Leadership and Parenthood

From parenting, one can learn some leadership skills. I asked an effective parent who had raised outstanding children on the secrets about bringing up his kids. He said, "I am guided by three principles. One, you only teach by example.  Two, by example.  Three, by example."

On Complaining

One day in my life as a guest-lecturer for a  university, a young student approached me at the  end of our discussion.  "I don't like your teaching style," he said with a moue of dissatisfaction.  "I don't either," I said.  "Do you have any suggestions?"
You see, it is very easy to criticize.  But before you critique, do you have a suggestion to offer?  Take a proactive approach and highlight the benefits of your suggestion.

There are times in life when, instead of complaining, you do something about your complaints. -Rita Dove

Rewarding good behavior

Michael LeBeof describes the greatest management principle as: The things that get rewarded get done.

He goes on to describe 10 strategies for making this principle work:

1.   Reward solid solutions instead of quick fixes.

2.   Reward risk-taking instead of risk-avoiding.

3.   Reward applied creativity instead of mindless conformity.

4.   Reward decisive action instead of paralysis by analysis.

5.   Reward smart work instead of busy work.

6.   Reward simplification instead of needless complication.

7.   Reward quietly effective behavior instead of squeaking joints.

8.   Reward quality instead of fast work.

9.   Reward loyalty instead of turnover.

10.Reward working together instead of working against.

In my workshop I ask leaders to write down the good behaviors that they want to see among their team members.  These behaviors, once noticed, should be rewarded with praise.  Good behaviors can mean being punctual, offering help, and making suggestions, among other behaviors.

The idea is to catch your associates doing what is right and when they get appreciated or affirmed, they will repeat the good behavior.