Momentum - Business to Business Online Magazine MOMENTUM Holiday 2017 Final | Page 26

The Business of Leadership Leaders GROW Others That’s What We Do! By: Bonnie Benkula, BSHCA, MBA Certified Coach, Speaker, Trainer The John Maxwell TEAM The Leaven Exchange [email protected] Jack Welch said, “Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.”   Top 3 Characteristics of a Grateful Leader   1.     Approachable Be approachable and welcoming to others. Make eye contact and have a smile on your face when around your team. Welcome others into your space by good body language and a great attitude. Be an approachable leader with an approachable attitude. Let your presence inspire your team. Don’t intimidate or act greater than your team. Seek common ground and bring life into their environment. You can maximize productivity and create a quality work environment by being approachable.   2.         Sense of Humor Quit taking yourself so serious. Keep a sense of humor. Have fun in your work. Your greatest gift may be to teach your team that you are as human as the next person. You do not need to be perfect. Learn to laugh at yourself. Accept your weaknesses. Build on your strengths. Why not allow yourself to be vulnerable around your team? Time has passed for leaders to be put up on a pedestal, only to fall.  When employees like their boss, they stay, they work, they learn. Having a sense of humor makes you more likable, so find your sense of humor again and get real!   3.     Optimism John Maxwell said, “ The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails.” You really need to be a beacon of light for your team. If you expect your team to be excited and energetic about the direction you are headed, this attitude is a prerequisite for you as a leader. See your obstacles as opportunities, your problems as challenges and your losses as gifts to make you stronger. Learn, grow, improve. That doesn’t mean you have blinders. It just means you know how to manage your reaction to issues and lead their team onto greatness- in spite of it. Manage yourself and manage the perspective of your team. It’s your job as the leader to keep the vision in sight.   As a leader, it’s your job to grow others. You need to bring out the best in them so you need to be at your best. Be grateful for the talents and skills they bring to the table. Be confident in your own skin and rest so you can be your best! Reflect and ask yourself, “Who brings out the best of me?” As you reflect, make a Gratitude List and write down those you have come before you and those that pushed you to overcome and onto greatness.  You are important to others, make others feel important to you. Leaders grow others, that’s what we do. 25 MOMENTUM / Holiday 2017