Business Leadership; Do You Qualify?

With the ongoing elections beating at the heart of America, making a decision about who will be our leader comes to mind. What makes a good leader? We’ve seen this age-old question, maybe mulled it over, for as long as we’ve been in the business of business. There are theories, there are tests even, but leadership evolves and changes with the business culture and atmosphere of today….and tomorrow? As usual this is yet another aspect of business when what works today may not work tomorrow.

Leaders in various industries stand out to us…some are role models, others may have gotten that far by happenstance. Either way, people are beginning to mull this question over again so let’s take a thoughtful look into it. Often times we think of a boss or CEO as a good leader, or the obvious leader, but the ability to lead does not come with the highest ranking position. So what qualifies someone, in general, as a leader?

  1. Balance of positive versus negative. Is this a 50/50 percentage of good and bad? No. research has shown just one negative comment takes about five positive ones to counteract. This also applies to constructive criticism- lead with the good followed by constructive advice.
  2. Communicate effectively. Ask questions about how people perceive what you’ve communicated to them. Don’t assume that you are leader and everyone needs to learn your communication style. This also means co-workers communicating well with each other and within the organization you lead.
  3. Don’t be too busy…for anyone or anything. The problem with getting too busy is things begin to get overlooked. Maybe you forgot to tell an outstanding employee how good they did. Little things like that effect big things like performance.
  4. Always invest in people…clients and employees. People are your business no matter what business you’re in. In the age of Internet and lack of face to face encounters, one thing still remains, people are the face and voice of your business so make personal meeting and customer reviews a regular part of your business.
  5. Learn from mistakes. Sometimes it’s helpful learning from your competitior’s mistakes or another business, but you will always remember the mistakes you made so that is naturally great, and memorable, learning material. All CEO’s will confess to having to learn through some hard-earned whoops.

Notes on Success for the CIO, CEO, and Entrepreneur

I flipped open the latest issue of Success magazine and found some inspiring stories. I don’t usually read something like this because success seems elusive during tough times. Such a broad term. Everybody’s chasing after it, right? Just like the American Dream, does it even exist anymore? But I think what we need right now is exactly what I found in the magazine- inspiration. We’ve been in a recession and will be for a while, but innovation and re-invention seem to be key now. People who used to work for others are now working for themselves. Times are changing.

Reading through the editor’s note at the beginning I picked a quote that I enjoyed. “Now, because of technology, every ambitious individual has direct and immediate access to a global market of resources and customers.” (Darren Hardy- SUCCESS magazine Publisher and founding Editor). He also states technology as being the foremost reason for the current ‘entrepreneurial revolution’. Anybody and everybody can get ahead and really be in control of their professional destiny. Personally, I don’t have a 401k anymore but I do work for myself and do what I enjoy. Even Steve Jobs didn’t have it easy at the get-go…sleeping on his friend’s floors after he dropped out of college. The key is we’re desperate enough now and there really is opportunity for the right kind of person.

Another key to success is defining what success is to you personally. My definition is doing what I love. Yes, I’m one of those people who believes if I’m doing what I love, the money will follow. So far, so good. I also believe people should  consistently train for success. Find what motivates you- some people need money in their pockets and food on their table, others want freedom and power over their life. Research what gets you there. Take lessons from others who ARE there. Sometimes setting yourself up as your biggest competitor is a more rewarding challenge than always comparing yourself to the “other” competition and their numbers.  People who succeed felt they never had a choice otherwise.

After skimming some great articles in the latest Success issue, I realized inspiration and technology are our fighting chance in this economic climate. Use it to your advantage.

Written by: Contributing Blogger, L. Izett

Need extra money in your pocket? Contact NW MAP and learn how to be a Telecom Agent: https://nwmap.com/contact-us/become-an-agent

 

The Future of your Company

Are you stuck in a rut or  moving forward? Many companies are not evaluating or investing in the future of their company because they are stuck in the present situation, which is an economic downturn. So you think you have stay the way you are and not rock the boat?

Investing in technology isn’t as expensive as you think, updating your company’s technology is an investment and will give you immediate and/or long-term return on your investment. More on updating telecom technology: https://nwmap.com/updating-your-telecommunications-system-and-saving-money

How to tell if you’re stuck in a rut:

  1. Cautious Culture: Not accepting of change; perhaps never have been and it has become the company culture. Change is a threat to them and equals higher costs, but that’s not actually the reality.
  2. Lack Long-term: Afraid to do anything different from what is done today and yesterday- they never move forward, but believe that not moving backward is at least progress. They lack a long-term plan or follow through with current goals. They will never move forward and eventually will fall behind.
  3. Empty Employees: Retaining employees that offer nothing to the company. Businesses house a few or several employees that lack initiative and can bring down entire departments. They are the root of a rut. Owners are hesitant to establish new systems, procedures, and technology because of these employees who will not embrace it.

One doable solution if you are unsure about the future of your company and it’s competitive edge, check into getting a free quote from a Telecom provider that offers free reviews of your current Telecom technology, your plans, and your current costs. You would be surprised how you can update your technology, improve company communications, and restore your competitive edge while saving money. Don’t be afraid to check it out because it’s free.

NWMAP Telecom Brokers are in the business of providing you solutions first, solutions specific to your company’s needs, and choices of over 40 carriers. Get a quote: https://nwmap.com/contact-us/request-quote