SBTM Apr. 2014 | Page 12

EDITORIALFEATURE Things I Have Learned in These 30 Years By Rita Santamaria T o grow a value-based company you must be a broad thinker. Your thinking has to go beyond your own self-interest.  You have to put someone else’s needs ahead of your own.  Leadership comes from the inside out.  One must nurture talent and always be scouting for new talent.  The most valuable asset is human capital and it is also the most volatile. Motivating the sales force is an ongoing, everyday, personal directive.  There are days when you would enjoy going to someone with your problems and there are those in other positions such as HR and managers who are able to listen… but ultimately,“the buck stops here” - with you. Strategic thinking that goes beyond the crisis of the hour is on a leader’s daily to-do lists.  This often occurs as you are evaluating your own personal growth and skills.  Strategic thinking XY