As the economy begins to strengthen, businesses need to ensure that they are prepared to manage in the new economy.
I read a lot of motivational books and I want to share some ideas I recently read. The first is an example of modeling your team after a flock of geese.
It sounds crazy, but managers responsible for running teams can
learn a lot from flocks of geese. Flocks are very appropriate examples of how a team can achieve the same objectives as an individual, but with better efficiency and safety. Every aspect of the flock organization is focused on the achievement of a common goal.
Consider:
• Each member is responsible for getting itself to wherever the flock is going. Each member looks to itself, not the leader, to determine what to do.
• Every member knows the direction of the flock. Sharing the common direction makes assuming the leadership role easier.
• Every member is willing to assume leadership when the flock needs it. When the lead goose gets tired, a fresher goose from the back of the pack assumes the leadership position. This allows the flock to maintain the fastest pace possible.
• Followers encourage leaders.
Members honk from the rear to encourage leaders to maintain a fast pace.
• Members look after each other, helping all members achieve the goal. If a wounded goose goes down, two geese follow it and protect and feed it until it either gets better or dies.
• When the nature of the work changes, the geese reorganize themselves for the best results. They fly in a “V,” land in waves and feed in fours.
This was adapted from “The Will to Lead: Managing with Courage and Conviction in the Age of Uncertainty,” by Neil H. Snyder and Angela P. Clontz.
Example No. 2 is short, but very revealing. If you eliminate the word “but” from your memos, e-mail, phone conversations and dealings with employees, you'll strengthen your ability to persuade others.
Why? Any time you use the word “but,” what you're really saying is that you disagree with that person.
For example, if you say, “I agree with you, but let me say this … “employees will wonder if you really agree with them. The solution? Always replace “but” with “and.” In the above example, you would say: “I agree with you, and let me say this …”
Replacing “but” with “and” eliminates all contradiction from your message and makes what you say more powerful.
I read a lot of motivational books and I want to share some ideas I recently read. The first is an example of modeling your team after a flock of geese.
It sounds crazy, but managers responsible for running teams can
learn a lot from flocks of geese. Flocks are very appropriate examples of how a team can achieve the same objectives as an individual, but with better efficiency and safety. Every aspect of the flock organization is focused on the achievement of a common goal.
Consider:
• Each member is responsible for getting itself to wherever the flock is going. Each member looks to itself, not the leader, to determine what to do.
• Every member knows the direction of the flock. Sharing the common direction makes assuming the leadership role easier.
• Every member is willing to assume leadership when the flock needs it. When the lead goose gets tired, a fresher goose from the back of the pack assumes the leadership position. This allows the flock to maintain the fastest pace possible.
• Followers encourage leaders.
Members honk from the rear to encourage leaders to maintain a fast pace.
• Members look after each other, helping all members achieve the goal. If a wounded goose goes down, two geese follow it and protect and feed it until it either gets better or dies.
• When the nature of the work changes, the geese reorganize themselves for the best results. They fly in a “V,” land in waves and feed in fours.
This was adapted from “The Will to Lead: Managing with Courage and Conviction in the Age of Uncertainty,” by Neil H. Snyder and Angela P. Clontz.
Example No. 2 is short, but very revealing. If you eliminate the word “but” from your memos, e-mail, phone conversations and dealings with employees, you'll strengthen your ability to persuade others.
Why? Any time you use the word “but,” what you're really saying is that you disagree with that person.
For example, if you say, “I agree with you, but let me say this … “employees will wonder if you really agree with them. The solution? Always replace “but” with “and.” In the above example, you would say: “I agree with you, and let me say this …”
Replacing “but” with “and” eliminates all contradiction from your message and makes what you say more powerful.