As founder and CEO of Leverage Software, a parent of two active boys and as Coach of a little league baseball team; I have noticed common leadership attributes across these three responsibility sets. Whether it's leading a team of employees or a team of eager 6-8 year old baseball players or raising kids, the leadership strategies and tactics that deliver results seem to be the same.
- Get people excited to accomplish the tasks at hand.
- Provide inspiration and encouragement.
- Set a strategy to align goals.
- Be passionate, positive and deliver encouragement.
- Celebrate risk taking as well as failure.
- Let people make mistakes under a watchful eye.
- Set challenging but attainable goals and objectives.
- Explain responsibilities and expectations so people can be accountable.
- Celebrate and reward with enthusiasm.
- Provide feedback and input even when not asked.
- Find the balance between driving hard with being a trusted resource.
- Be an inspiration and lead by example.
These skills and approaches have allowed me to drive results forward and appreciate the return of the excitement of accomplishments of others. Whether 4 years old or 40, we all wish to improve and win. There's nothing better to see someone accomplish a task for the first time, or perform better than they ever had before or accomplish things that they never thought possible.
Anyone can lead - you don't need the title to be a leader. People want to be led. Go lead someone today. You will be thrilled by the results!
They sure do Ryan....there's nothing better. Thanks for the comment!
Posted by: Mike Walsh | November 03, 2009 at 09:35 AM
The post was great, but those pics are priceless!
That makes a proud father right there.
Posted by: Ryan Graves | November 03, 2009 at 09:28 AM