| | The other day I had one of those "oh yeah, that's important" moments. I watched my daughter confidently share the way things are done (the rules) in second grade with pride and enthusiasm. What really happened was that I was reminded of the power of great leadership regardless of the work or position and how it can inspire and educate anyone regardless of age, size, or brain power.
Ms. Davis is my daughter's second grade teacher. On the first day of school, she shared the rules of class by giving each student a paper bag filled with miscellaneous things and a note. The note shared what each item meant. There was a cotton ball to help the children find comfort and a soft place to land; a toothpick, so they would remember to pick what is best in others; and the list went on.
I was so impressed how my daughter proudly stood and shared each item in a very processed presentation that evening at dinner. It had all the pride, inspiration and knowledge she needed to succeed in the second grade and make important things happen.
This is the case for all of us when it comes to educating our communities/teams. More than ever, our people need to feel the comfort of a cotton ball, the inspiration that gets them participating with pride, and the ability to deliver. The secret is to get them engaged.
Frequently we look at training and we see it as skill oriented. For example, learning how to check someone in, clean a room or close a sale. The truth is, nothing happens at an effective level without engaging the participant, giving them the inspiration to find their own motivation, and then showing them the process and skills that allow them to consistently deliver.
As leaders, we must think first and foremost about how better to engage people, especially during these difficult times when they have so much on their minds. Helping people move to an empowered space and contribute more is vital to the success of your business. Beware, cutting costs around training is dangerous, as people who don't know what they are doing don't feel inspired to do more and actually look for ways to do less.
Today we need great leadership more than ever. How do you know if your managers are being the best leaders they can be? Here are a few things to consider:
Leaders say less and listen more. Let your people talk. Leaders let those who are able to deliver on the solution be a part of building it. Get them involved. Leaders understand that it takes courage to raise a problem that is unpopular. Create a safe place for people to contribute. Leaders see when people get emotionally low. Encourage them. Leaders know that people need to feel a sense of hope. Show them what is possible. Leaders need to stimulate new ways of thinking and evolving the business. Get them excited about the small stuff. It all adds up. Leaders stay curious verses judgmental. Ask more questions. Leaders understand that there is momentum where there is a higher sense of purpose. Shine the light.
Renie Cavallari is CEO and Chief Inspirational Officer for Aspire, an international training and consulting company positioning organizations to achieve optimum performance. Aspire provides innovative learning, strategic marketing, leadership training and cultural alignment for increasing revenues, growth in market share, a re-energized sales force and lasting changes in attitudes and outcome. Founded in 1995, Aspire has headquarters in Phoenix with a network of inspiring professionals across the country.
For more information on community sales programs, visit www.aspiremarketing.com e-mail Renie directly at renie@aspiremarketing.com, or call Aspire at 602-392-0700.
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