BEATITUDES OF LEADERSHIP
Gregory P. Smith
 James O'Toole, a leadership expert said,
"Ninety-five percent of American managers today say the right thing.
Five percent actually do it." Today's complex and changing business
environment requires a special style of leadership. Like yesterday's
newspaper, traditional leadership styles are outdated...no longer
effective. Everyone today, no matter what job they hold must improve
their leadership skills. Whether you are a meeting planner, an
association executive or the CEO of a large corporation, leadership is the
key ingredient to organizational success.
The most critical ingredient needed in all
organizations today is action-oriented leadership based on a whole new set
of attitudes. Uniquely equipped for this task is the innovative
leader who possesses the Beatitudes of Leadership.
Be Bold and Challenge Status Quo
Conformity and status quo are the first
steps down the staircase of business ineffectiveness. People become
comfortable doing the same things the same way, copying everyone else.
The innovative leader is always looking for ways to improve what is being
done, never satisfied with just being good. In today's chaotic
business environment, good is no longer good enough.
Be a Risk Taker
The innovative leader understands progress
depends on change and change is risky. The leader creates an
environment allowing people freedom to experiment and take risks without
fear of reprisal. The innovative leader provides support and
encouragement to his or her people even if a person fails in trying to do
something new.
Be Authentic and Approachable
Creating an open and supportive environment
is important if you want your people to become innovative. One way
to make yourself approachable is to talk openly about your own mistakes
and your limitations. Once viewed as taboo and poor leadership, but
now is more acceptable and no longer thought of as a sign of weakness.
In fact, many people find it a sign of strength and authenticity, a way to
gain respect and trust from your people. After all, who doesn't make
mistakes-it's only human.
Be a Role Model
The old saying goes, "Actions speak louder
than words." This saying is more true today than ever before. Change
begins at the front office, the top floor, the corporate boardroom.
Workers are not fooled by posters, slogans, and speeches such as, "People
are our most important asset" or Quality comes first." Management's
actions show the people in the organization what is truly important.
You must walk the talk.
Be Out and About
In this high-tech, non-stop world, meetings
and conferences become vampires slowly draining the life out of the
business. Change occurs so rapidly that by the time a problem is
brought to a staff meeting, it's too late. Both solutions to
problems and innovative ideas are found on the front line with the
workers. Leaders must get out of the office and spend time talking
to workers and customers in and about the business.
Be Inspirational
Horst Shultze, the CEO of Ritz-Carlton
Hotels delivered one of the most inspiring and motivating talks ever
heard. The vision for his company unfolded like an artist painting a
canvas. He spoke of his dream of creating, not just good
hotels, but the best hotel chain in the world. He recounted how his
workers told him what the hotel industry needed, what was important, and
how to do it. The audience seated in the auditorium became part of
the transformation process. They felt the workers' pride and
enthusiasm. They could see the difference this leader brought to his
organization.
Throughout his talk he kept the audience
sitting on the edge of their seats. He did not read a prepared text
written by some speech writer but he spoke from his heart. The
difference in his talk and other "speeches" was that you could feel his
commitment and caring. It wasn't the words he used, but the tone of
his words and his physical movement that made the difference. He was
passionate, he was inspiring, and he planted a seed in all of us. It
was clear to the audience that Mr. Horst Shultze possessed all the
Beatitudes of leadership.
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