HEROES

Statement of the Problem Many Managers Fail to Effectively and Ethically Lead Their Organizations. > Interpersonally > Administratively

Why Do So Many Managers Fail? They are self-deceived – they do not know they are failing. “The problem with most of us is that the focus of our indignation is misdirected.” Leadership and doing the right thing is hard – it is abnormal behavior. “You cannot change human nature (it is always bad)”. Abraham Lincoln

Why So Many Fail (Continued) The Organizational culture often promotes mediocrity and compromise because it has become normal/the path of least resistance. We fear the opinions of others – we want people to like us and to avoid being criticized – so we make emotionally based not principle based decisions. Others don’t hold us accountable. We are dinosaurs – and don’t embrace change.

Consequences of Failure? Interpersonally – we create a culture of mistrust and favoritism with our inconsistency. Administratively – we risk getting it trouble.

Be a Hero by Being a Leader

How to Be a Leader Understand the biggest enemy you face – You! Make decisions rationally and ethically – not emotionally. Learn to stand before an “audience of one”. Embrace change: the environment is always changing – the principles of success and leadership do not.

The Key to Doing This - Accountability Have someone you can trust help you make the right decisions. Have staff members hold you accountable. Use group settings to make transparent decisions. Learn from others’ mistakes – debriefs and training in consequences – “Hall of Shame”.

Accountability (Continued) Ask yourself and others good x-ray questions about decisions. Remember: No one who got in trouble or failed thought they were going to get in trouble or were going to fail!