The Essence... The Sequel.

In last weekend’s article, we delved into the essence of Leadership…
and two of the factors, as we know, were vision and trust. Certainly,
without “vision”, what would be the point of a worthy undertaking?
It’s like having a car but you do not know where to go, no destination.
And of course, “trust” is like gasoline, even if you know where to go
but if there is no petrol… you can not proceed.

We then concluded the article with a teaser for this week’s blog…
the “action” factor in the essentials.

COOPERATION. This is what we get when our vision is shared and
trust is compensated. It is the beginning of all organized effort. It is
the insurance to inevitable success.

“We become not a melting pot but a beautiful mosaic. Different
people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different hopes,
different dreams.” - Jimmy Carter

But how do we actually get cooperation?

Simple yet a bit tough specially for some in power. First, we have to
be polite… with everyone. Mind you, not because you are at the top…
that does not mean that you could roll over others. Respect begets
respect. Hence, use good manners all the time. Never pull rank.
Consider one’s culture, beliefs and traditions. Always think of how
others could “feel” before you say or do something. Realize that you
are dealing with human beings not robots. Don’t waste people’s time
but be considerate. Yes, practice saying “please” and “thank you”
whenever possible… sincerely.

“Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing
to the bones.” - Proverbs 16:23-24

Understand that support can be gained if you make allies not enemies.
Thus, with the support of your allies, you get the help you need to get
your goals or job done… even if someone deliberately or
unintentionally acts to scuttle you.

See…

The creation of more wealth each year; the increase in our national
production; the ability to do just a little better than our competitors
overseas, all these will benefit the organization as a whole.

But to achieve, this demands a wholesale change of attitude in order
to break down barriers which prevent companies from working as a
united, productive team.

However, in all these, only Top management can take the decisions
that will put their organizations on such a path... because effective
change can only come from the very top. Personal Leadership from
the top can create a receptive environment in which teamwork can
truly flourish right down the line. The old barriers can then at least be
replaced with genuine trust… fuelling cooperation towards that vision.

“We must not let the iron curtain be replaced with a veil of
indifference.” - Bill Clinton

Remember...
“Valuable Cooperation is yours if you think of others and not just yourself.”