(Part One)
In the marketplace today we see rising levels of competition to be the best at doing the best. Whether the comparison is in being the name that is mentioned in every household, the business with a billboard on every major community street, or the person with the most clientele, many strive to meet the demand of everyday people whose needs are forever changing and yet never satisfied. For team members the pressure to keep up with the resourcefulness of the “next store” business can be stressful and seemingly impossible, causing low morale and the feelings of never measuring up or being “good enough.”
What is missing most is not the quality and quantity of product, for businesses may carry and market the same thing. However, it could very well be the quality and quantity of leadership and service. Quality leadership establishes quality culture. Quality culture ensures high quantity in all areas of a business and profession from team members to products to customers and clients. Through positive influence any organization can rise above its current condition and be healthy while demonstrating the mark of quality leadership.
As John Maxwell shares in his 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, leadership most of all is influence. Influence is mastered through finely tuning relationships. Letting those whom you lead know you care is priceless. And reaching out to those whom you are in agreement or contract with to operate and promote your organization is worth its weight in gold.
People go to work because they need to make money. It is important to be able to pay bills, meet a mortgage, and provide food for themselves and their families. However, wouldn’t it be wonderful to have people who believe in you and your vision come into your organization to run and operate it with a heart of passion while they meet their personal needs? The way to cultivate that is by believing in them and their vision. For example, do you know the people you hire? Do you know the number of children they have? Do you know what sports their children play? Do you have an idea of what their dreams are for their future and the future of their families? What about knowing their birthdays and anniversaries? Here’s one, do you know their favorite vacation destination?
Why is all this important? These are things that are important to people. By showing that you care about the “simple” as well as the “not so simple” cares of life, you relay a strong message to your team that you care about them. This same care will be demonstrated to your clients and customers. Everyone has a desire to be cared for. The caring experience is one that many will come back for. Your influence will go beyond the brick-and-mortar structure of your organization. It will positively impact your community through those who are a part of your organization. The harvest that you reap from the seeds sown into them will come back to you in many bountiful ways.
Here’s to enriched relationships as you activate this powerful key of positive influence. May this be your most prosperous season yet! It’s a good time to be you!
Peace and Joy,
Angela