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 Taking the Reins . . . Leaders Inspire
The best leaders inspire others to achieve, believe, and conceive (of ideas, that is, to keep the business and self improving). To build trust and confidence, be adaptable and perceptive to what works and what doesn’t, changing your approach to meet the needs of your people.
At Dimension 11, we had a young woman (we’ll call her Mary) working part-time for about two years. Mary really wanted to be a woodworker, taking after her granddad. It wasn’t happening for her, though, and she was getting discouraged. Coming straight out of high school and trying to get a job in a male-dominated field seemed like a stretch to some people, and they advised her to try something else. Her mom, though, helped her focus on her goal, stay on track and not give up. She encouraged Mary to keep working at anything until she found the perfect job.
It took two years working part-time jobs in various places while trying to find a job in her dream field before her persistence paid off. Finally, she landed exactly what she was looking for . . . a job in a small woodworking shop with people who’ll guide her along, giving opportunities to learn and grow.
Having a leader (her mom) to help her keep her goals in mind, to suggest various tactics in her job search, and to encourage her to keep learning in her current jobs so she would have transferable skills, inspired Mary to achieve her dream, while being an asset where she was.
What can you do to be an inspiring leader, building trust and confidence? How about:
- Be seen . . . don’t hole-up in your office; be visible. Share in the good times and the bad with liberal praise and encouragement.
- Lead by example . . . your actions will speak louder than your words, so demonstrate the behaviour you expect.
- Build your people up . . . boost their self-esteem by encouraging them to be adventurous in trying new things, to believe in themselves, to learn from mistakes, to keep growing.
- Be excited, really believe in what you do . . . this attitude will filter down through the ranks.
 Warning! Important! Send to Everyone on Your List!
How many emails do you get with warnings about scams, or computer viruses, or needles in theatre seats, etc.? They’re not all true, you know. In fact, most are junk. How can you know what’s true and what’s trash?
A good website is www.snopes.com. Type in the subject of the email and it will let you know whether it’s true or a scam. For example, I received an email warning about diet pills and cold remedies that contain something dangerous to your health. On Snopes, it says this was true but is outdated because it was originally sent in 2000 . . . nothing to worry about now.
So next time you get one of these emails, maybe take a minute to check if it’s something to be concerned about. Save yourself and others a bit of worry, and some space in the inbox.
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Dan Horn
—featured Entertainer —
Stand-up Ventriloquist Dan Horn (and his “Cast of Several”) has been entertaining for over two decades. His technique, manipulation and perfect comic timing turn his one-man show into a true ensemble experience. He gets so much going on with his puppet it’s difficult to see how he’s able to do it all!
Dan’s a topper on the bill at comedy clubs, cruises, and venues in Las Vegas. He’s also a hit with David Letterman.
“A very talented man. So funny, we had to have him back!”—Rosie O'Donnell, VH-1 Stand-up Spotlight
Add some hilarity to your next event. Call us at 800-303-2315 to learn more about Dan and his “Cast of Several”.
Quotes
“Without inspiration the best powers of the mind remain dormant . . . there is a fuel in us which needs to be ignited with sparks.” —Johann Gottfried Von Herder
“Leaders don't force people to follow—they invite them on a journey.”—Charles S. Lauer |
2301-15th
Avenue, REGINA, SK, Canada S4P 1A3 |
| 306-586-2315