World Biz Info
The source of the best business, financial and legal news
web www.worldbizinfo.com
Business Informations

Being an Extraordinary Leader Through Tough and Challenging Times


Tough and challenging times will surely come. That is a given. The question is what kind of leadership we will demonstrate during those time. Those who are weak leaders will see lasting damage done, if not see the organization fall apart completely. With Extraordinary Leaders at the helm, however, an organization can actually become stronger and thrive in spite of the tough and challenging times. That should be our goal so here are some idea on how to be an Extraordinary Leader in tough and challenging times!

1. Keep Your Eye on the Big Picture.

When things get tough, everybody's temptation is to become acutely focused on the problem. The Extraordinary Leader, however, will keep his or her eye on the big picture. This doesn't mean that we don't address the problem. In fact, we have to address the problem. But what separates a leader from a follower is that the leader doesn't get caught up in the problem. The leader sees the big picture and keeps moving toward the vision. The further they take their followers toward the vision, the further away from the problem they get.

2. Don't Get Caught in the War or the Friendly Fire.

When it gets tough even the most loyal team members can be tempted to start shooting and, unfortunately, they sometimes shoot each other! Rather than focusing on the enemy on the outside, they begin to question each other and find many faults with one another that they normally would not have seen. The Extraordinary Leader is the one who can keep from being drug into the fray. They keep their eye on the big picture and act rationally and objectively. They understand that people are heated and are saying things they don't really mean. The people are firing because they are angry or scared. The Extraordinary Leader understands this and rises above it. This way, they take fewer arrows and they set the example for their followers.

3. Be First to Sacrifice.

When it gets tough, like when there has to be cuts in salaries etc, the leader should do just that - lead. They need to not only be the one who is rewarded the greatest when all is well, but they need to be the first to sacrifice. The Extraordinary leader says, "I know many of you are concerned with the salary cuts. I am too. In the long run we will be healthy again but for the mean time, this is necessary. Understanding this, I want you to know that I am taking a 20% pay reduction myself. I want you to know that we are in this together." The Extraordinary Leader is the first to sacrifice and will be rewarded with the loyalty of his or her followers.

4. Remain Calm.

Panic is one of the basest of human emotions and no one is immune to it. The Extraordinary Leader, however, takes time out regularly to think the issues through so they can remain calm. They remind themselves that all is not lost and there will be another day. They remind themselves that being calm will enable them to make the best decisions - for themselves and for their followers. Panic only leads to disaster, while calm leads to victory.

5. Motivate.

In tough and challenging times, people are naturally down. They tend to be pessimistic. They can't see how it is all going to work out. Thus, they have a hard time getting going. The Extraordinary Leader knows this and will focus in on being the optimistic motivator. He or she will come to the office knowing that for the time being, the mood of the group will be carried and buoyed by them and their attitude. Above all else, they seek to show how the end result will be good - and with this they motivate their followers to continue on, braving the current storms, and on to their shared destiny.

6. Create Small Wins.

One of the ways to motivate is to create small wins. The Extraordinary Leader knows that in tough times his or her people think that all is lost. They wonder if they can win. So the Extraordinary Leader creates opportunities for the team to win, even if they are small. They set smaller, more achievable goals and remind and reward the team members when they hit those goals. With each small win, the leader is building the esteem and attitude of his followers, digging them out of their self-created hole of fear.

7. Keep a Sense of Humor.

Look, hardly anything in life can't be laughed at. The Extraordinary Leader knows that even if the whole company goes down the drain, we still go home to our families and live a life of love with them. The Extraordinary Leader keeps perspective and knows that we humans act irrationally when we get scared and fail, and sometimes that is humorous. Don't ever laugh at someone's expense in this situation, because that will be perceived at cold and heartless, regardless of what you meant by it, but do keep the ability to laugh at yourself and the situations that present themselves. By doing this you will keep yourself and your team in an attitude that will eventually beat the tough times.

About The Author:

Chris Widener is a popular speaker and writer as well as the President of Made for Success, a company helping individuals and organizations turn their potential into performance, succeed in every area of their lives and achieve their dreams.

To see Chris "live" at the upcoming Jim Rohn Weekend Event as he speaks on the subject of Secrets of Influence go to http://Chris-Widener.InspiresYOU.com/ or call 800-929-0434.


MORE RESOURCES:

Election 2008: Democratic Leadership Council
Washington Post, United States - 9 hours ago
Democratic Leadership Council founder and CEO Al From will be online live from the Democratic National Convention in Denver on Thursday, Aug. ...


Telcordia Thought Leadership Highlighted at Department of Homeland ...
MarketWatch - 12 hours ago
... of their technology solution, relevance to government needs, the apparent commercial viability of their approach, and their business leadership. ...


WE Lead chooses women for third leadership program
Bizjournals.com, NC - 12 hours ago
“We Lead participants not only connect with their peers in meaningful ways, but also gain the leadership skills necessary to become community leaders,” said ...


Institutions Rise to Leadership Challenge: Commissioner Fraser ...
MarketWatch - 12 hours ago
OTTAWA, ONTARIO, Aug 28, 2008 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) -- The Commissioner of Official Languages, Graham Fraser, praised the leadership shown by ...


Stuff.co.nz

No raises for Starbucks senior leadership
Seattle Post Intelligencer - 23 hours ago
By ANDREA JAMES Starbucks Corp. will not be giving raises to its vice presidents nor senior management this year, including CEO Howard Schultz, according to ...
Starbucks executives to miss out on pay rises Telegraph.co.uk
all 56 news articles


Ha'aretz

Leadership finally takes the fight to John McSame
guardian.co.uk, UK - Aug 27, 2008
James Carville, the man who ran Bill Clinton's legendary 1992 presidential campaign, caused a stir in Denver after the first night of the Democratic ...
Video: Obama Compares McCain To Bush CBS
Top Democrats praise Obama's ability to deal with Iran, Mideast Ha'aretz
DENVER—Governor Deval Patrick's prepared remarks to the Democratic ... Boston Globe
Washington Post - The News
all 1,514 news articles


Indiana University

Kelley Honors students to develop leadership skills by mentoring ...
Indiana University, IN - 11 hours ago
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- More companies are requiring employees to demonstrate leadership skills at earlier stages in their careers. Senior honors students in ...


WirelessHD's Industry Leadership and Award-Winning Solutions Fuel ...
MarketWatch - 18 hours ago
WirelessHD continues to build its industry leadership and momentum by inviting interested companies to join WirelessHD as Adopters. ...


Intercollegiate Leadership Wilkes-Barre Applications Due September 5th
Wilkes University, PA - 12 hours ago
Intercollegiate Leadership Wilkes-Barre applications will be accepted until Friday, September 5, 2008 at noon. Completed applications may be handed in to ...


Greear announces statewide leadership team
West Virginia Record, WV - 11 hours ago
""West Virginia is ready for our message of proven leadership and positive change," Greear said to open Tuesday's announcement. "I am proud to announce the ...

leadership - Google News

home | site map
© 2006
web www.worldbizinfo.com