Common Sense Leadership Topics

I have been thinking about what I'd like to write about and, of course, I want it to be helpful to my clients and other readers.

I jotted down some quick notes, triggered by thoughts that jump out at me as being particularly important. There are a lot! I could easily write pages about each, which makes me choose a different approach this week.

There are so many thoughts I want to mention, all important, that I am simply going to list them, in no order of importance. I invite you to click here and vote for the topics that most interest you, or send me an email with any and all thoughts and comments you may have.

• A woman in business and with her own family does not need to be a perfectionist, to do everything; rather, per Step Aside Super Woman, it will help her to be very focused while at her office so she can get her work done in eight hours, not stretched to ten and twelve hours, as could easily happen to anyone.

• We cannot let ourselves become paralyzed at our computers. With the endless flow of emails and information, it's a formidable challenge we must conquer.

• There is more interest than ever in people wanting to start their own business or be an important part of a small or mid-sized business. The large companies have disavowed the adage that loyalty pays off, as they continue to buy and sell their competitors and lay off massive amounts of individuals who, by the way, were most likely not the cause of the poor financial results.

• Survey’s reveal that 50% of us do not feel we have a productive working relationship with our boss. That is scary. If we want to be successful, to advance, we have to fix that. We can't complain, we can't grouse. We're on the same team. Talk it out! Be receptive, not right!

• Being a good boss does not have to be difficult. Be a good person, do the right things—ask, listen, care, share, pay fairly

• Key qualities of highly effective leadership include asking good questions, listening to learn, caring about our people, and being aware of how we are received by others.

• Good marketing is a game changer. Do it well and we win, as most of our competitors do not market well.

• We must be givers, not takers!

• Be a source of positive energy. Our attitude is critically important. Be helpful and encouraging to our clients and our colleagues.

• Soft skills matter—smiles, comfortable eye contact, thank yous, notes, congratulations.

• Be early, always!

• Remember names. If we don't, ask, then remember in the future.

• Invest our time wisely, making sure we do the most important things.

• Write out our plans and hold ourselves accountable to someone. This process makes the likelihood of success is much greater.

• Ask—what, how, why, who, where, and when—we will learn what we need to know to succeed.

• Have conversations with clients and colleagues to learn and let them know we care.

• Strive for continuous improvement. That's the way to work and succeed!

Yes, these are all important, and it's all really common sense, don't you agree?

I encourage each of us to take the time to reflect upon each of these thoughts. I believe our reflection will lead to ideas and feelings, which will lead to improved business practices.

Please know that I will try to be available to you if I can clarify these ideas and or if you would like help with these thoughts. Again, I invite you to vote for the topics that most interest you or send me your ideas via email. Your fantastic input will guide my posts!