Delegation- The new Leadership Style

In recent decade, more companies are focused on fostering an environment where employees are  empowered to make strategic decisions and actions that affect the organization. Companies are embracing this new culture because it is the first step to become a customer-oriented company. This culture has made employees more competent and committed to their work. This has lead managers and leaders change their  leadership style to "Delegating".

This style not only has best of the best employees  in the company but also helps the organization collectively accomplish beyond its limits.

Art of Effective Delegation:

1) Cultivate Development.- Culture of development fosters thought sharing processes and encourages employees to activiely particiapte and think innovatively. Philosophy of cultivating development will help leaders not only identify  employees likes and dislikes but also their abilities and aptitude to learn new skills.

2) Explain the Big Picture:- When you delegate activities to your employees explain them the big picture and also how their part plays a  significant role in the success of the team and the organization. Staff members contribute most effectively when they are aware of the big picture.

3) Delegate as many task as possible:- Generally, leaders try to hold on to the important task even though it's neither their area of expertise nor best use of their time. Don't delegate task based on importance, delegate based on your team's abilities. As John Maxwell said "If someone else can do a task better than I can, I give it away. If someone else can do a task at least 80% as well as I can, I give it to them. If someone else has the potential to do a task at least 80% as well as I can, I train them."

4) Communication/Feedback:- This is very crucial to the success of delegation style leadership. You should be very clear in your expectation when delegating the task to your employees.  Make sure the employee understands the task and the deliverable. Have a feedback loop where employees can share their progress, accomplishments and roadblocks.You must pass on credit and appreciate employees for their success.

Successful delegation of authority as a leadership style takes time and energy. It's worth the time and energy to help employees succeed, develop and meet your expectations. You build the employee's self-confidence and people who feel successful usually are successful.

Pick Your Battles-It is the Mantra for people who don't want Battles :)

This blog is for people from every walk of life as it talks about ways to deal with the most common output of human interaction-"CONFLICT."

How many of us have conflicts atleast once a week? I do!!

Conflicts are not always negative, they have a positive twist to it too. Conflict is the connection between change and growth!

However most of the times the conflicts are negative and argumentative. Choosing your battles wisely is a much better way of life than battling out every disagreement.You needs to "Pick your battles" right so you don't wear yourself.If you pick your battles well, you can neutralize problems along the way as you address the most important issues first. Not only will picking your battles lead to a more peaceful existence, but it's also likely to strengthen your interpersonal relationships.

I recently read a book by Dr. Richard Carlson called Don't Sweat the Small Stuff..and It's All Small Stuff." According to the book "Often we allow ourselves to get all worked up about things that, upon closer examination, aren't really that big a deal. We focus on little problems and concerns and blow them way out of proportion."

To be effective at "Picking your Battles" follow the following guidlines:

1) Let the small stuff go- Choose other ways of conveying your dissatisfaction with small issues other than fighting or long drawn-out discussions that lead nowhere.

2) Deal with issues as they arise- Dealing with problems immediately will prevent them from becoming huge issues in the future. This will help you effectively and politely express your feelings and concerns

3) Interact with people who are different- It helps you broaden your perspective and be less judgmental.


4) Don't take things personally- Specially in a professional environment don't take things personally. It is always effective to keep your emotions out when your are in conflict or discussion controversial subjects.

5) Treat others as you would like them to treat you- This is a common saying and we all know what it means, however most of us ignore this when there is a conflict or resistance. 

6) Don't think you are God: During a conflict one always things they know it all and have a mindset that the other person needs to serve them. This only flares the conflict as the opposite side feels demeaning. Be humble and think of helping others, this will eventually limit the number of resistance you may face.


People who are successful are not always part of winning team but they know how to get along!!!

7 Habits of highly effective people by Dr. Stephen Covey

I was recently reading "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Dr. Stephen Covey, who became one of the foremost leadership development trainers in the world.

These "habits" are said to be the mantra for personal success. So I have summarized these "7 Habits" (also added my thoughts) as it would be beneficial for the readers in their personal success.
1) Be proactive: You are the master of your own destiny and life. We need to make the initiative and be responsible for things to happen.

2) Begin with the end in sight: Look at the big picture and have a vision around it. How do you want to be remembered in the world when you leave, is a key question. One should balance the 4 factors:-Security, Guidance, Wisdom and Power effectively in their lives. It's like the karma chakra even if one quadrant is off your life will be unbalanced.

3)Put first things first: Effective management is putting first things first, and you accomplish it in parts day-in and day-out. As Dr.Convey said "Successful person has the habit of doing things failures don't like to do."

4)Think win/win: We are know what this is "Collaboration" in other words. Also strive for a negotiation that both parties can benefit from. This shows mature level of human interaction skills.


5) Seek first to understand, then to be understood: This habit goes hand in hand with the ability to be a good listener. Don't leap to an answer before completely understanding the situation or discussion. To be a successful person ones needs to not only be an attentive listener but also an emphatic listener.


6) Synergize: Lance Armstrong cannot win "Tour de France" just by himself, he needs his team. The same way people united together can create something greater than any single individual. The successful people know how to empower and synergize their team behind a common cause.


7) Sharpen the saw: Last but not the least is to continuously challenge and renew yourself both mentally and spiritually.

American Heart Association - Heart Walk in New York City Sign-Up

Readers today my blog is completely different however the cause is every close to my heart. I request all my readers in New York City and Tr-state area if possible register and join me in the heart walk to fight Cardio Vascular Diseases (CVD) with American Heart Association.

I leading one of the teams at American Heart Association called  a "Siemens Healthcare" team for the heart walk sponsored by American Heart Walk in New York City. Register for it and we can walk together (if you want to run you have that option too) on June 24th 2010 at 6.30pm at World Financial Center.

I lost my grandfather due to stroke, my grandmother had cardio vascular disease(CVD) and recently my father went through a major CV surgery.This cause is extremely personal to me, and I sure you know someone you
has also gone through this deadly disease.

Lets as a team make a small difference for this big cause with AHA.Do it for mankind!

Hope you join, bring family and send it to others to join too :)

http://heartwalk.kintera.org/faf/search/searchTeamPart.asp?ievent=322768&lis=1&kntae322768=268304A2FDC24933BC7F1D13D883222C&team=3674776&tlteam=3550924

Series2- Key elements of Good Communication

I was reading a blog this morning by John Maxwell on "the power of good communication" and found it very interesting. I thought this would be a good seg way for the next Series 2 on communication for the readers.

So before I write about the power of good communication I thought first knowing the elements of good communication is critical.

Key elements of Good Communication

1. Professionalism — This is a key in communication. Most of us after a few meeting become quiet informal in our approach during business and client meetings. While some clients don’t mind an informal approach, others may be offended. As we are in a global environment we need to be more professional as some business representatives from culture are not as friendly as others; Example- Japan has a very formal culture and professionalism is of utmost importance to them, how you greet them, how you hold their business card, etc.
   
   
2. Enthusiasm — This makes the client, friend of business person feel you love what you go or talking about. You are very interested in this conversation and enjoying their company. Enthusiasm automatically improves your body language making your communication more effective.         Example:  Some phrases to convey excitement include: “I’m really excited about this project,” “I look forward to working with you,” “I can’t wait to begin this project.”                                                                        
3. Integrity/Responsiveness — The relationship is based on trust. To maintain a good relationship/communication with someone your communication to them should be honest and reliable. Your communication should be as accurate as possible. Your honesty and commitment defines the relationship. If you are accurate in your commitment it goes long ways and is a crucial element to good communication. Don't provide false promises or inaccurate dates just to look good at that given moment. As much as accurate information is important being responsive is even more critical. You may spend hours explaining things that may be irrelevant or does not address or answer someone's original concern or question.
   
   
4. Respect — Your communications should convey a sense of respect for other person. Avoid language that belittles someone even if you think that their ideas are not valid. Instead, focus on your experience and how it benefits them. Also, stay away from angry outbursts.
   
   
5. Organization — Your communication should be well-organized and well thought-out. There should usually be an introduction, a few main points, and a conclusion. You should also format your writing so that someone can easily scan your message and see the main ideas. Depending on how long your response is, you may also want to summarize it for your clients.                                                                   
6. Consistency/Clarity — Your words should be consistent within a single message as well as across multiple  messages. Don’t confuse someone. The opposite person should always understand exactly what you are communicating.. Whenever possible, avoid rambling and be concise.

If you want to read John Maxwell's blog on "The power of good communication" here is the link
http://johnmaxwellonleadership.com/2010/03/01/the-power-of-good-communication/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+JohnMaxwellOnLeadership+%28John+Maxwell+on+Leadership%29
Enjoy!!

Series1- Communicate to Save time

So one of my close friends asked how can he improve their communication skills, is there a school for it or some classes? I told him that there is nothing like a right way to communicate its basically your personality in words, however there are some ground rules for effective communication.

So I decided to write a series blogs on Effective Communication in the real world for my readers.  

FYI (Disclaimer)-I am no means an expert in communication skills, however I am writing based on my experience and what has worked and what hasn't.

 The first series is how we can communicate effectively and save time. 

Are you aware that how you communicate can have a direct impact on your time? Clear communication is often the first step in ensuring that activities are finished correctly and on time. Additionally, communication can drain you of time or energy, or it can move you forward toward mutual goals.


State is Clearly - Recently I had sent an email to my colleague in Germany requesting some information on a project. His reply was on a completely different tangent. The first thing that came to my mind was that I didn't clearly state the scope of the request. I had assumed that during my very brief phone conversation with him he understood the scope. In our hurry to move to the next topic I didn't take the necessary time to listen if he understood the information.

* So I would definitely advice readers that it is worth taking the time upfront to ensure that the messages you convey are understood, and that messages you receive are understood. 

* When providing information, ask the other party to repeat key information back to you. If any confusion arises, it can be dealt with immediately, rather than after a project or task has been started or completed incorrectly.

Communication skills are at test when you are very busy (under tight deadlines) and you have constant interruptions.  If you do not have an action plan for dealing with these interruptions, you run the risk of communicating negatively and perhaps damaging relationships.

* Inform those who may interrupt beforehand so that others understand you're busy. This can reduce the numbers of interruptions. 

* When you are interrupted, politely ask how long the conversation will take, and if necessary, ask to schedule for later that day or at your earliest convenience. 

* Let the other person know you're interested in what they need to say, but that you're temporarily unavailable (this technique was used by one of my co-workers). This validates the other party while allowing you to continue your work.

* In addition, turn off your computer's email alert system, so you won't be tempted to check new messages. If needed turn off your phone, and respond to them as soon as you can. 

Much of business and time management comes down to simple communication. When you communicate clearly, without showing disregard for others, you will be able to save time and cultivate positive working relationships.

Rendezvous with Industry Giants

Today my blog is a little different than regular, I wanted to share with the readers my experience from last night after I met few of the big dogs in the finance and corporate industry.

I was every fortunate to be invited to one of these events and all thanks to my husband that I got this opportunity. The event was hosted on Park Avenue in the big apple, I am sure most of you have your eyes all wide open and wondering who are these people that I met last night.

The host & hostess house was full of luxury and warmth. They were extremely courteous inspite one being the managing partner of a huge private equity firm and the other co-founder of a big investment firm. In addition to them there were CEO a huge insurance company, Senior Leader at Wall street, successful entrepreneurs, bankers and the list goes on. In short they are extremely successful, very humble, hard workers and personable people.

All of them told a key element to success  "To be focused" and "work hard for whatever you want in life". One of the seasoned banker said ethics and verbal commitment goes a long way and that is what keeps you in the business. The other leader said that life is all about choices that works for you and not based on how people perceive them.

4 hrs last night just flew in 4 minutes, I enjoyed it so much. As the rendezvous started winding down one thing that stuck with me was always be humble no matter how successful you are !!!!
 

Investing in your career "in thing?"

A regular reader of the blog, emailed and asked me to write a blog on "Is investing in your career an in thing now"? I thought about this on the way back home and tried to answer this from my perspective and actions that I have taken. However I wanted to be fair with the blog, so I decided to do a little research.

My opinion as most of you may know is 'Education' (investing in your career) is the best gift one can get and give themselves. It's something that will always stay with you and become more precious as you grow older. It is the Greatest Return on Investment.

Investing in your career is a long-term commitment which will make you the creme de la creme of your field and among your coworkers. Life Is Too Short for Mediocrity.

Investing in your career is like having the control and power to mold your future, who does not like that

I can't stress it enough; not investing in yourself is like floating down a fast river without a paddle, map or knowledge of what's around the next bend. Things may go fine for a while, but at some point, you're going to realize you made a giant mistake.

Success Secret of Global Icons

Some leaders are born, while some possess special skills that they groom it over period of time and build companies like Microsoft, Google, Dell, Time Warner, Virgin Atlantic and many more not really famous companies that have demonstrated MAGIC FORMULA (read below to know more...).


I have been a big fan of understanding what takes to be one of them. Do they have some magical powers, or special talent. I read over zillion articles and books, and i was proven wrong, these leaders are just like you and me. So what talent sets them different?


I want to share the most inspiring "magic formula", it form of bullets and personal stories to make it and inspiring reading.


MAGIC FORMULA

Master them and you will see the difference in your approach and outlook:


* Have faith in yourself

People will always try to talk you out of ideas and say: ’it can’t be done,’ but if you have faith in yourself you’ll find you can achieve almost anything. People told my father a service man will always stay one, and can never start his own businees and this was almost 30 years back. He had faith in self and in god, and started working at 15 years and today he is a successful business man with a wonderful family. One needs courage and "I Can Do" attitude to take you places.

* Never give up

Richard Branson said in one of his article "A journey of a thousand miles starts with that first step. If you look ahead to the end, and all the weary miles between, with all the dangers you might face, you might never take that first step. And whatever it is you want to achieve in life, if you don't make the effort. You won’t reach your goal. So take the first step. There will be many challenges. You might get knockedback - but in the end, you will make it."

NASA has an awesome quote that i have lived most of my life by "FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION"

If you don't have the right experience to achieve your goals then learn from basic and make your way up. Being a service mans son didn't stop my father to start his own business. He started delivering mails at successful business, saw their working and key pointers, worked as a cloth agent and finally in next 5 years he was manufacturing cloth and selling it to traders. Dad learned many lessons: not just if you want to do something, just do it, but also to prepare well, have faith in yourself, help each other, and never give up

* Believe that anything can be done

Dont day dream and have goals in life to achieve impossible. I started my first charity work when i was 14 years, nothing was impossible all i believed in the cause and did everything in my power to make it successful. The best lesson i learnt was just do it; Once Plato, said,’ The beginning is the most important part of any work.’ Your goals can be small, all you need to do is believe in them, so you are ready for the big leap.

* Live life to the full

Work hard and play hard. Fun is needed to recharge your brain cells to give you 300% to achieve impossible. One can be as successful one wants to, but whats the value of this success when you don't have a family to share with. I don't deny that money is not important. Do things and projects that you enjoy and money will flow because you have put your heart to achieve it.


Woow that is basic, and we all have it then why dont we use it?


One does not need to be another Bill gates or Richard Branson to be a successful leader, be one in your own perspective, follow tour dream and goals, love your self and family (all work and no play will make Jack/Jill a dull boy/girl)


Readers its for you to answer, what is one thing that you will do to apply this MAGIC FORMULA

Social Corporate Responsibility

Few weeks back I attended an event that talked about the top 3 qualities that candidates are looking in last 5 years candidates in a company. One of the quality that stood out was a strong commitment for social corporate responsibility, which followed salary and career development.

So I did a little more research and found Initiatives such as philanthropy, support for community-building initiatives and environmental awareness can add significant value to the company, and if the program is well designed the benefits far outweigh the costs.

Benefits

1) It makes the employee more enthusiastic and opportunity to develop their leadership and project management skills through a well-designed corporate social responsibility program.

2) Socially responsible companies report increased employee commitment, performance and job satisfaction

3) An easy way for your company to build its brand, reputation and public profile- Currently I am part of a program for Boys and Girls Club where I am promoting my company's non-profit initiatives (first in this club) and that has enhanced my companies positive image and broaden their influence.

4) Branding the business as ‘socially responsible’ differentiates you from your competitors- One of the living example of this is Walmart-with their multiple social initiatives they have connected with people at a very personal level.

So what should you do next?

It is a highly competitive world out there. If you want people to buy from you, work for you and invest in you – look seriously at corporate social responsibility.

If your company does not have one then start one yourself at a smaller scale and be the person to influence the culture of the company