TO THE “ASPIRING” LEADER

Harvard Business Review continually highlights emerging ideas in business and management. It is making the world of business a better place!

One such review is “The 6 Fundamental Skills Every Leader Should Practice” by Ron Ashkenas and Brook Manville. So, here is to you – the aspiring leader who is willing to learn and lead. In my view, old-style “managers” are mostly implanted as leaders. Generally, they are entrenched in “that’s the way you will do it” style, or are too “dinosaurite” to entertain new ideas. (PS: another book, also reviewed by HBR, describes them: “Why Do So Many Incompetent Men Become Leaders (And How to Fix It) by Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic). 

As Ashkenas and Manville state, “… the best way to develop proficiency is leadership is not just through reading books and going to training courses, but even more through real experience and continual practice.” So, I paraphrase Ashkenas and Manville below: 

1.     Shape a vision that is exciting and challenging.

2.     Translate that vision into a clear strategy.

3.     Recruit, develop, and reward you team.

4.     Focus on measurable results.

5.     Foster innovation and learning.

6.     Lead yourself, and lead by example.”  

I like “measurable” results, or outcomes that you and eh team have a direct impact on. I also like leading by example – the leader (and the “aspiring” leader) bust never stop to learn! So, learn and practice; practice and learn. You will get noticed for the positive energy you bring to your team and to your organization. Success be to you!

As Dr. Libby Sander says in his recent article “The physical environment of the workplace has a significant effect on the way that we work. When our space is a mess, so are we.” (“The Case for Finally Cleaning Your Desk”). Right on, Dr. Sander! This applies to your WORKPLACE – the office, as well as your workspace at home!

When I work on several concurrent projects, my desk becomes a mess. It would be difficult for me to find the most updated file on the most important project. I would end up spending time recreating or re-writing parts of the report – what a waste of time and the creator of my stress. In my view, the more open tasks you have, the more stress you will have!

Each one of us works concurrently on several projects and tasks – both at work and at home. Therefore, we cannot always avoid clutter. The strategy that works for me is to clean my desk at the end of each week. What also works for me is a system of filing documents and reports – physical files as well as electronic files, AND knowing where to find them. It has saved me time (and money). Each week may not work for you; but, once a month could do the trick.

So, don’t let clutter bury you (while you enjoy “March Madness”). Get organized and tackle your clutter (and enjoy watching your favorite player “bury” the three-point jumper from mid-court).

Harvard Business Review (HBR) just published a great article about “inclusive” leaders by two Deloitte professionals (“Why Inclusive Leaders Are Good for Organizations, and How to Become One” by Juliet Bourke and Andrea Espedido). There is a lesson in it for all of us.   The bottom line is this: “inclusive” leaders raise the efficiency and performance of organizations.   They also make it a better place to work.

The “inclusive” leader knows that she or he does not know everything and does not have all the answers. She or he is willing to listen to, and learn from, team members, and expresses genuine curiosity. 

It’s not about knowing just their professional strengths and weaknesses. Do you know the names of your team members?  Do you know their habits, likes and dislikes? Do you know what volunteer work they do, or what sports they engage in? Well, that’s what it will take for you to become an “inclusive” leader. 

In too many organizations, sadly, we work for, or are made to work for, managers that, according to Bourke and Esdedido, want to overpower team members, play favorites and “discount alternative views.” Those traits kill collaboration, productivity, and employee morale.   The inclusive leader, on the other hand, promotes collaboration, and raises employee morale and productivity. 

So, if you know an INCLUSIVE leader, say “thank you” and do more for the team.

Kudos to Harvard Business Review for posting a 2008 article that is becoming more relevant in today’s fast-paced and hectic business world: “Be a Better Leader, Have a Richer Life”, by Stewart D. Friedman (https://hbr.org/2008/04/be-a-better-leader-have-a-richer-life). Wow, that article was published 11 years ago!

You lead your life at home, at work and in the community. That includes all your relationships – at home or play, at the workplace or business, and in the community where you live or the non-profit organization whose mission you want to promote. For a richer life, it is important to strike a balance between all three, and find fulfilment in each part of your life.

So, just like Friedman said in 2008, “be a better leader, have a richer life” in 2019 and beyond.

Success is the ultimate GOAL; but, in that process, failure is a possible outcome. In fact, there could be many failures before you get to success. How you get to success and accomplish those goals are important steppingstones to learning and progress. 

Just like Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Michael Jordan, two basketball legends, have shared and Richard Branson of Virgin has affirmed, “failure, humility and human progress” are intertwined. 

When you succeed, rejoice and thank your stars. Remember to thank those that got you there (you could not have done it alone!). If you fail at first, change your approach and strategies, re-invent and try harder. You will get to success; you will reach your goals. Humankind will make progress.

The Harvard Business Review always publishes articles worth reading, and shares ideas worth practicing. “The Dalai Lama on Why Leaders Should be Mindful, Selfless, and Compassionate”, by the Dalai Lama and Rasmus Hougaard, is a must read for all aspiring leaders – not just in business, but also in the business of life.

The Dalai Lama is a living example of ow one should live her or his life, and most importantly, how leaders should lead. I find this more relevant today than ever before.

https://hbr.org/2019/02/the-dalai-lama-on-why-leaders-should-be-mindful-selfless-and-compassionate

To be a good leader, listen to The Dalai Lama, and also listen to those that you lead.

Building and Celebrating Teams

We envision a workplace that is collaborative, supportive and mutually respectful, creative and innovative. It creates teamwork and produces outcomes that we want to celebrate. 

Often, these attributes go missing when someone – often the “leader” – makes it about themselves, demonstrates passive-aggressive behavior, or shows jealousy of others’ success.

Let’s celebrate the team and the team’s success. Together, we achieve more!

On April 29, 2019, I received the 2019 “Hall of Fame” Award from the Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA). I am both honored and humbled, as I join many illustrious leaders who have come before me. MEDA is one of the most significant economic development organizations in the USA.

The theme for the 2019 Annual Conference was, “Transforming Lives through Inclusive Economic Development.” Retaining and strengthening existing businesses, while attracting new ones, are at the core of this theme. In my view, two Maryland jurisdictions have embraced this strategy. Under County Executive Marc Elrich, Montgomery County has embarked on a bold, new strategy focusing on inclusive development, business retention and wrap-around support for local businesses. In Prince George’s, we worked with local towns and municipalities, supporting their development projects and creating places.

In my view, Fairfax County, Virginia has the most ambitious and comprehensive plan: “Fairfax Economic Success Strategic Plan.” https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/economic-success/sites/economic-success/files/assets/documents/pdf/economic-success-indicators-report.pdf

Here is a summary of the Fairfax Plan: “The plan’s strategy focuses on high-level policy recommendations, integrated with the county’s overall vision and mission, to help the county to expand and diversify the economy. It is organized around four themes: people, places, employment and governance, and it focuses on six goals:

• Further diversify our economy
• Creating places where people want to be
• Improving the speed, consistency, and predictability of the county’s development review process
• Investing in natural and physical infrastructure
• Achieving economic success through education and social equity
• Increasing the agility of county government

Fairfax does not want to sit on its laurels. It is setting the standard, and will stay ahead of the game. Watch out, rest of the world!

In my view, economic development is critical for all leaders – Democrats and Republicans. That is why I am supportive of the regulatory and tax environs of Virginia, which is now being followed closely by Maryland and other states. There is more to be done – to create places, make regulations transparent and business-supportive, and help the private sector create well-paying jobs. 

That is why I say: Businesses come, and grow, in places where they can work, live and play, that have high-quality education, infrastructure and workforce, and have predictable, fair governance.

Leaders – go boldly where no one has gone before, and chart new directions for our country.

Local Motors (and think “Local”)

Imagine that you designed your own car and had a company build it for you with 3-D printer in just about eight hours! Yes, it is possible. (See my pictures with some of the concept cars)

We visited Local Motors in National Harbor (Prince George’s County, Maryland) yesterday, toured their amazing facility. We were given a self-driving tour by “Olli” – the “flexible, safe, smart, disciplined, roomy, sustainable and upgradable” vehicle that moves people within a community. Yes, all those accolades apply to Olli. Olli is the “world’s first co-created, self-driving, low-speed, electric shuttle now plying the streets of National Harbor. Imagine, what Olli can do for campuses of companies and Federal agencies, college campuses, and senior living centers! 

Olli took us on a tour of National Harbor, without a driver. It took us behind Gaylord Resort, gave us a glimpse of the “Air Force1” exhibit, slowed down for pedestrians, stopped at stop signs, and safely arrived back at the LM destination. 

Local Motors provides “Olli Meet & Greet” opportunities on Tuesdays from 6:00 – 7:30 PM. Call ahead and make your reservation – better yet, take your children and your schools for a tour and learning experience.

That brings me to another issue: “Local.” The company, Local Motors, builds vehicles with 3-D technology – that are, among other attributes – safe, sustainable and upgradable, and can be built locally. Most businesses are “local.” Supporting and growing “local” businesses should be a high priority for all communities that want to create jobs and expand their commercial tax base.  Yes, fight hard and attract new businesses; grow new ones from within; but, do not overlook the assets you already have – your LOCAL businesses!