Being a Leader
The word "leadership" came up twice yesterday: once as the topic of our latest free webinar, Leadership on a Shoestring: 11 Ways to Develop Your Team During Tough Economic Times, and again during an interview with Dr. Tim Steele, president of Associated Audiologists Inc. in Kansas City, MO.
In the first case, the word "leadership" stuck out because the topic generated such great interest and feedback through the webinar; we had one of our highest turnouts yet for one of these free online learning sessions. Speaker Rhonda Savage wowed attendees by sharing leadership lessons she learned while serving as a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy during Desert Shield/Desert Storm, and more recently as the CEO of Miles and Associates, a private dental practice. After the webinar, we checked out her professional Facebook page and saw leadership written all over it, like this post: "Accountability. Being up front, not beating around the bush with new hires. What do you expect with regards to behavior, attitude or work ethic? I expect a zero tolerance for gossip. NO internet use or personal cell phone use during the business hour. Too harsh? NOT! Ask me how I know. Don't disguise what you really want in the name of fun/teamwork." Any question as to who's in charge at Miles and Associates? Didn't think so.
In the second case, Dr. Steele, the subject of the cover story in our upcoming September/October issue, discussed the importance of sound leadership in the process of taking over a private practice. Dr. Steele described his approach to leadership as involving careful preparation, patience, thoughtful consideration of those he's leading, and a constant yearning for new knowledge, including participation in leadership seminars.
Given these two examples of outstanding leaders, we would like to know your thoughts on the topic. If you are in a position of leadership, who inspires you? What are your strengths and how are you working to improve your weaknesses?