1. A True Leader
There are seldomtimesthatyoucanwork fora true leader. NotonlywasI blessedwithworkingforthis
man,but I was blessedforovertenyears. Isitback and wonderwhythisleaderwassoeffectiveand
belovedbyhisworkforce. The attributesof thismanwere outstandingandIhave takenthe time to
reflectonwhatmade himgreat and listedthembelow. He wasa driveranddrove hisworkforce to
levelsthatthe companyhadneverseenandwill probablyneverwitnessagain. He was a compassionate
leaderwhounderstoodwhatitwaslike workhiswayupin a company. He didnot forgethisrootsand
histeamhad an allegiance tohimthatwas unmatched. These are the attributesthat made himsogreat
of a leader.
1. Rewardsuccess. We are alwaysunderbudgetrestraintsbuthe taughtme to take the time and
moneytorewarda successful team. The textbookswill tell youthatmoneyisnotthe greatest
motivatorbutthere are timesthatyoumust make the financial lifeeasierforyourteambecause
of the time away fromthere familythatisrequired. Itisnot alwaysmoney,if couldbe adinner,
an outing,a picnic,orjust a simple rewardof nointrinsicvalue. Butyoumust rewardsuccessto
be effective.
2. Lead byexample. Whetheritisethicsor principles,one mustalwaystake the highroad. Asa
leaderyourteamwill followyourexample. A greatteam alwayssustainsbysuperiorvaluesand
ethics
3. Recognize performance. A verbal recognitionof ateamgoesa longway. A “Thank you”, “Good
Job”,“Great Effort” meanssomuch to people. Seldomdowe worktomerelygeta check.
People gothe extramile because theywanttobe successful and please others.
4. Mentor people. We all believethatwe are goodworkersbutwe all know,orshould,thatwe
have deficits. We have strengthsbutthere isalwaysroomtoimprove. A great leadertakesthe
time to mentorpeople toamore successful career. Theydonot mentorwhenitistime to
reprimandpoorperformance buttheytake the time toexplainwhywe haven’t risentothe next
level.
5. Drive performance withmeasurable metrics. People needtoknow whatsuccesslookslike.
Theywant to succeedbutmanytimesa leaderdoesnotspell outwhatsuccessis. Give our
teamobjectivesthattheycandrive forwardtowardsandbe successful. Discreet,measurable,
and attainable goalsare necessaryforateam
6. Be a goodhuman being. Manytimesthere are people thatare successful because theydrivea
team. But will the teamworkso hard sotheirleaderisproud? Not always. The leadersthat
have a team that will puttheirheadsdownandworkthemselvestonew levelsandrepeatable
sustainare the onesthatare ledbya goodpersonwhocares abouteach andeveryone of them.
The team will recognizethatandwill followthatleaderthrougheverychallengetoassure
his/hersuccess.
7. Be honest. Youmusttell the truth because youneedyourteamtobelieve inyou. Youmaynot
be able to say everythingtothe teamat all timesanda simple “I can’tdiscussthat rightnow”
earnsmore respectthan a deceitful answer. Tell the teamof the challengesthatithasto face

2. and the repercussions of failure. Don’tdodge the hardconversations. We all fall shortof
expectationsintime and aleaderunderstands. A greatleadercan discussthe shortcomingsand
will coachthe team inhowto be successful nexttime.
There are successful badleaderswhothe teamhasnoreal respecttowards. Theycannot sustain
and at the endof the day the teamsdismissestheirleadershipskillsand seekoutnew opportunities
that are ledbya true champion.