Brandon W. Jones

I recently talked to my brother-in-law, Dan, and he relayed a very interesting story to me relating to poor leadership.  Some time ago he worked for a very well-known company.  While working there, he had an experience that really stunted his career progress for quite some time.

The story started when he got a new supervisor.  The new supervisor had been with the company about the same amount of time as Dan.  Dan and the new supervisor both interviewed for the supervisor position, but the new supervisor, John, received the position instead of Dan.  Prior to the supervisor transition, Dan was ready for a promotion with his previous supervisor.  Dan was very concerned that with the transition, he would not receive the promotion very quickly. 

In order to help the John transition into his new position, Dan offered his help in any way possible.  Dan also did all he could to show his leadership abilities by taking on several new responsibilities that were above and beyond his current job description.

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At some point or another every leader has had the challenge of getting people to work hard for them.  This can be very challenging when each person has their own agenda for the group.  As leaders, the goal is to get everyone working together as a team.  The following are four steps to get everyone on the same page before a project begins.

1. Build trust
2. Clarify the big picture
3. Establish the vision
4. Identify project success benefits. 

Build Trust

It is next to impossible to get anyone to do anything for you if they don’t trust you.  Before you can get anyone to work for you, you must build a degree of trust with them.  One of the quickest ways to build trust is to help them know that you care about them and their success.  You must show and have a genuine desire to help them succeed.  If you don’t have this desire on your own, know that if they succeed, it will make you look good as the leader.  Do everything you can to overcome your own pride and selfish desires, so you can be a caring leader that develops trust with those you lead.  If you don’t overcome your pride, it will lead to problems in accomplishing the established goals.

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There are many companies and organizations out there that follow the Peter Principle of promoting from within.  They feel that by promoting from within they create a strong sense of unity and loyalty within the employees.  With this philosophy, there is one problem that is very prevalent.  The people being promoted are learning their organizations inside and out, but they are not acquiring all the skills necessary to be a great leader.  One skill being underdeveloped is the ability to speak in public and grab the attention of the audience.  Public speaking is a learned skill that many people are not learning as they progress through their career.

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The following is a post that I did for Mary Jo Asmus on April 7^th 2010. 

In 2001, I lived in Cypress Hills, NY.  During that time, I was a full-time volunteer service missionary in a two year program.  As a service missionary, I was given a partner that I worked with all the time.  Each missionary partnership was part of a district which was composed of four to eight service missionaries.  Two to three districts were grouped together to form a zone, and there were 16 zones within the mission.  The leader over the whole mission was called the mission president.  For my area the mission president was G. Lawrence Spackman.  He was a very successful businessman from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. 

There were also leaders amongst the missionaries.  The leaders were responsible for either a district or zone of missionaries.  The leader’s responsibility was to motivate and encourage the other missionaries.  In addition, the leader had to make sure the missionaries were following the standards of missionary conduct. 

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Yesterday I asked the question, “What do you think of when you hear the phrase ‘Leadership Excellence’”?  I then explained three of the characteristics of leaders that have obtained leadership excellence.  The way I am dividing characteristics from values is that characteristics are the things that you do whereas, the values are beliefs that you have that lead you to act a specific way.  In this post I am going to talk about three key values of leaders that have obtained leadership excellence. Those three values are honesty, accountability, and integrity.  Any leader that does not possess these three characteristics will never be a great leader.

Honesty

Honesty is of the utmost importance in leaders that have obtained leadership excellence.  The honesty I am describing is the honesty that is 100% truthful no matter what the cost.  When leaders are willing to bend the truth, even the slightest bit, to make themselves look good they may be successful for a time, but eventually it will catch up with them.  Honesty is very easy when there is no fear of looking bad or when it is regarding things of little importance, but when something is on the line honesty can be more of a challenge.  By being honest all the time, you will never have to look over your shoulder for fear of being caught in a lie.  Honesty is one of the most important values of leaders with leadership excellence.

Accountability

When I think of accountability, I think of the saying from President Harry S. Truman of “The buck stops here.”  When it comes to accountability, leaders with leadership excellence take full responsibility for their own actions, as well as, their followers.  Accountable leaders are willing to make commitments and be responsible for their actions.  There are many leaders willing to pass the buck when it comes to responsibility, but the leaders that have truly obtained leadership excellence understand the importance of taking responsibility for their actions through the good times, as well as, the bad.

Integrity

The dictionary at www.dictionary.com defines integrity as, “adherence to moral and ethical principles.”  When I think of integrity I think of individuals who do what they say they are going to do and don’t make promises that they can’t keep.  Integrity encompasses both honesty and accountability, but it is even more.  Integrity also includes dependability.  A leader with integrity is very dependable, and they will be there when you need them.  They lead by example, and they have a strong set of moral and ethical principles that they follow.  The leaders with integrity are not afraid to stand up for what is right even if it is not the most popular choice.  They are also not afraid to let people know what guiding principles they follow. 

In today’s world, it is becoming harder and harder to find leaders that have truly obtained leadership excellence.  The values of honesty, accountability, and integrity, will help you as you strive to become a great leader.  These values must be a part of who you are in all you do.  People will respect you and look up to you as your further develop in these values.  The values will help you to reach the career goals that you have set for yourself.

What are some other values you have seen in leaders with leadership excellence?

What do you think of when you hear the phrase “leadership excellence?”  When I hear the phrase “leadership excellence” I think of leaders that have obtained the highest level of leadership in whatever they are doing.  These leaders have a strong set of values and characteristics that add value to their organization.  Three characteristics found in leaders with leadership excellence are vision, charisma, and innovation.

Vision

Leaders with vision have a clear image of the future.  They have a strong set of both short and long-term goals and their vision inspires those around them.  So how do you become a leader with a vision?  Start by setting goals.  Be sure that those around you know what your goals are.  Make goals that require you to stretch beyond your comfort zone.  As others begin to know of your goals they will be inspired to set their own goals.  By having your own vision of the future, you allow others to have a vision.

Charisma

Leaders with charisma draw people in and attract listeners.  They have great speaking skills, but even more than their speaking skills, they are great listeners and listen to what others say.  Their listening skills allow them to direct their conversations towards the needs of their listeners.  Some of the most charismatic leaders draw in an entire crowd just by entering a room.  They are the people that speak in such a manner that makes you want to listen.  To become a charismatic leader, practice speaking in public and get feedback from your listeners.  Try to overcome your fears of speaking in public.

Innovation

In line with both their vision and charisma, leaders that have obtained leadership excellence are innovative thinkers.  They are not afraid to think outside the common norms within their field.  They are also willing to ask questions others are afraid to ask.  There are specific questions that are considered un-discussibles that inhibit innovation and innovative leaders are willing to attack the un-discussibles head on.  They ask the necessary questions to overcome obstacles.  Innovative leaders break down barriers on a regular basis and just consider it to be part of their daily routine.  Leaders use their innovation to impact peoples lives in ways that other leaders have never considered.

Vision, charisma, and innovation are powerful characteristics that lead to leadership excellence. As you develop these characteristics in your own life, you will begin your journey toward leadership excellence.  You will find unexpected doors opening up for you just because you are willing to think outside the box.

What are some other characteristics that are found in leaders with leadership excellence?

Leadership excellence is a state of being.  It takes time to be developed.  It can, however, be obtained much more quickly when you understand the values and characteristics of great leaders.  Great leaders are found in a number of places.  They exist at all levels of corporate America.  They can also be found in many other areas.

Leaders are not made overnight, but in many cases they are required to emerge very quickly when called upon.  Great leaders have their foundation on a very specific set of values.  By understanding leadership values and characteristics, individuals can become great leaders with high influence.

This blog will identify characteristics and values that lead to leadership excellence.  Some of the topics that will be discussed are the following:

1. What is leadership excellence?
2. What are attributes of a great leader?
3. How do you become a great leader?
4. Why is leadership excellence important within an organization?
5. How can you set up a system that leads to leadership excellence?

Following and putting into practice the values discussed in this blog will help you to become a great leader.  Although leaders cannot be made overnight, every person striving to be a great leader can make changes on a daily basis that will lead to becoming a great leader.

In addition to understanding the characteristics and values of leadership excellence, it is also very important to also see examples of other leaders.  This blog will also identify and discuss the examples of other leaders that have obtained leadership excellence and those who have fallen short.

What does leadership excellence mean to you?

Recently I had to do a write-up for one of my MBA classes.  The teacher asked the students to look at their lives and analyze the way they are living their lives.  After evaluating their lives he requested that they answer the question, “How shall I live?”

In thinking about how shall I live, it is very important to think about what matters most.  In my life there are three driving forces that cause me to do what I do.  The three driving forces that guide my life are the following:

1. Honesty and integrity with my fellow man
2. Hard work ethic
3. Make smart decisions

Each of the three driving forces on my behavior has an influence in my everyday life.

Honesty and integrity with my fellow man is very important to me.  I always try to be completely truthful with those that I come in contact with.  By being completely honest, I don’t have to fear that one day a lie will come back and haunt me.  I also have a clear conscious when I go to sleep at night.  Integrity is also very important to me because without integrity, you don’t have anything.  I try to live so that people can trust me and they can say that my word is very valuable.  I want to live up to what others expect of me, but more importantly, I want to live up to my own expectations.

I have always tried to have a good work ethic.  I’ve always had the attitude that others can be smarter, faster, more charismatic, or better than me, but I will make up for my weaknesses with a hard work ethic.  I have always been a very hard worker.  When I was in sports in high school I was nominated by my teammates and received the award of the hardest working wrestler on my team.  By learning hard work ethic at a young age, I was able to succeed in college and earn a bachelor degree in mechanical engineering.  Not only did I earn the degree, but I excelled in my studies.  I finished the program with a 3.72 GPA in a very difficult program.  I have always had a hard work ethic and I will continue to have that work ethic into the future.

In addition to honesty, integrity, and hard work ethic, I also strive to make smart decisions.  By making smart decisions, I am able to be more effective in the things that I do.  I don’t want to just work hard; I also want to work smart so I get things done faster and more efficiently.  In addition, I have to make judgment calls on a regular basis in life and I want to continuously be making smart decisions.  I am always trying to think things through in life so I can succeed.  I want to be very successful in my career and in my life.  I know it requires hard work, but I also know I must work very smart to make the most out of my limited resources.

As I go through life, I always do my very best.  I try to be a leader and lead by setting an example that others can follow.  I know that by constantly keeping these principles in mind, I am able to be more effective at the things I do.

Just as I had to evaluate my life and determine how I shall live, I strongly encourage you to look at your life and determine how you shall live.  If any of you would like to share you thoughts, please do.  I would love to hear.

Recently I had the opportunity to interview the CEO of a major company.  Some of his answers were very insightful so I thought I would share them.  Because I did not ask his permission to put his answers on my blog, I will not say who it is that I interviewed.  I interviewed him for an MBA management class that I just finished taking.

Interview

1.  What is your educational background?

B.S. Accounting

Certified Public Accountant

2.  What is your personal definition of success?

For me, success is a journey.  I believe you need to determine what it is that makes you want to get up in the morning and then do everything possible to become the best you can be at doing it.  While making money may be a part of it, I believe you have to determine what you are going to do with the money when you get it.  I believe I am successful if I am happy and I’m making a difference in my chosen career and in the lives of others.  I am aware of and appreciate the many individuals that have helped me along the way towards any success I have achieved.

3.  Do you encourage people to earn an education beyond an undergraduate degree?  If so, what opportunities do you see available for people with higher education?

I definitely am a proponent of education.  Before one embarks on an educational pursuit, I would advise that person to survey the possible options there might be at Southwest Gas or other companies.  At Southwest Gas, we have a track record of promoting from within.  First, I would ask what you want to do.  Once that person gets a clearer picture of what that is, I would then recommend that he or she seek out a few people in the organization that are working in that area.  People need to know what it is that you want to do.  By asking questions about their work, and determining their recommendations for additional education, I believe you can make an informed decision.  It may take some patience, but if you do your homework, set a goal, and obtain the education and training you need you will likely find what you are looking for.

4.  What are the three most important attributes you have tried to obtain and exemplify in your career?

Integrity: Doing what you say you will do when you said you would do it.  Being honest and dependable.

Hard work:  There simply is no substitute for this.  By paying a price, you can succeed.  I always have looked for opportunities to do something that is hard and new to me so I stretch my capabilities.

Humility:  I believe there is no room for arrogance.  No on succeeds without help from others along the way.  One should be quick to acknowledge the assistance of others and give credit where credit is due.  I believe when I help someone else succeed, it always comes back in a big way.

5.  What does it take to be a good leader?

I believe a good leader must have a crystal clear vision of the direction he or she is headed.  A good leader asks lots of questions and listens.  With that input, he or she can make good decisions along the way.  Again, a leader has integrity, out works everyone else and is profoundly appreciative for the efforts of those he or she is leading.

6.  What would your advice be to a brand new employee who wants to reach your position?

I would first want to know why the person wants to do what I do.  Does he or she understand everything that is involved?  I can’t say that I began my career with the goal of being the CEO of a natural gas distribution utility.  Rather, I pursued a background that would give me options.  I knew I wanted to be in management, and I pursued a background in accounting and business that would open as many doors as possible.

One challenge that many people face in becoming great is their own self-doubt.  How can you overcome your own doubts and thoughts of discouragement?  I would like to suggest some things I have found useful in overcoming self-doubt.

1. Know your strengths and weaknesses
2. Continuously Work to strengthen your weaknesses
3. Don’t be afraid to try
4. Know that after many tries with failure, you will eventually find success.
5. Do your very best and know that God will take care of the rest.
6. Believe in yourself
7. Write your goals and work to obtain them.

Here is a video that shows someone who has overcome their own self-doubt.

This video has been around for a while, but Paul Potts is a great example of overcoming self-doubt and taking a chance.  As most of us, he had challenges with self-confidence.  By realizing his strengths, he was able to overcome his doubt.  He took a chance by auditioning for Britian’s Got Talent and now he is very successful and is able to do what he is best at.