SmarterU Challenge: Effective Leaders DO......

The next few Wednesday's...I am going to focus on being an Effective Leader. There is so much research and books written on Leadership I probably won't be introducing any amazingly new ideas but there is always room for improvement and reminders...

Listed below are three things effective leaders do--these nuggets of wisdom come from Steve Tobak a Silicon Valley-based strategy consultant and former senior executive of the technology industry.  For more information regarding his 10 Things Really Effective Leaders Do...check out this link:
 http://www.foxbusiness.com/business-leaders/2013/01/10/10-things-really-effective-leaders-do/?intcmp=sem_outloud

Do three things. Just focus on three major priorities and use the 80-20 rule to spend most of your time on them. VC Fred Wilson says a CEO should just focus on doing three things: “Set and communicate the overall vision and strategy of the company; recruit, hire and retain the best talent; and make sure there’s always enough cash in the bank.” Come up with your own three things. It works for any level in any organization.

Engage yourself. I know, it’s bad to have employees that aren’t engaged. Well, get this: An unengaged leader is a hundred times worse. When an airplane loses cabin pressure, you know how you’re supposed to put your oxygen mask on first, then help children with theirs? It’s the same thing in business. If you’re not motivated and enjoying what you’re doing, you’re not going to have happy, engaged employees, either.

Take time to think and innovate. Probably the biggest failure mode for corporate executives and business leaders is the status quo. The inertia of day-to-day operations. Take your team offsite and do some brainstorming, strategizing, and planning. Spend some quality time with your staff at a nice restaurant, while you’re at it. Schedule some alone time to think, feel, and get some perspective. You’ll be amazed at how much more effective, productive, and competitive you can be when you take time to innovative.

Today's Challenge: Commit to being an effective leader--even in your own family.  Choose one of the 3 leadership tips above and apply them to your life. It's now or never to make a difference and a change!

Challenge Issued!