General Colin Powell Article

I had an opportunity to hear General Colin Powell speak.  He is a very impressive man.  A real person.   He shared insights in what it took to be a strong leader.  General Powell said to have a sense of purpose, know why you are doing... this.  Have passion, it is infectious.  Leaders inspire, connect followers and take care of  followers.  Have human connection, trust, high integrity and selflessness.

He stated he missed the perks he received by being the Secretary of State.  I relate to what he said.  Not that I had perks that would come close to what he had but I miss the level of responsibility, the freedom to think and create, trips in first class I use to take and hope one day to gain back the level of responsibility and the freedoms I once possessed.

In an article titled "A Leader Worth Following" General Colin Powell shares how you can command more respect from your team.  He lists 4 different ways.

Promote Hopefulness.  He states, "As a leader, you set the tone for your entire team."

• Having a positive attitude will help your team achieve much more.  
• Having a negative attitude will quickly demoralize your team.  
• General Powell tells us to communicate our vision, share exciting news, celebrate victories and simply SMILE.

Encourage Growth.  General Powell states, "Effective leaders inspire and encourage their team members to learn new skills and grab new responsibilities."

• Keep you team growing and thriving by encouraging cross-training, read, seminars, education, brainstorming, idea boxes and much more.
• The stronger and smarter your team is, the smarter and stronger you are as a leader.

I believe General Powell would agree a leader should promote initiative.  Early in my career, I worked for a gentleman who gave me tasks and responsibilities that would stretch me.  At the time, he believed in me and my abilities more than I did.  I would complete a request and feel good about completing it but not for long because he would give me a new task or responsibility.  I am eternally grateful to him for doing that to me.  Now I believe in myself and I know that any task or request a boss can give me, I will complete with excellence.

Leader vs Manager.  General Powell states, "Titles mean little in terms of real power.  Just because you possess a title doesn't mean that you will obtain respect of those around you."  I believe people follow leaders who encourage growth, give responsibilities and trust those they give the responsibilities too.  They set expectations and aren't afraid to pat people on the back as well as support and train those who are falling short.

Ask Questions.  He states, "In the business world, if you don't stop to ask for directions, you'll sink.  Great leaders know that asking the right questions unearths problems and yields tremendous understanding about their customers, employees and operations.  Take time to survey everyone!"  

There are a number a employee satisfaction surveys out there that are inexpensive, use them.  Make sure they are anonymous, available to everyone in the company and listen to what they say.  Don't try to justify what you are already doing.  Make sure it is working.

I worked for a consultant, though he would not be happy with me for calling him one.  One of our client's company just completed an online survey we provided to his employees.  I remember my boss struggling with what he had to tell the CEO.  If he shared the truth, it may end the "gig" which would provide a nice income for our company.  My boss was flown to the client's company on the CEO's private jet to present the findings.  I am pleased to say he flew back on a commercial flight (in coach) because he shared the truth.  It is unfortunate for the CEO and his company.  The CEO chose not to listen to what his employees had to say.

 

Never Be Afraid to Make People Mad.  General Powell States, "Sometimes you'll have to make tough decisions that not everyone will like.  Prepare yourself for these moments by thinking through WHY you made the decision.  Pinpoint WHY your decision is best for your TEAM, your CUSTOMERS, and the company."

The article ends by stating, "Exceptional leaders possess passion and tenacity."  Some leaders have passion but lack tenacity.  Because the plan isn't completed in the time frame they wanted, they give up or change the plan.  Tenacity. Not that a plan can't be tweaked, but stay with it.  A former boss I would often say we have to keep pushing this boulder up hill.  When you reach the top the satisfaction is exhilarating!