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February 2009
Leadership Stimulus Package Has Four Ways to Improve Leadership

I believe in the Stimulus Package.  No, not that Stimulus Package, bloated with pork and pet projects.  I mean a Leadership Stimulus Package.  Consider it a stimulus for your Leadership infrastructure. 

My Stimulus Package was inspired by Congress.  I know that’s a frightening idea.  But, it makes sense, in a twisted sort of way.

The Congressional Stimulus requires an investment of money by the government to generate growth in the economy.  I thought about it, and came up with a Leadership Stimulus that also requires an investment, but the result will be growth in your leadership.   

Maybe the Leadership Stimulus will even help the economy.  If your leadership accelerates, you’ll be doing a better job, as will the people around you, which will increase productivity.  That could actually generate economic growth and job creation. 

But I’m not holding my breath waiting for Congress or the President to thank me.  They’re probably still trying to figure out what’s in their package.

My Leadership Stimulus is pretty simple.  It requires you as an individual to invest in your own leadership improvement, and in the leadership improvement of those you lead, whether they’re the senior leadership team, or frontline employees, or somewhere in between.

If you want to improve your leadership, you’ve got to invest time or money, or both, in the Leadership Stimulus.

Remember, if you don’t invest now because “money is tight,” what do you think your excuse will be when the economy picks up?    You’re right, it’ll be, “We’re too busy.”  Either way, it’s an excuse. 

So what are the specific investments you should make? 

1) Get a Coach.  This is the best way for accelerating your leadership, because it’s direct, and focused on your specific needs.  Pick out some areas for improvement, then find a coach who can address those needs.

2) Educate yourself and your team.  Whether it’s a formal class at a university or college for yourself, or a series of workshops for your team, this is an effective method for improving leadership. 

Improvement requires behavior change, and that comes only from a process, a series of classes or workshops.

3) Improve your speaking ability.  President Obama illustrates the value and power of speaking ability.  Find a coach to help you, or join Toastmasters.  Better yet, do both.

4) Enlist the help of others.  Develop a leadership advisory board to help improve your leadership.  If you’ve already got an advisory board, ask them to help.  Or, get a mentor.  This is usually a less formal, and unpaid, relationship similar to coaching. 

Getting others to help is like telling someone you’re trying to lose weight.  They’ll let you know when you’re straying from your diet.  Annoying as heck, but effective.

With these four investments, you’ll need to establish some goals, so write SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-frame specific), and track your progress regularly.

Use the Leadership Stimulus Package to invest in improving your leadership, and the leadership of those around you.  Maybe, just maybe, it will help us emerge from this economic morass we’re in.  To paraphrase those Capitol One ads, “What’s in your Stimulus Package?”

Until next edition, keep leading the way!

Copyright (C) 2009 by Terry Wall

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