Leadership Tips for Parents, Teachers, and Managers 556.3
Parents, teachers, and managers have one thing in common: They have the power to tell somebody to do something.
Whether it’s washing the dishes, learning the metric system, or coming to work on time, there is a superior-subordinate relationship that includes the additional power to judge the quality of performance and impose discipline if expectations are not met.
There is, however, a moral responsibility to use this leadership power effectively (as measured by results) and ethically (as measured by the propriety of the methods used to attain the results).
The best parents, teachers, and managers use their authority fairly and respectfully, both because it’s the right thing to do and because it produces better results. And as they realize that building solid and durable relationships based on mutual trust and respect is more important in the long run than accomplishing a particular task, they avoid motivational techniques likely to undermine a relationship.
A powerful leadership insight comes from poet Maya Angelou who said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
From a leadership point of view, the better you make others feel, the better they will do. It’s the perfect marriage between ethics and effectiveness.
Good leaders motivate positively. They generate commitment based on pride and desire. They make people feel valued, appreciated, confident, respected, and inspired. Weak leaders use negative tactics that evoke fear of shame or disdain. They leave people feeling resentful, discouraged, unsure, and apathetic – counterproductive attitudes that cause disengagement and alienation.
So how do you make people feel?
Do they feel better or worse about themselves? Do they desire or dread their interactions with you? Do they expect to be encouraged and praised or criticized and rebuked?
Good leaders get the best out of others by using the best of themselves.
This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.
Comments
I miss not hearing these messages, so it was nice to hear them again. I have you on line, but I don't seem to get the time to read them. The ones I heard while I was carpooling were wonderful. I work for the post office and this really hit home. I've e-mailed this to other employees. Thanks again.
Posted by: Anonymous | March 4, 2008 11:16 AM
I have to tell you, "your character counts" comments are just wonderful. I truly believe if everyone read them, this world would be a better place. I hear your comments every now and then on the radio while I'm driving, and I tell you, most times I stop the car and think about them, and try to remember them and tell others. Please don't stop and keep us enlightened. Thanks again and again.
Posted by: mina | March 4, 2008 6:20 PM
Like a lot of other people these days, I work in a fast paced environment, hardly having time to stop and take a breath. The stress can really build up and this in turn can cause people to snap and say things they wish they hadn't. I enjoy listening to you on the radio each morning. I know I am on time to work because I get to listen to you and then turn off my car and I am usually clocking in 2-3 minutes early, always with a smile on my face because your words have just set the tone for my day, and in turn everyone else around me. Thank you so much!
Posted by: Dani | March 7, 2008 1:13 PM
Michael,
I look forward to your weekly updates, especially since becoming the Scoutmaster of my twin sons' Boy Scout Troop. At the end of our weekly meeting there is a spot called the Scoutmaster's Minute. I have recently taken to reading one of your commentaries that focuses on leadership, teamwork, integrity and responsibility. I don't expect sudden and profound changes, but know (and hope) that a steady and consistent message builds true character. Thank you so much for your work.
Greg
Posted by: Greg Clark | March 7, 2008 1:50 PM
Michael,
May the heavens smile on you forever. I was feeling so down and sad today. My principal reprimanded me for taking some kids on an outing one weekend in my car. I realize it was poor judgment, but his letter pierced my heart. I love kids and thought it was the right thing to do: take them to a book festival. Now he just ignores me in the halls and refuses to acknowledge me. Today, walking with another teacher, he approached us and gave a good morning to her by name and ignored me. I felt very, very bad. I really appreciate 556.3 right on time! Thank You!!!
Alicia
Posted by: Alicia Inacoyna LeNoir-Wilson | May 13, 2008 9:36 PM