Make a decision to work, and calendar block each day of the week. When engaging in thoughtful activities, turn off the technology. Many people have turned into one of Pavlov’s dog, salivating and responding immediately to every email or text.
In a recent study at Microsoft, it showed that it took, on average, 15 minutes to return to critical thinking tasks after responding to an email or instant message. Often it was because the person strayed off to another task. Sound familiar?
Focus. It’s the new competitive weapon for sales organizations. Consider a new motto for your sales organization this year. Be present now!I’ve been a leader in various organizations and of teams of various sizes for the last twenty years. These teams have been as small as three to as large as 1800.
Over that period of time, I’ve lived my life and treated those around me with an overarching idea that I learned from my parents and at my church as a child: the Golden Rule.
The Golden Rule
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you; treat your neighbor as you would treat yourself; treat others as you want to be treated. No matter how you say it, it always comes back to this: don’t do something to someone that you don’t want them to do to you.
This concept is common in leadership development norway telegram data programs, and is often preached in business today.
Harry C. Handlin, former President of Lincoln Electric is quoted as saying: “If, as managers, we treat our employees the way that we would like to be treated, we are rewarded with a dedicated, talented and loyal work force that will consistently meet the needs of the marketplace.” In Jeb Blount’s bestselling leadership book, People Follow You: The Real Secret to What Matters Most in Leadership, following the Golden Rule is a key leadership principle.
But my experience leads me to believe that the golden rule alone, especially in the context of today’s society, is not the mark of a good leader.
The golden rule, while a great start, is by its very nature self-centered and the focus must be on oneself to apply it.
You must ask, “How do I want to be treated?”