A tid-bit on strength

Among a lot of things, people follow strength. Everyone is naturally drawn to people stronger than themselves. Sometimes in an organization, people have been placed under you. And most of the time, even if they don't say it, they are expecting you to be strong.

The question is: how do you communicate strength without being condescending, rude, or viewed as "power-tripping"?

We'll strength is communicated in a lot of ways - not just power-tripping or rudeness. Among many others, a couple of examples are Decisiveness & Resolve.

Decisiveness is being able to make a decision and not being wishy-washy. Take the time to make a decision, weigh the options, but never be indifferent with an opinion. Never say, "whatever you think", or "it doesn't matter" - especially if someone asked for your opinion.

Resolve is sticking with the decision and following it through completion. People will always have opinions and criticism, but if you are convinced that this is the right decision- stick to it.

Finally, communicating is the most challenging part of the equation. The right words definitely will make or break your ability to accomplish what you are doing. Using phrases like "I want you to", " I need you to", (especially if you are new to a group) will blow your leadership right out of the water (in a bad way).

Instead use "let's do this" or "we should". In reality your subordinates already know you are in charge and they know that when you say "let's", it really means they'll be doing the work. This just makes them accept your direction better and makes them feel like you respect them, while still communicating your strength.


peace & God bless

-march

A TOAST!

Here's to our struggles!
Here’s to our pain… for they make life interesting.
For I have not known a way to measure my joys except how far it is from my sorrows.
May we continue to struggle!
Not for the simple enjoyment of being in pain…
But so that our dreams will become sweeter,
Our hope become stronger,
And so our good times will become great times!

-March M Villareal 2/10/05