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It's Time to Lead!
Craig Bentley, Bates Communications
"Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up."
Thomas A. Edison (1847 - 1931)
The financial markets have been in turmoil recently and, for many of us, it has been depressing to see the value of our 401k's and other investments drop steadily as the stock market has sunk lower and lower. We ask ourselves - "Why couldn't I have anticipated this market rollback?" - "Why didn't I diversify my portfolio?" And, of course, "Why didn't I pay down my mortgage more aggressively?"
But we always have to remember that unless we actually liquidate our investments or sell our home, cash in and take the loss, we have only suffered "paper" losses. Unless we throw in the towel, there is the chance that the markets will recover, that stock prices and home values will bounce back once again and we will be no worse off, and may even be better off, than we were before the current financial "crisis" began. In fact, history has repeatedly shown that not only is there is a chance this will happen, it almost certainly will happen.
The same is true for our business activities.The economy will recover, the global marketplace will once again expand, and corporate profits will reach new heights.
What is needed today is the strength and courage to take the longer view, to look to the future while weathering the current economic turbulence.
It is Time for Leadership not Management.
Of course, in today's business environment, corporate leaders must take immediate and decisive action. Just like the captain of a ship in a storm, it's time to batten down the hatches, reef the sails, pull in the jib. But the captain must also always know where the ship is headed, encourage and rally his crew to keep the ship under control and moving forward, to work as a team to overcome the external forces of wind and wave. He must not waiver and he cannot accept defeat.
A Simple Truth
We only fail when we quit.
Thomas Edison is credited with perfecting the incandescent electric light bulb and alternating current which made electricity useful and available to the consumer. Edison was famous for his work ethic, for always trying one more experiment, one more test, developing one more prototype. He had unfailing optimism that hard work and consistent effort would always prevail. He never let a setback discourage him, saying, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."
Are You Providing Leadership in these Challenging Times?
Are you approaching today's economic uncertainties with this same sense of optimism and dedication to persevere and prosper? Are you always looking for one more new idea, one more fresh approach, making that one more try that just might be the breakthrough that will make all the difference?
Are you communicating your values and principles to your most valuable asset - your employees - as well as to the external marketplace? Are you reinforcing your sense of purpose and passion, those intangibles that make your company unique and that add real value to your customers?
And are you keeping your eye on the horizon while encouraging and motivating your "crew" to pull together to weather the storm? Despite setbacks, are you maintaining your enthusiasm so it creates confidence and resolve throughout your workforce? It was Winston Churchill who said, "Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm."
Take Action Now!
Here are five action steps you can take now to exercise your leadership:
- Communicate, Communicate, Communicate!
- Consistently reinforce the corporate and personal values that have sustained the company in the past and will do so in the future;
- Tap into your company's history and founding purpose to keep your staff focused on why you're in business and the benefits you bring to your customers;
- Be visible. Don't hole up - you're not under siege! Be accessible to your employees, customers, suppliers, and bankers. Wave the corporate banner and inspire confidence by your personal conduct;
- Express your passion and enthusiasm at every opportunity!
It is in periods of difficulty and uncertainty that leaders stand tall, show their resiliency, and keep their organizations focused on the future.
For more articles on motivational leadership and leadership communications, please visit the Bates Communications website http://www.bates-communications.com/articles/
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Dow Chemical Co.
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