the willing and voluntary support of the policies and orders of the chain of command” (Wright, 1984/2002). You must show that you are dependable, and it is needed because it shows you can be relied upon to your superiors as well as your employees. It means you can be trusted to complete your job. It also means that you will be trusted by your employees, which will build a better rapport and enhance communications between you and them.
Initiative runs hand in hand with dependability. Showing initiative means doing something before you were instructed to. It shows you are dependable and can think ahead and look at the big picture instead of what’s in front of you.
A decisive person shows they have the ability to make good decisions without hesitation. It allows you to get the facts, analyze them and come to the best possible decision while maintaining a high level or professionalism.
Showing enthusiasm shows a sincere interest and enthusiasm in the performance of your duties. It will make your employees more enthusiastic and motivated about their work, which will lead to better productivity and working atmosphere.
Having loyalty shows you are devoted to your organization, seniors, peers, and subordinates. You have a sense of responsibility to everyone who is involved in the organization. You are loyal enough to know if things begin to get unethical, you know how to separate yourself from it, and continue to do the right thing.
Integrity is one of the most important traits within my leadership philosophy. People can take many things from you, but integrity is something you can only give away. It shows that you are truthful and a person of your word. When integrity is consistently applied, it will build good morals and ethics within any organization.
The most vital leadership characteristic is courage. Courage is the foundation on which all things start. Having these other traits are pointless if you don’t have the courage to apply them. Without the courage to succeed and the courage to stand up for what you believe, you should not be placed in any leadership position, because you lack what it takes to be a leader. And if you lack what it takes to lead… who will follow?
Applied knowledge is the understanding of a science or art and applying it. Knowledge means you have acquired information and you understand people, emotions, and actions. Applying knowledge means you will take acquired information and share it with your employees to make them better, mentally stronger, and more eager to learn.
To support my leadership philosophy, I have maxims that I follow, which are known to the U. S. Marine Corps as leadership principles. One of my maxims is to know myself and seek self improvement. This is done by working to improve my weaknesses and utilizing my strengths based on thoughts and experiences. I also must be technically and tactically proficient. Before I can lead, I must be able to do the job. If I can’t do the job, I can’t set the example. Albert Einstein said it best, “Setting an example is not the main means of influencing another, it is the only means.” Lastly, I must know my employees and look out for their welfare. As a leader, I am responsible for my employees’ welfare and well-being. Their welfare must come before my own. To put yourself before your employees is to show disrespect towards them and the organization, which will ultimately lead to destruction.
Many leaders’ leadership philosophies are very different, but in any attempt to lead, you have to have a philosophy. You may read many articles on leadership, attend leadership seminars, or even take leadership classes that offer many different philosophies on leadership. However, I am not trying to change your philosophy on leadership… I am just trying to expand your mind.
Author: Darnell E. Patton is currently an active duty Marine. He has held many management and leadership positions, to include the legendary Marine Drill Instructor and Drill Instructor, Instructor. He has a BS in Management, a BS in Finance, and his MBA with specialization in Human Resources.
Leadership Quotes
April 28, 2009 by admin
Filed under Leadership
Quotes can be pretty influential on our life. Little did we know that just a few strings of words could really make a difference in our life. There are quotes on friendship, relationship, leadership, success and many others that can be pretty inspiring and impactful on us. But is it true that quotes on leadership can make you be a real leader?
Some people are still skeptical regarding the hidden potential of the leadership quotes. You are definitely not to be blamed if you are one of them.
Quotes actually serves more than just the purpose of inspiring someone. These quotes are actually very useful tool in offices and schools. Good quotes on leadership are the ones that are able to move you. Not all quotes can be inspiring as such it is important that you choose one that is able to leave an impact on you after you finish reading it.
As well as use leadership quotes, effective leaders have never been afraid to invest in themselves, and have often sought out useful leadership books and learning material that will help them along the path to happiness and leadership. These days, many e-courses tend to be rather disappointing, but I’m pleased to recommend one e-course that is still respected by leadership professionals such as myself:
The 11 Forgotten Laws
. It’s generally seen as an essential and core ‘crash course’ in the laws and secrets you need to know to further your leadership & career and even help find happiness in other areas of your life. Its an excellent base upon which you can build your personal development.
Quotes comes in all length and personally, I would prefer the ones that are short and to the point. Succinct and to the point – that should be your ideal quote.
But why use quotes? Well, quotes are actually great sources of inspiration when you are down in the dumps. Quotes on leadership can give back the life in you and spur up all determination to lead again.
Being a leader is not an easy task and that is why you will definitely got to have all it takes to be one. Quotes of leadership are just like your back up support that reminds you of who you are and what exactly do you do in life.
“A sense of humor is part of the art of leadership, of getting along with people, of getting things done.” -Dwight David Eisenhower
Quotes such as this helps to remind you of certain traits or qualities that might have brushed past you while you were leading. Humor, decisiveness, care and concern towards fellow co-workers are just some of the attributes that these quotes posses to keep you reminded of your role and responsibility as the leader.
But the question is, does this quote really work as well as it should do? As aforementioned, not all quotes are worth remembering. Some quotes are just too long winded such that you lost the meaning halfway through reading it. Just choose one of your favorites and know it like it’s the back of your hand.
These quotes are just like positive affirmations that get registered into your brain if you keep on repeating it to yourself. This is a good thing of course as over time, you will realize that you will soon base your leadership on the set of leadership qualities that are said within the quote. As such, it will definitely be handy to know a few quotes.
You do not need to memorize the thick book of quotes just because you think that with more quotes you memorize, the better you will be. Unfortunately it does not work that way. Quotes are meant to the left as it is, and not as a bible that you should read and remember by hard. Quotes on leadership and management can make you be a real leader indeed.
Go grab a quote and make it yours today!
Leadership Theories – The Ultimate Guide
April 26, 2009 by admin
Filed under Productivity
Many leadership theories have been suggested since time immemorial. Early leadership theories focused on the behaviour and qualities of successful leaders where as later theories gave more importance to the role of associates and followers. Some of the leadership theories are as follows:
Great Man Theory. According to Great Man theory, a leader is born and cannot be made. This theory believed that leaders are people who have inborn exceptional qualities and are destined to lead. Here the term “Man” is used since leadership was considered as a concept that would be primarily dominated by males. Great leaders would arise only when there is an urgent need of it. It also suggests that leadership qualities are inherent.
Trait Theory. According to Trait theory, few people are born with qualities that are suited to leaderships. People who transform into good leaders posses right combination of leadership qualities. Through this approach, people with such leadership qualities could be separated and then people with such qualities could be recruited or selected into leadership positions. This approach was commonly used in military and is even today used to recruit candidates for commission.
Self Investment Theory. From visiting organisations, I’ve found that the happiest employees and managers regularly invest in themselves and their personal leadership training. People have often sought out useful leadership books and learning material that will help them along the path to happiness and leadership. These days, many e-courses tend to be rather disappointing, but I’m pleased to recommend one e-course that is still respected by leadership professionals such as myself: The 11 Forgotten Laws. It’s generally seen as an essential and core ‘crash course’ in the laws and secrets you need to know to further your leadership & career and even help find happiness in other areas of your life. Its an excellent base upon which you can build your personal development.
Contingency Theory. This leadership theory focuses on variables that are related to environment and that would determine which style of leadership is suitable for a particular situation. It says that it is impossible to determine which leadership style will suit best for any situation. Success depends on qualities of followers and other variables.
Situational Theories. This theory suggests that on the basis of situational variable, leaders should choose the course of action. Diverse styles of leadership will me more suitable to make certain types of decisions
Behavioral Theories. This leadership theory believes that great leaders are not born but are made. The prime focus of this theory is on actions of leaders. The focus is not on internal states or mental qualities. This theory believes that people can become leaders through the process of teaching, learning and observation.
Participative Theory. This theory defines ideal leadership style. An ideal leadership style takes into consideration the input of its associates. Such leaders encourage contribution and participation from group members. The leader also has the right to say no to any suggestion of other team member.
Management Theories. This collection of leadership theories gives more importance to the role of organization, supervision and most importantly the group performance. This theory is based on the system of punishment and reward. Managerial theory is often used in many companies. When employee’s performance is very good, he or she is given a reward. If the employee’s performance decreases below a certain level, he or she is punished.
Relationship Theory. This theory also called Transformational theory focuses on the connections that are formed between followers and leaders. These leaders inspire and motivate people. They also help group members in case of any difficulty. Such leaders focus on performance of of members of group. These leaders have high moral values.
Path Goal Theory. This theory focuses on what leaders should do to motivate and inspire people so that the employees can perform well.
Motivational Quotes
April 8, 2009 by admin
Filed under Motivation
Motivational quotes work really well to inspire an individual and help him or her overcome the toughest phase of life. Now, the challenge can be to come out of the smoking phase, recovering from low self esteem, health issues, weight loss or to enhance their qualities.
Quotes for motivation also posses the power to rewrite negative thoughts that may have extend your mind. This is a great way to achieve success.
There is a need to surround you with positive motivational quotes. This is a fantastic way to overcome a temporary set back that has entered your life. These quotes are capable of instilling you with positive energy and zest. You will definitely feel changed up once you read them.
For instance, if you have been given a project, that you want to accomplish and you think that the task is really difficult. This situation is enough to make you feel bad and discouraged.
However, how would you feel if you suddenly happen to read something like the following?
- “Success comes to those who dare and act.”
- “Nothing is impossible in life as the word impossible itself says ‘I’m possible.”
- “Dream, plan, believe and act. The success is just a step ahead.”
- “Believe you can and you will.”
In short, quotes for motivation around you can add up to the zest in your life.
Motivation is also completely intertwined with the idea of self-investment.
As an alternative method, many motivated leaders I have come across regularly invest in themselves. Leaders have often sought out useful leadership books and learning material that will help them along the path to happiness and motivation. These days, many e-courses tend to be rather disappointing, but there are a few e-courses that are still respected by leadership professionals such as myself such as The 11 Forgotten Laws. It’s generally seen as an essential and core ‘crash course’ in the laws and secrets you need to know to further your leadership & career and even help find happiness in other areas of your life. It’s an excellent base upon which you can build your personal development.
Benefit of using quotes for motivation:
a) Strength and Commitment
Quotes for motivation help in making you strong and committed. There are excellent sources to inspire you to excel in your field and out beat others. Most successful personalities across the globe have got inspiration from motivation quotes and instances. For example the great Napoleon Bonaparte got his inspiration to succeed from an ant who tried to take in food towards the wall and had fallen many times prior to getting to the final destination.
b) Encouragement in the time of despair
There are times when things go wrong and don’t work out. You need a strong source of encouragement during this period. There is a lot in these quotes that will help you to take good action and also strengthen your mind processes and thoughts. If you read these quotes and apply them in your life, you would definitely succeed in your mission.
How to use quotes for motivation effectively:
Once you have chosen a motivational quote related to your goal, you need to print it. Get it printed on a nice paper in an attractive font. You can even write it down in your best handwriting. Make sure that the quote you have chosen for yourself really provides you a kick.
Now, it’s time to display it at places where they are most effective. Stick these notes on a bathroom mirror, dashboard, screensaver, Billboard around your desk or in a picture frame above your bed.
Once you have placed these quotes for motivation at their best locations, read them frequently, several times in a day. Try to say these aloud. Feel them and most importantly believe them. You will see a major difference in your motivation.