Page 40 - MidJersey Business - May 2014

Your Business

BEST PRACTICES AND OUTSIDE-THE-BOX SOLUTIONS

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Management

EARN THE RESPECT OF YOUR EMPLOYEES

These are the ive qualities of a lasting leader |
Lby Barry Banther

eadership isn’t something you do—it’s someone you be- If we want to understand what really deines leaders then we
come, and that requires a personal transformation, not have to start by looking at their followers. The old motivational

just a personal agenda. Roger hadn’t learned that les- tricks no longer work. Employees have become jaded from bro-
son. During an interview for a new leadership position, ken promises and failed dreams.

the hiring manager asked why he switched jobs—and Followers are now drawn to leaders who show openness, invest
sometimes companies—every three to ive years. time, listen, encourage, and show appreciation for the strengths

Roger blamed employees who stopped growing and doubted their employees bring to work. These are ive qualities that are
ownership’s commitment to the goal they asked him to reach. In developed over time and last a lifetime.

other words, it had to be the environment because Roger was a Leaders who are held in the highest esteem for their success
“good” manager. Roger was half right: it was the environment. on both the bottom line and with the people they lead epitomize

But he was responsible for creating it.
these ive qualities. From their followers you will hear phrases
Lasting leaders—those who can weather economic downturns
like “He was always there for me,” “I felt like she really listened,”

and seismic market shifts—are the ones who know how to as- “He valued my opinion,” and the result is employee engagement

semble a diverse team and bring out its very best. If you’re not at the highest level.
building relationships that will last with your associates, even The following qualities are gifts that a lasting leader is willing

your inancial success will be short-lived.
to give freely to the people they lead.

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