Do you remember some of the ‘Best’ leaders you’ve worked
with? Do you remember some of the
“Worst’ ones that you’ve had the unfortunate experience of working for? Well these memories can be an outstanding
blueprint for you to develop your Leadership skills.
There’s no question you were likely exposed to some very
powerful lessons on effective leadership throughout your career. If you’ve been promoted into a leadership
position, you’ve already received them well before you moved into that
role. Where did they come from? They are courtesy of all the managers,
supervisors, leaders you’ve had throughout your working career.
Think back on all of the various people you’ve worked
for/with over the years. Some you’ll
remember fondly, some not so fondly.
Undoubtedly some were great leaders—or at least they displayed behaviors
that many were attracted to, as well as followed. These were leaders who showed you, through
their example, what you should be doing, appropriate behaviors, etc. Follow their lead and emulate these
leaders. When in doubt ask
yourself—“What would he/she do in this circumstance?” “How would they handle
this situation?” Then move forward!
Maybe your inventory of past managers also includes one or
two difficult, challenging, or some might have called them, “jerks”. ..and
you’d likely just as soon forget them.
DON’T!! You need to remember
these leaders, clearly and frequently, as well—every day. They will provide your best lessons on what
NOT TO DO. By avoiding the poor
leadership behaviors exhibited by these leaders, you’ll make sure to focus on
the positive leadership traits and down the road, you won’t appear on any of
your team members’ lists of their worst leaders J.
“People seldom improve when they have no other model but
themselves to copy after.”
—Oliver Goldsmith
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