Linda Hanson’s Blog

Successful management and leadership of people is not easy to do. The mix of work styles, skills, personalities and educational backgrounds of your team members can vary dramatically causing you frustration. Therefore, it takes certain traits to nurture your management team. Since the best chance of success in your job comes from bringing out the best in people, ask yourself how well you do against this checklist of leadership traits published by Development Dimension International Inc.:

• Motivates employees: leads well.
• Has authenticity: is genuine and confident, has integrity, exudes trust.
• Brings out the best in people: inspires performance, moves others toward common goals.
• Learns from mistakes: likes to learn new information, is curious.
• Is receptive to feedback: seeks and uses feedback, accepts criticism, is humble.
• Has adaptability: accepts changes, adjusts quickly, and balances many demands.
• Is a conceptual thinker: thinks broadly, sees many perspectives and understands connections.
• Navigates ambiguity: simplifies complex situations, sees in shades of grey.
• Has a cultural fit.

At a time when the leadership tactics of many CEOs is still coming into question in many companies, when companies are in a strong competitive environment and when labor shortages threaten the growth of many companies, it is critical that you retain and recruit the best talent. Earning the respect you deserve within your team by being a highly effective boss will ensure your team performs well.

Many companies are complaining about the economy.  Business is slow and costs are high yet many companies are doing well.  How do they do it?  Look at the tactics below:

1.    Refining their processes to become more efficient.

2.    Providing exceptional customer service to retain and attract new customers.

3.    Consistently coaching their people to improve their performance and reduce errors.

4.    Keeping everyone focused on the goals.

5.    Reassigning non-revenue generating activities away from the sales force.

6.    Releasing people with a bad attitude.

7.    Hiring the best people that become available in your market.

8.    Staying focused on profitable sales.

Be the best you can be in this economy. The best source of business is always more business from your existing customers. If they are happy they continue to buy and they tell everyone they know that your company is good.