For some of my regular readers this might get to you a little later than normal. It’s my fault not my editor’s. I had some health issues this week and they were gracious enough to work with me and in doing so they need time to edit what I write so of course that means extra time getting it out to the public. After all, no writing ever made it straight from the writer’s pen to the public.
So, "How does this relate to leadership?" you might be asking yourself. Well one of the first lessons in leadership in any position from the janitor to the CEO is taking care of your health both physically and mentally. Most of us get a bit lax in this department from time to time. Whether it is putting off a doctor’s visit, not thinking anything about a missed pill, or usually that bad habit midnight snack that is something unhealthy. No, I don’t mean the once-in-a-while piece of cheesecake at midnight. I mean the every-night piece of cheesecake at midnight. I use cheesecake as an example since that is my dessert of choice, but there are others out there as well.
Speaking of sweet things, I keep in mind that you get more flies with honey than vinegar, as the old saying goes. You can get a lot out of a person normally with positive incentives and encouragement. Even just with being there to listen to them.
Yes, at some point there has to be a line that can’t be crossed. Some will give you repeated warning about you approaching that line. Some just draw the line in the sand and if you cross it you suffer the consequences no questions asked. Some even have a little flexibility with the line. It depends on the situation as to what works best and is warranted. I like that my editor is flexible with me as long as I am communicating with her about what is going on and what I need.
That brings me to the third rule (and probably should be the second rule as I think about it more). Communication is key on any team you are on. This is one I had forgotten. Took me a walk to remember who I am in a sense. Being a leader means if you have an issue with anything, you speak up, as respectively and politely as you can. Usually people will work with you, and eventually all things come to an end. Either you retire or move to a company you are more compatible with. Whatever you are doing, it is important to have communication.
This next one I learned from having so many providers, family, and friends go through the military. That while yes there can be a great deal done from a positive stand point and sometimes a need for drawing lines and not excepting anything less than the results you expect. One of the things that must be accounted for is morale of your team. It goes hand in hand with your health as well. That is why you will see everyone on a team checking in with each other and seeing how they are doing. I just do it out of having a big heart that I wear on my sleeve and naturally caring about people.
I’m still learning lessons in leadership even now. Part of that means accepting criticism and luckily for me being a writer means having a thick skin so I can take that criticism constructively. It also means remembering not to burn yourself out, which is covered under taking care of yourself. I’ve had good and bad bosses. Some were leaders and some were just bosses (not in the rap song sense). At times it is disheartening to see that even as far as I have come, my leadership style is still not compatible with how Corporate America is set to run presently, for the most part. There are exceptions, I know. Though it does get me thinking, but that is a topic for another time. *Tips his hat and walks out the door. *
