The Bottomline Of Leadership...

What comes to your mind when you hear the word “bottomline”?
Many could think of it as the ultimate thing. Well, it makes sense;
however, if we take a closer look, bottomline signifies something
that has gone through pretty complex procedures. There could be
many branches or processes involved to come up with an output.

Leadership. Bottomline.

Hmm… Is Leadership then that complicated? Well, to many,
it could be; and to some, even scary. Why?

Consider this…

Michael, aged 36 years, had a brilliant career as a “back room boy”
in the accounts department of a British pharmaceutical company.
He had passed all the examinations and specialized in tax matters,
winning himself a solid reputation. He had been with the same firm
for twelve years. On “situational” grounds, he should have been the
ideal man to become the leader of his department when the job fell
vacant. When that promotion came his way, however, it took him by
surprise. He was not prepared for leadership. The company was in
recession; morale in the department was low. He soon found himself
with all sorts of problems, both about the department’s effectiveness
and about people, where his expertise in tax law was of no help.
He floundered for a while and then in desperation left the company
to set up business on his own as a tax collector.

What do we see here?

Looking deeper within, Leadership is more than just experience;
for again, things can be learned… it’s just a matter of exposure,
of opportunity. See then, Leadership is really all about character…
that is strength and soundness.

Yet, many are still awed when they hear the word “leadership”;
many are still worried to put people in leadership spots. Why?
Because these “many” are not True Leaders. Because these
“many” are just traditional recruiters. Realize now that we sorely
need a paradigm shift if we truly want to move forward with
renewed confidence.

The bottomline then is…

For you as a Leader, it’s decision-making skills. This is having
that courage to make decisions. Sound and timely decisions that is.
The courage to cross the bridge. The courage to take responsibility.

And this responsibility extends to every party involved in the business…
from owners to suppliers to employees to customers among others.

For the shareholder, a leader’s responsibility is primarily meeting
objectives. This would also include harnessing the company’s
potential for growth.

For the suppliers, it's geared on his coordinating skills. After all,
without the timely availability of raw materials, business would be
critical.

For the subordinates, it's mainly about people skills, particularly
one’s ability to build enthusiasm, to employ empathy, and to subtly
use humor when tension arises.

For the customers, responsibility is focused on understanding
consumer behaviour, both short-term and long-term. On knowing
their needs. On satisfying their curiosity.

Leadership may have its pressures but tell you, it’s not really that
tough… you just have to constantly be aware of time, environment,
and people.

“Chance favors the prepared mind.” - Louis Pasteur

Make your mark. You can do it.

Remember…
“With great power comes great responsibility.”