Leadership and Caring, what do they have to do with each other?
Think of the prototypical example of a quote on quote "leader" or boss. Big, tough, get-er-done types with the all-to-familiar "tough guy" approach. They boss people around and don't let anyone stand in their way. They're about results.
Think of the prototypical example of a quote on quote "leader" or boss. Big, tough, get-er-done types with the all-to-familiar "tough guy" approach. They boss people around and don't let anyone stand in their way. They're about results.
What's the problem with these types of bosses?
The answer is simple, when employees, students, or kids are treated as nothing more than cogs in a results-driven machine, the only message that they perceive is "I don't care about you." It's as simple as that.
"Not caring is not tough, it's weak. It stems from fear, not strength."
The above quote comes from this article by author and founder and Chief Encouragement Officer of Giant Leap Consulting, Bill Treasurer. He found that "the most effective leaders know that the surest way to get results is to treat people respectfully, equally, and kindly." Make sure you go to the article and scroll down to the final paragraphs in the article to find out how you can develop the courage to "care dangerously."
Introducing the Book of the Month: June
My father is very adamant on reading. I take that back, he's a fanatic. (In a good way). To stay on the cutting edge of his industry as a business consultant, he has to be learning constantly. The one rule that I got from him was to read at least one significant book each month. That is why, once a month, I will be recommending a book that I feel will provide you with significant learning that will in turn help you be more successful.
I'm not sure who said it, but it's true: LEADERS ARE READERS. Example: Mark Cuban reads 3 hours/day. The good news is that you can relax. Not everyone is Mark Cuban, and you only have to get through one book a month.
Without further ado, let me introduce you to this month's book: Leaders Open Doors by Bill Treasurer (does the name ring a bell?)
One the simplest and straight-forward books on Leadership in recent years, Leaders Open Doors provides a very simple and highly effective framework for leadership. Each chapter provides easy-to-implement tips so you can start changing how you lead for the better from Chapter 1. Needless to say, I recommend this book because it is simple and I noticed the improvement right away. Thank you Bill, with this book, you have saved countless hours of our time studying advanced leadership theories, frameworks and models that try to decode but ultimately complicate leadership.
Speaking of Thank-You's...
Last Wednesday (just twenty-two days ago) the blog surpassed the 1,000 pageview mark, and I wanted to give a big thank you to everyone who has been following and supporting the blog by telling their friends and sharing by Facebook, Twitter, Google +, etc...It really helps, so thank you again!
