Transforming Leadership: The Art of Influencing Excellence

A leader is one who influences others by their choices and actions (or inactions). By this definition, we all lead. Our choices affect others.

Sadly, much of of what is called "Leadership" devalues people or permits them to devalue themselves. The relationship between manager and employee is closer to an operator and a machine, rather than a coach and a player.

A "Transforming Leader" then, is one who's choices and actions guide people to discover their own worth, and bring that to the table in support of a larger vision. This is a leader’s highest calling.

I sometimes wonder if the next performance breakthrough is a spiritual one. I do not presume to answer the "God" question for you. That search is yours.

Rather, I challenge you to consider the management principles and truths below. They work because people realize you are in it for them. Yes, you have an agenda, but you achieve it by helping others find and express their value.

I call these "The Principles of Influencing Excellence."

#1: See your career as a calling to develop others
#2: See people for their potential
#3: Be accountable
#4: Recognize and empower deserving people
#5: Be the one to make a difference
#6: Persevere, knowing that change takes time
#7: Seek first to understand
#8: Your work sets the standard for others
#9: Seize opportunities and hit the mark
#10: Provide your team with a vision that is larger than themselves
#11: Seek wisdom when facing difficult people and situations
#12: Confront and remove injustice (and obstructionists) with truth
#13: Don't fail to love

George Henderson
http://www.georgehenderson.com/