If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.
- John Quincy Adams
My management style has always been reflective in the successes of the teams that I have developed throughout my career.
As a manager, I have hired many people and created many teams. One of the most important lessons, I have imparted to them is one of trust. I always would earn their trust and ensure they would earn mine.
Trust in each other is essential in achieving goals. This trust goes even deeper when as a leader; you must guide your team on their own path to success.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson said:
Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.
I found myself in this situation when I came here to pursue this education. My team was a priority for me. One lady came to me very nervous, needy, and quite a people pleaser. This was great for sales, not great for life. She was lovely and still is. The difference is now, she is empowered with self confidence and accountability for her actions. She no longer has low self esteem. She is successful and is in management. Another member is also in management. She has followed her heart and with encouragement she is striving in her endeavors. The others have reported successes and happiness. It helps me to know that they are in good places and are managing on their own.
Teamwork needs to be encouraged in and outside of our business life.
I would like to share an important story with you about teamwork that comes from nature. I heard it years ago and it stayed with me and I hope it will stay with you as well.
Lessons from the Geese
This fall, when you see Geese heading south for the winter, flying along in “V” formation, you might consider what science has discovered as to why they fly that way. As each bird flaps its wings, it creates uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in “V” formation the whole flock adds at least 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own.
When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front.
When the Head Goose gets tired, it rotates back in the wing and another goose flies point.
Geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.
Finally, and this is important, when a goose gets sick, or is wounded by gunshots and falls out of formation, two other geese fall out with that goose and follow it down to lend help and protection. They stay with the fallen goose until it is able to fly, or until it dies. Only then do they launch out on their own, or with another formation to catch up with their group.
By Dr. Robert McNeish, 1972
From this story we should derive that if we had as much sense as the geese, we would go with those headed in the same direction as we want to go.
As a team we need to respect each other. We need to manage difficult tasks. We need to work within each others’ talents and skills.
We will stand by each other, in good times and in difficult times. When the team is strong we need to encourage each other and support one another even more when we need each other.
Empowering a team gives them a sense of accountability, pride and confidence. Think back to when your mom or dad finally trusted you with the mixer or the power tool. Remember, when they said” Now go ahead, you can do it”. They may not have come right out and said the words that they believe in you…but they did. From then on, you had a little more confidence…I did.
Individual empowerment results from quality encouragement. The honking we do must be of quality, and supportive. It is reflective on the leader.
A leader leads by example, whether he intends to or not.
- John Quincy Adams
Sometimes you’re the corner piece. 
Even if it’s a puzzle, don’t be missing.
