Top Gun Leadership Advice:
While attending the spring IEDA (Indiana Economic Development Association) conference, we were privileged to hear a former Top Gun fighter pilot talk about leadership. He brought up three points that resonated with me:
• #1 Leaders have a mindset of success,
• #2 Leaders know what they can and cannot do, and
• #3 Leaders are vulnerable.
Two other thoughts were Leaders create a culture of learning, and Leaders create opportunities not to survive but to thrive. Remember these as you lead your team.
Addressing the Weakest Link:
Leaders cannot ignore issues created by the weak link in their organization. That weak link needs to be dealt with and done so professionally and directly. None of us want to fire people. With today’s job market and difficulty in hiring, it is best to develop a plan of attack for improvement and continued analysis of the situation. Working through the weaknesses doesn’t always work, so making the tough decision needs to be decisive if it comes to that point.
Positive Anticipation:
Life gives you what you expect. If you anticipate negative things, guess what will likely happen? If you expect positive outcomes, the chances are the result will be positive. Let’s be positive leaders in how we interact in the world.
Advice from a Timeless Children’s Book:
Dr. Seuss wrote a book called Oh, the Places You’ll Go! One of the refrains is: You have brains in your head, You have feet in your shoes, You can steer yourself, Any direction you choose. What direction do you choose to go? Make the right choices and go in the correct direction.
Encouragement:
True leaders encourage their team members. Look for opportunities to encourage your team today.
Time is Ticking:
Be intentional with your time. We only have so much, and there is no guarantee on how much we will receive. Remember that as you live your day.
Dream and Assist in Making Dreams Come True:
Do you dream? If not, you should think about your life and the dreams you should pursue. Good leaders don’t just focus on their dreams but consider those around them and help them to achieve theirs. Are you dreaming? Are you helping those around you accomplish their dreams?
Creating Goals:
What are your goals in life? Do you, as a leader, set goals? Do you help future leaders grow and help them with their goals? Ben Franklin set aside time every day to ask himself two questions; in the morning, he asked, “What good should I do today?” In the evening, he asked, “What good have I done today?”
Keep an Eye Out for Talent:
Effective leaders are always on the lookout for good people. Who do you attract to you and your organization? Look for those that are willing to grow and excel. You and the organization will be better off for this strategy.
Developing Your Concentration:
Management expert Peter Drucker stated, “Concentration is the key to economic results. No other principle of effectiveness is violated as constantly today as the basic principle of concentration … Our motto seems to be, Let’s do a little bit of everything.” Developing your talent will take concentration and focus.
Whatever it Takes:
As a leader, you should have a “Whatever it takes attitude.” Surround yourself with those that have the same attitude.
~ Jeff Banning