What is your Leadership Strength

I am often asked by individuals to identify their leadership strength. Of course, it is not always that simple. To really assess leadership skills, there needs to be an understanding of the characteristics of a good leader. I believe there are key attributes a good leader has in their tool kit.

1) Integrity - people can trust you
2) Character - I mean what I say and I live my life that way
3) Teach - raise the people around you to be better leaders
4) Attitude - attitude is as attitude does
5) Approachable - put people first, especially before yourself

This is not meant to be an all encompassing list. This is the first 5 that come to mind when I discuss the "key" characteristics.

How are you doing on these 5? Have you asked anyone around you for feedback? That is a great place to start.

Where is Christ in your Leadership Skills?

In today's corporate environment, the need to lead like Christ is more important than ever. Quick pace decisions, changing priorities, and budgets that are impacted by the recession have everyone scrambling to maintain some semblance of order.

So, what does a Christ-like leader look like. I am glad you asked. Even the most Godly people you know will struggle under today's job pressures. I will be the first to admit that some days, it would be easier to just not care. I am so glad that Jesus never reached that point. He cared so much that not only did He lead, He paid the ultimate price with His death. So here are three traits that I strive for in my leadership, in what I hope is my Christ-like leadership.

First, always maintain your integrity. You are ALWAYS responsible for your response in any situation. If your boss is demanding and unreasonable, you are still responsible for how you respond - with integrity. If your boss asks you do to something that you feel is unethical, you are still responsible for your response. God willing, you can find a way to respond with integrity that also does not impact your job status. Integrity is your one characteristic that someone cannot take from you - you have to give it. I am not saying this is easy! Fear of retribution or losing your job make the stakes very high. Christ maintained His integrity through out His life. His word was His promise.

Second, listen first; speak last. The more you understand about a person or situation, the better prepared you are to lead. You will deepen relationships and gain creditibilty. In John Maxwell's book "21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership", he calls it the law of E. F. Hutton; when you speak, people listen. This is because you have earned the creditibilty that you listen and then offer sound advice.

Third, it's all about relationships. I have heard the antecdote a thousand times; People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care. People need to know that they are important. I spend a great deal of time at my job. I want to have an environment that empowers people, motivates them to excel, and to strive for success. That cannot happen if you don't know what makes them "tick". If you pour yourself into the people, you will be amazed at the support you will receive.

What does your attitude say about your ability to lead?

So, last week was a rough one for me. Things were just not going as I had planned. By Wednesday, I realized that my whole team seemed to be having a rough week. I had forgotten a very important law in leadership and that is attitude is contagious. I was rubbing off on people.....not in a good way either.

I want to be a good example. Time for self-reflection. Everyone has bad days but a true leader makes sure that it does not impact their followers. This is not always easy to do but here are some techniques that I have used that might help you.

1) Choose your words very carefully when discussing any current situation with a team member.
2) If you have a safe "venting" person you can talk to, seek them out and blow off some steam.
3) Take an early lunch (not always possible if it happens at 3:00 pm)
4) Pick up your Bible and see what scripture God will use to take your mind of the problems of the day.
5) Sometimes, I have been successful at talking myself out of my "bad mood". It really depends on how much attitude is BAD.
6) Have something in your work space that reminds you that this is not the end of the world. Good examples are family pictures, funny sayings, scripture, etc.

I would not recommend throwing stuff, sulking, crying, hitting something, or yelling. All of which are pretty obvious.

Leadership in a Recession

There are many stories in the news that we are in a recovery economically. I am not that optimistic because companies are stilling needing to make cuts in order to make it. Some companies handle it better than others. As a leader in an organization, it is absolutely critical that I help my employees understand. Companies are doing everything from laying off staff to reducing pay to eliminating merit increases. Even though we are hearing that the recession is over, it is going to take time for that to "catch up" in the corporate environment. Helping employees understand all the decisions that a corporation is the job of the leader. While not every decision can be defended, it is important to provide insight so that employee can understand and eventually support it.

Esther - what an amazing, Godly woman

You know, I have often thought about how tough it is being a strong woman. More importantly, a strong, Godly woman. It would be so easy to blame God for all the stuff that I want to be different. Sell my house in Iowa, put grass in my back yard, make sure Jake can afford college, etc. I was raised to believe that I can do anything I put my mind to. I still believe that but I have added power now - GOD!

During the time that I was out of work, I started a bible study on the book of Esther. WOW! This is a strong woman but it showed me something even more important. God's perfect timing! It never dawned on me that the reason Esther had to have 2 banquets was that she need to make sure that she listened to God and obeyed His timing.

So, Esther stood up for what was right and obeyed God. How awesome is that......I want to be THAT kind of strong.

Out of work - the opportunities are endless

I have spent the last week looking for ways to earn money while I wait for my ideal position. I am still searching and talking with companies for the ideal position and during down time, researching in-home type of contract work. It is amazing to me to see this new way of working. There are legitimate ways to earn money working from home but there are so many more scams. I am fascinated by sites that offer "membership fees" to get in touch with companies that outsource data entry and such. Why do I have to pay the fee? Shouldn't the company that needs the work done pay the fee? YES. I will not sign up or register for anything that requires me to pay for it. Read the fine print, then continue to charge you and they do not have to ask, the responsibility is on you to cancel because of that fine print.

So, a word to the wise. Do not pay for access to this type of information. Elance and oDesk are two companies that provide access without charging you.

Just thought I would share a first hand experience.

Jesus suffered - so why should it be different for me

So, this week has been about trying to keep from throwing a 'pity party' for myself. Since leaving my job, I have encountered every emotion possible. Elation, fear, anxiety, anger, "duh" moments, etc. Why? Because it is a little like grieving. Suffering is hard, even when I knew it might be like this. It was absolutely the right thing to do - I don't regret it at all.

I have spent my time updating my resume, working with a headhunter firm, applying for many positions (all of which I truly want) and most of all, self-reflection. I have grown from this experience in ways that I would not have otherwise grown. I had always aspired to a "position". Now I aspire to do what I LOVE. Now the real trick, finding the job. I have to be patient. I know what I want and I know that there are jobs out there.

All this to say, it really is true that sometimes you have to let "stuff" go so you can do what you are suppose to do. This is how God's blessings work :-) ......it is the waiting that can unnerve me.

It is all in the timing

Well, I am 8 weeks into unemployment. It is truly a shift in my paradigm. I know that I made the right decision. There are quite a few jobs available, most of them would mean moving. I have a terrific home support system from my husband and my children. While moving would be stressful, we would make it work.

I have learned some things through this. 1) Always listen to your instincts 2) Work as a team, maintaining decision making authority 3) Believe in people 4) Be patient, don't find a position, find the right position 5) Always treat people with respect 6) God provides 7) Character and integrity are the most important traits - always be true to yourself 8) Play to your strengths 9) If you are given time, make the most of it - re-energize 10) Never give up

I have been finding things to keep me busy. I have read a lot of books on a multitude of topics. I have found validation in the pages. While I do not recommend this approach to a career change, it has also been a freeing experience for me.

Have you encountered something similar?

A Step of Faith

So, on 3/24/2009, I resigned my job without having another position. It has been almost 2 weeks and I am faced with some realities - some good, some bad. First, it has been a freeing experience. I was ready to make a job change and now I can focus on that. Second, my attitude has improved tremendously. I am physically and mentally much healthier. Those are the good things and worth far more than the other realities. Anxiety regarding the so called "clock ticking" on finding a job is sometimes high. It has been 20 years since I had to find a job and the game has definitely changed. I am being "recruited" heavily by organizations that want to help market me. Companies no longer use headhunter firms to place staff. Management and leadership positions are negotiated and shopped with placement firms - these same firms want to charge the potential employee and reap a fee from the employer if I am hired - without a guarantee. And, it is not cheap!!! I did not expect to pay to find a job.

So, all this to say, that this was a big step of faith and I believe God will bless this by providing exactly the job I am to have......just wish it was in my time and not His :-)

Starting a Different Career

So, due to circumstances, I am going to embark on a different career. This was a very difficult decision for me and a somewhat stressful one. I decided to resign from my previous job before having a new job to replace it. This was not done lightly. I believe the Information Technology landscape is changing and Business Transformation is going to be the key. Defining business processes and understanding key functionality is the only way to understand the technology requirements. Partnership is the key

How Important is Trust?

I have read many books on leadership and many of them stress the importance of trust in relationships. This can be particularly difficult in the workplace. How do you know who you can trust to watch your back, support your position, even to confront you when you might be over the line?

There is a difference between a professional trusting relationship and friendship. Do not make this mistake. You must maintain professional distance in workplace relationships. This is the way to maintain your objectivity. In the workplace, misplaced trust can be a career ending move. There are reasons that people talk about people working in a cutthroat atmosphere or seeing others climb to the top over other people.

So, how do you protect yourself but develop solid relationships in the workplace? First, you must remain integrity bound. Ensure that you can be trusted first. Next, choose your words carefully when sharing important information about your job, yourself, or sensitive information.
Finally, remember your relationships reflect back what you put into them. Trust is earned and that is both ways!

Dealing with Setbacks and Failures

This week has been a tough week for me. Missing deadlines are never easy but this comes with additional decisions. If someone came to me for advice on this topic, it would be, make the best decisions you can, be honest and integrity bound, and learn from this. So, while I know these things, it is not taking away the sinking feeling in my stomach. Writing this helps me see that tomorrow is another day and I need to let go and let God. No one on this earth is perfect. I always strive for perfection - but I need to give control away. I am ultimately responsible for this situation.

So, when faced with tough situations, it is okay to dwell long enough to learn from the situation. Then it is time to move on.

Passion - A main ingredient in Influence

Someone told me awhile ago that my passion is obvious when I talk. They went on to say that my passion encited people to catch the vision.

This comment spoke to me - to get people to follow you, they have to believe in you, then they will believe your words. It was a real 'duh' moment for me. This is so basic but I had not capitalized on my passion being a means for exciting people to follow a vision.

So, find your PASSION and use it to excite people.

Where Do You Start - Define the Journey

When I was 10 years into my careers as a programmer, I knew I wanted more. At first, I wanted to stay technical and be what is referred to as an individual contributor. Then, a manager in the organization approached me and asked me to teach others what I know - A LEADER.

A first, I was not sure. I did not want my career success defined by the success of others. Then, another per son took an interest in my leadership potential and mentored me. He suggested books and discussed opportunities. Reading the books and understanding what a true leaders does, I was in hook, line and sinker.

So, how do you start?
1) Read books on leadership - on an earlier blog, I provided a list of suggested books. In order to lead and make a difference, you need to define the kind of leader you want to be.

2) Find a mentor. Pick someone you trust and admire. Throughout your career, you will need different kinds of mentors to ensure that you keep growing. Remember, you are always looking to learn from the person, pick your mentor wisely. If you don't know who to ask, ask some leaders that are around you and see if they can suggest someome, maybe even themselves.

3) Develop relationships. Having a network that is broad will prove to be invaluable. This network should include coworkers across your company (not just your department). It should include community contacts. You get meet these people through volunteering, attending church, or even finding other types of groups in your community. This is a really important step.

4) Journal your path and progress. Remember, this will not happen overnight but if you keep making progress, you will see a difference.

The process is not easy, it requires hard work. But if you start with these 3 steps, you will be surprised at the difference you will see if 3 months if you are diligent.

Do You Know What You Want to Be When You Grow Up?

Have you asked yourself this question lately? This does not apply only when you are 6 years old and you want to be a fireman or a nurse. Every stage of our lives is around this question. Every promotion, job change, career shift is an answer to this question. The answer reflects your dreams and your next big step you are striving for.....YOUR HOPE.

So I challenge you......what do you want to be when you grow up.

Right now, my dream is to write a book. I working on what it is that I want to say, mostly I want to share my journey and the wisdom I have gained along the way.

Read from the Bible - Proverbs 92:14 - Dreams happen for the rest of your life - don't stop growing now.

Leadership and Employees

For many companies, year end is the time for employee reviews and bonuses based on company performance. With the state of the financial markets as they are, this process has been more painful than in years past. While large financial companies that have received bailout assistance are still paying significant executive bonuses, I may have to tell my employees that not only will there not be merit increases but bonuses are in jeopardy. While my employees will be thankful to have a job, it is still a sad state of affairs that this country is at the place it is.

So, here is a leadership question for you. How do you lead a team that there are no bonuses? How do you ensure that employees feel valued? How do you motivate them?

This is one of the times when leadership style plays an extremely important roles. If you have used your leadership skills to cultivate relationships of trust and continued to increase your creditbility, your team will still follow you. This is the key to authentic leadership. Don't get me wrong, people will be disappointed but you can keep them motivated.

By the way, this applies to people that may not directly work for you, and it is just as important that you provide leadership to those around you that may be in the same situation. Your attitude and support can make all the difference.

The Gap Between Strategy and Execution

It is no longer true that IT and business organizations are separate. In years past, IT has been responsible for taking the business needs and building specific IT solutions. But times are changing and it is a very necessary change. More and more companies are including IT at the strategy and planning table. Today's CIO's and IT leadership know the importance of the business and have taken great strides to learn the busines. In doing so, they have a view across the business landscape that provides additional insight to the business organizations - they see the integration and innovation opportunities. The opportunities that can change and mold a business - change and transformation. What a great way to find new and improved ways of doing business or leveraging efficiencies across the business organization reducing expenses and costs and improving the client experience.

Closing the gap between business strategy and execution is an increasing need and it requires unique skills that are hard to find. Creating this organization should be a priority for companies, especially in these trying financial times.

How long does change take

This is an age old question that can drive you crazy. Every company I have worked for has suffered with change and doing it well. John Kotter wrote a book called Leading Change in which he does an excellent job of laying out the 8 steps for change. If you look at the steps and divide them into strategy/vision or execution, you will see something very telling. There is a very important process between setting the vision and driving it to when execution takes place. In my opinion, this is the most critical - to take a vision and be able to put actionable steps to make it happen. This involves strong communciation to achieve buy-in and then the ability to determine the steps - looking of the win/win - business value against effort and dollars.

This is the key to making this successful. It cannot be part of someone's every day job. That is where companies make their mistakes. This takes time and dedication and a special group of people to lead this effort. If organized well, you can accomplish the most complicated change efforts needed to tranform a company.

Ever feel like nothing makes a difference

Well, today that seems to be something on my mind. So, the leader in me says, pull up my bootstraps and get over it. BUT (which negates everything I just said) there are times when you must deal with it.....YOU.....not those around you - so don't talk about it - YOU must decided what you are going to do with this feeling.

So, the challenge really is, is it good enough if you believe in what you are doing and you are doing it with integrity? And that answer would be YES. Now that is an approach I can focus on.

How do you maintain composure in unprofessional situations?

This is a tough one. Before I had read so much on maintaining character and integrity, I was a "gives as one gets" philosophy - only I always had to win. That in plain language is called SPITE.

Even though you may be in a professional environment meant to be one of mutual respect, this has not been my experience. Here are some tips that have helped my maintain my integrity in unprofessional situations.

1) Always maintain your composure, even calm. You are responsible for your response and attitude regardless of how you were approached. Walk away if necessary.

2) Remember, people always come first, especially if your sitution is about an employee, friend or co-worker. You need to keep in mind that you are looking for the win/win - even if it means you don't get your way.

3) Try additional approaches to the situation - ask questions, offer some other ideas or options, continue the discussion if needed. Do not delay a decision though if it is detrimental to a person (as identifed in #2)

4) Seek guidance from a co-worker who may have insight on ways to handle the situation.

5) DO NOT TALK ABOUT THE SITUATION in a negative way with other people. This only hurts you and it is unprofessional.

So, if you find this helpful, please respond. If you have other ideas, add them.