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-----Original Message-----
From: Andrew Plato [mailto:intrepid_es -at- yahoo -dot- com]
Sent: Tuesday, March 06, 2001 12:36 PM
To: TECHWR-L
Subject: Leadership
I got this in private email, but I'll respond publically because it gives me
an
opportunity to pontificate. And you know how much I love to do that.
> Now, Andrew, I know you run your own company. Given that you are
apparently
> leading your troops (presumably well, by your lights), can you share your
> ideas
> on what is is to actually LEAD people, especially techcommies?
Okay here's some basic thoughts...
- Lead by example. A good manager can lead people through demonstrating
his/her
own mastery of writing.
- Be a problem solver not a blame freak.
- Be willing to step in and take on any job, regardless of how small or
mundane.
- Practice Roman Law not English law. Lead through ideals not through
restriction and rules.
- Focus on results. At the expense of procedure if necessary.
- Mistakes are an opportunity to learn.
- Punish in private, praise in public.
- Clarify and publicize your expectations.
- Encourage others to comment on your management.
- Rule with an open hand.
- Employees are innocent until proven guilty.
- Rise above personality and emotional attachments. Lead from your mind and
your guts, not your heart.
- Embrace a fluid team environment that changes and moves regularly.
- Earn trust, respect, and authority - don't expect it.
- Don't obsess over the mundane.
- Be calm and take crisis in stride.
- Be confident in the face of trouble,
- Show courage and be willing to stand up for even the weakest member of the
team.
- Respect your own ignorance. Show the team that you too have weakness and
can
learn from them.
Well, that's my thoughts. I suppose I should go implement those brilliant
thoughts at work today rather than sitting here at home being a loaf. I have
a
business plan to finish.
IPCC 01, the IEEE International Professional Communication Conference,
October 24-27, 2001 at historic La Fonda in Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA.
CALL FOR PAPERS OPEN UNTIL MARCH 15. http://ieeepcs.org/2001/
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