In the military effective leadership plays a critical role in the development of the men and women working for you. Your leadership style can greatly impact them and influence their careers. What is Deck Plate leadership? Simply put, leading from the front. To be an effective leader you must make it a point to manage from the front lines and lead by example. Whether you're the corporate CEO or a mid-level manager your people are the most important aspect of the business. Without them you have no product. You must take the time to "walk around" and get up close and personal with the personnel at the deck plates of your business. Know who they are as a person, their interests, their hobbies, and their kids' names. This are critical management skills every leader must possess to maximize the effort put forth by the people working for you.
Do you practice deck plate leadership? Ask yourself two simple questions:
1. If you are a mid-level manager or above, can you recite a couple personal likes or dislikes of someone that works for you?
2. You see Jill everyday. She has been working for you for two years. Do you know her children's names? What her hobbies are?
If these questions left you scratching your head we need to work on your management skills. If you don't know the first thing about anyone working for you, chances are your workforce probably has little respect for you. You might rebut with "How could that be, I'm the CEO." Well in the military you are not respected by your rank alone and it's no different in the corporate world. Respect has to be earned.
The bottom line is you can get much more out of your workforce by simply getting out of the office every once in a while. Take a trip down to the mail room and visit with the folks or spend 15 minutes talking to the ladies in the cafeteria. Spark a five-minute conversation with the janitor and ask him if his family is doing OK. These gestures go along away in earning the respect of your workforce. Remember, you want your workforce to enjoy working for you. If you don't care about them why should they care about you or the goals you have as a manager or leader of a major corporation or small business. Why should they go the extra mile to ensure your business succeeds?
If you don't already practice deck plate leadership try one of the examples I mentioned or something along those lines. Over time you may be surprised at the results.
Good Luck, Tim Woody
If you're looking for ways to maximize the effectiveness of your leadership techniques or gain more insight into what being a great leader means, explore the link above.
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