Investor's Business Daily, June 27th, 2007
In the long run, the best leaders don't lead. They motivate others to lead themselves. Ronald Reagan said he didn't create the economic boom that helped mark his presidency. He turned the American people loose, and they forged a revolution. Reagan created conditions that empowered Americans. Three decades of prosperity followed.
Leading by motivating -- empowering subordinates and peers -- is an approach managers must learn, say Susan and Thomas Kuczmarski, authors of the new book "Apples Are Square." To turn your people loose, the Kuczmarskis and other experts offer these tips:
Go solo. A lot of firms embrace diversity, but fail to focus on individuals. That misses the point -- individual strength, says communications trainer Robin Gilman.
For team spirit to flourish, America's spirit has to be in play -- bringing all members in to participate.
Listen to the silence. Top leaders hear what workers say -- and pay attention to what they don't, Susan and Thomas Kuczmarski note.
The lesson: Deal with employee concerns before they mount. Don't be quick with rhetoric and slow on the follow-through.
Use applied awareness, says Lambert & Associates Vice President Brian Sorge. Transform your knowledge of the work force into behavior.
Get in gear. To create a cultural shift across all divisions, let workers co-create company values -- covering everything from social responsibility to customer service and employee acknowledgment.
Don't take the pleats out. Let workers apply their unique strengths to all aspects of their jobs. Then work becomes a vehicle for personal expression, Susan and Thomas Kuczmarski say.
Ask "Who are you?" When managers fully know themselves, they can relate to others, the authors note. The most effective leaders are comfortable in their own skin.
They often mix personal and professional goals for the good of the firm -- and encourage subordinates to do the same.
One of the Kuczmarskis' key messages: Work cultures must value more than financial growth. When they value personal growth, productivity goes up, worker turnover rates go down and the bottom line expands.
To ensure personal growth, communicate with workers on a range of levels -- and bring all their talents to bear.
Reach out. America's top firms increasingly are committed to social causes -- from environmental issues to poverty and education.
A prime example: Walt Disney Co. DIS has released a product line to help Latino children learn English. The chief tutor? Mickey Mouse. The series is being advertised on Univision and other media.
The product combines profit with community empowerment.
Boost it. In an age where people are a firm's major asset, leaders need workers with the same stewardship levels as the executive team, says Chris Argyris in the book "Managerial Excellence."
Create conditions that rev the work force, he says, and stewardship levels will soar.
