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A Series of Dots . . . .
by Ted Duboise
Often as a business owner, we are so into being a "Manager" that we don’t take time to be a "Leader". Yes, there is plenty to manage on a daily and weekly basis! Without question, a business owner has a tremendous amount of tasks that must get done. If you've been in business for even a small amount of time, you've probably learned that the only way to succeed in accomplishing all those tasks is to have someone to help you each day. That someone is your employees and your employees are "people". Let me set you straight right now.
People are your most important asset!
Yes, people are an asset. You invest time and you invest money in hiring and training them. People help you to be successful. People are definitely an asset to your business. The difference with this asset is that it has feelings, emotions, family, and a host of other human characteristics. People are an asset that you treat differently to other assets. When treated properly, people are your Most Valuable Asset! Having said that, you need to always remember this:
You "Manage" things - You "Lead" people!
Employees today are begging for Leadership. No, they don't tell you that - they expect you to already know that. Yes, they expect you to train them in the skill or position that you hired them to do, but that’s not all they expect. Even though they don’t tell you, they expect to be able to look to you for setting standards and treating them with respect. They expect you to create a work environment that they can be proud to tell their friends that they work there. They expect you to be a leader. A leader is a guide; one who shows or conducts the way. A manager is a director; one who manages a business, especially with skill. Leadership is a skill that can be learned. I like the way Webster defined a leader in referring to the printing business and the definition fits well here.
A series of dots. . . . .
to direct the reader to a specific point. Let me repeat that to make sure you understand the point I’m making here. In the printing business, a "leader" is a term used to specify a series of dots which direct a reader to a specific point in an article or an advertisement. That is exactly what leadership in business is: a series of brief moments (dots) to teach (direct) employees to achieve a specific goal (point). Every day, you should have a series of dots (information) that you give to employees. Eventually those employees perform as you want them to and they will consistently achieve desired results for your business. Little by little each day while working side by side with each employee, you are coaching/teaching/directing/training. Sometimes it is skill training to improve their performance in that particular job. Sometimes it is your business philosophy or personal philosophy in how you conduct your business. No matter what the information is, through repetition and time, that person will give you better results because he/she knows exactly how you want her/him to perform and the exact results that you expect to achieve.
Be a Leader!
You can plan your "series of dots" through assessing each employees needs or the overall needs of your business. However, many times, and probably most often, you will give out your dots in spur-of-the-moment tidbits. As you are working, situations arise that are perfect for "a series of dots". Utilize this tool and you will see greater results!
Copyright ©2008 by Ted Duboise
Ted Duboise has successfully lead people and managed businesses for 34 years. You can read more of his articles at www.quiltjazz.com or email him at ted.duboise@quiltjazz.com.
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