Hi Rodel
In answering your question I believe that there is no Holy Grail that the leaders here in SFI are practicing to make them successful. You will be surprised that it's all in the way you do your things in contrast to the way they do theirs.
You have probably come a cross the nugget that states "Successful people don't do different things, they do things Differently."
That statement is so powerful it challenges me to study the lives of successful people and try to emulate them on a daily basis.
Having said that I will use Gery as my role model and example here. There are certain success traits that I have noted he has that are worth following. I will also add some other extras from other leaders.
1. LEADERS MUST HAVE A VISION
Vision is defined as: The ability to think about or plan the future with imagination or wisdom. I have observed that every successful leader I have known or come across had a very clear vision about what they wanted to achieve and where they wanted to go. Ask Gery how he came up with this complex system called SFI and I have no doubt he will talk about his Vision. What are your vision about your life or working with SFI for that matter. Where do you see yourself in 5, 10, 20 years from now?
2. THEY HAVE A PLAN
A plan is defined as: a detailed proposal for doing or achieving something.
Do you have a clearly defined plan about what you would like to achieve in SFI? If so do you have it written down on paper? Have you set targets about when you would like to achieve those goals? Do you know what methods/ways you can use to leverage on those goals? If you do then you are on the right track to success.
The late Christopher Reeve once said "If you don't have a vision, nothing happens." Strategic planning is about the future impact of decisions made today, and leaders must have a plan that examines the necessities of today and tomorrow in light of the organization's vision, mission, values and goals. It is not uncommon to find organizations that either don't have a strong strategic plan, or they have a plan that is sitting on a shelf collecting dust. This makes absolutely no sense to me. Leaders must realize that to fully implement change, to satisfy customers, and to promote teamwork from the top to the bottom of the organization, strategic changes must be made that are driven by a clearly articulated vision, mission, and purpose. Once the strategic plan is written, leaders can then take the steps necessary to insure that all stakeholders are in alignment with the strategic plan and that they are moving cohesively in the direction of fulfilling the vision and mission of the company.
3. GROWTH
Someone said: “Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others. —Jack Welch
Once you have an idea of your goals and how your environment will affect the outcome, you are ready to maximize your personal and professional growth. Embracing the previous two pillars allows us to better take on the challenges ahead.
4. COMMUNICATION(OPEN LINES)
Now that you have a good idea where you are and where you want to be and are taking steps to get there, it is time to start sharing your knowledge and achievements with others. After all, teamwork makes the dream work and when we reach the point of positively influencing those around us, we are impacting the world we live in on a much larger scale.Be clear on what you are attempting to say and make sure that is what’s being heard. Communication skills need to be atop any growth plan for without those skills, we will be unable to influence others or the outcome. I like this about Gery. He doesn't mince his words. he's communication lines are open, clear and effective.
5. LEADERS MUST BE DEVOTED TO CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
So many business leaders of today see leadership development as "fluff" and "soft" but the truth of the matter is that leadership development can improve bottom line profits and productivity. By listening to an employee who is on the front line, and acknowledging her value, a leader can create loyal internal customers and can bring innovative ideas to the table which can grow a company by leaps and bounds. By strengthening team communication, a leader can create a sense of purpose, loyalty, and long-term commitment to the organization. One thing to know about leadership development is this: Leaders must not ask her followers to do what she is not willing to do. And I will say it again that Gery has passed the litmus test and exemplified that to all of us here at SFI.
6.LEADERS MUST BE WILLING TO SHOW THEIR TEAM/DOWN-LINE THAT THEY GENUINELY LOVE AND CARE FOR THEM
There is one truth in life that I firmly believe: With the showing of love and concern, people begin to feel wonderful and more worthy, and their productivity will triple in an environment that is loving.People will do business with people they like, and this "Love Cat" way of doing business often strikes an uncomfortable chord with leaders who are insecure about their own abilities or who view a show of love, empathy, and compassion as a sign of weakness. People have to know on a very deep level that their leaders care about them, their future, and their growth. I have often times seen Gery despite he's busy schedule in the Forum with us chatting and answering questions.
He also recently donated to charity in the Philippines to the flood victims. Who wouldn't want to do business with that kind of leader? Now that's my kind of leader. Try and emulate the care aspect of leadership and pass in on to your team. they will love you for it and give back.
7. LEADERS ARE DILIGENT HARD WORKERS
There is a lesson I learned years back. It's one my favorite books. It says- "Go to the ant Thou Sluggard consider her ways and be wise which having no God overseer or ruler gathereth her meet in the summer and and provideth her food in the harvest" This book tells us to go and learn a lesson from the ant. Why? Because if you observe the ant keenly it's simply fascinating watching them work so hard day in day out without pulling ropes until the job is done. I believe Gery got this far because of this virtue.
This is a general overview of what I know any sucessful leader is doing to succeed. They are not limited or bound by time or place. They work everywhere with anyone who want to become a successful leader.
I hope you found this helpful.
Best of Success in Your Journey
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