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Posted by Richard Whitaker, Federal Way, Washington | Dec 18, 2007

Subscribe to Community-wide general discussion Leadership Lesson

Since I think that all of us are leaders in one way or another, what is the most important leadership lesson you have ever learned. I will start first. The most important leadership lesson that I have ever learned is that those closest to me will have the biggest impact on my success. That is why I am very careful about who I let into my inner circle.

12 Bizniks have posted replies

  • Justin Baker
    Posted by Justin Baker, Seattle, Washington | Dec 18, 2007

    the hardest leadership lesson for me to learn..and the one i am still learning is how to lead by example.

    you can tell people what they should and shouldn't do ..but what they'd rather get their cues from watching you.

    problem is you can pretend that you are a good example and screw off in private..but eventually it all comes out. if this happens to you as a leader you are done. the only credibility you have is by setting example. the way to set the example is to develop good habits that you maintain with consistency in both your public and private life.

    have to lead others forces you to be straight with yourself. you become your own harshest critic. if you fail to be honest with yourself, everything you work to build will fall apart.

  • Hsuan-Hua Chang, PCC, MS
    Posted by Hsuan-Hua Chang, PCC, MS, Seattle, Washington | Dec 18, 2007

    The most important leadership lesson for me in 2007 - "I am THE one! Be the change I want to see"

  • Richard Whitaker
    Posted by Richard Whitaker, Federal Way, Washington | Dec 18, 2007

    Justin-Kind of like the verse in the Bible that says "beware your sins will find you out"? Just can't get away from it, can we. (both sin and the Bible)

  • Arthur Torelli
    Posted by Arthur Torelli, Seattle, Washington | Dec 18, 2007

    To lead you must be willing to take action on your thoughts and desires. Art T.

  • Justin Baker
    Posted by Justin Baker, Seattle, Washington | Dec 18, 2007

    another good lesson the bible teaches..."avoid evil and the appearance of evil."

    if you are a leader you have to keep your nose clean..period..(unless you are leading a band of pirates or a chapter of the Hells Angels..maybe then this doesn't apply except in the sense of being a good example of living the values of that particular microsociety..)

  • Richard Whitaker
    Posted by Richard Whitaker, Federal Way, Washington | Dec 18, 2007

    Leadership Thought: Unless you are the lead dog, the view never changes.

  • Stephen Fox
    Posted by Stephen Fox, Boston, Massachusetts | Dec 19, 2007

    I think the most important leadership lesson I learned from my Dad. Hire people that are smarter than you, give them the environment that allows them to do their best and and never take credit for what they do. The second was from Tim Hurson - if you have to criticize someone's performance praise first and be sure the criticism is constructive and non-attacking.

    Happy Holidays to all!

  • Andrew Sengul
    Posted by Andrew Sengul, Seattle, Washington | Dec 19, 2007

    If you don't see an opportunity to lead, create one. Biznik events are a great way to do this.

  • Richard Whitaker
    Posted by Richard Whitaker, Federal Way, Washington | Dec 19, 2007

    One of my favorite leadership proverbs is "that he who thinks he leadeth and has no one who followeth, is just out taking a walk.

  • Richard Fehling
    Posted by Richard Fehling, San Diego, California | Dec 19, 2007

    I find that answers usually come from places that you least expect. Ask for suggestions from all your employees not just the top of the command.

  • Richard Whitaker
    Posted by Richard Whitaker, Federal Way, Washington | Dec 19, 2007

    Richard, Employee empowerment is one of the greatest ways to provide a motivational environment that I know of. My company is small only 5 employees, but once a week we meet for two hours to talk about improvement strategies. We have gotten some incredible ideas from people you would least expect to participate. Thanks for sharing.

  • Greg Hoskins
    Posted by Greg Hoskins, Everett, Washington | Dec 23, 2007

    Leadership—I am a leader when I feel like a leader. I feel like a leader when I know that I’m driving the train of my life.

    Using a presentation as an example… it’s not enough that I know the material, practice the presentation and dress for success. Those behaviors can create a good experience but, if I want people to really pay attention and follow my lead… I must add the deep confidence that can only come from knowing that every major category of my life is on track and that I am behind the wheel. I must also be detached from the results (no need).

    From my experience, when a person in that state of being walks into a room, I recognize that energy and I would follow him just about anywhere. If I’m not mistaken, we call that a “commanding presence”.

    The next question becomes, how do I get into that state of mind? More importantly how do I maintain it?

    For me it’s about knowing my life’s purpose, working hard every day to define it and focus my actions on living it. It doesn’t hurt that I have a group of men to meet with regularly who are ding the same. (We support and push each other)

    It’s not as simple or as it sounds but, that’s the general idea. When I wake up in the morning already behind the wheel I lead by example all day. In the end, for me that’s easier and more effective than having to create that energy from scratch every day.

    Greg Hoskins

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  • Andrew Sengul
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