My style of leadership LO9125

Rol Fessenden (76234.3636@CompuServe.COM)
14 Aug 96 22:45:37 EDT

Replying to LO9076 --

I agree with David about discussing my role with them, and listening to
their needs. My approach differs in that I am more indirect. Not
necessarily more effective. I tend to avoid the direct discussion of my
role and their role. However, when I meet with people, I make sure I
articulate through what I say and do. For example, today I met with a
brand new manager who gave a presentation yesterday. His information was
good but superficial (not surprising, given his newness), and I was very
pleased at how he let his staff help him and do some of the presentation.
He was visibly relieved and even pleased when he heard me recognize his
newness on the job, and reward his willingness to share and delegate.

On the other hand another manager who prefers to work without much
oversight, needed to hear that I insist on meeting with her to prepare for
key vendor meetings, and also to meet with the vendors when they next
visit until I am sure that her message and mine are aligned. I took the
opportunity to explain why in great detail so she would understand my
thinking. Different messages for different people.

== David's quote ==

If I was to address a new group of individuals, who I was working with as a
manager, I would first discuss my role with them, listening to their needs,
then learn what their collective goals were and each individual's role in
achieving the goal.(Most teams will have difficulty with this
discussion because they may not have clear goals or vision and they may lack
an understanding of their role.) I would also let them know that I assume I
will make mistakes as I assume each of them will. Then I would quote Scott
Adams (the Dilbert Principle, ppg 324) "Creativity is allowing yourself to
make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep". Thanks, this has been
fun.

David Reed I believe the meaning of life
H R Strategy Development is not a puzzle to be solved.
(206)655-3245 M/S 11-40 I believe I may invest my life
dpr9989@kgv1.bems.boeing.com with meaning. (R. Fulghum)

-- 

Rol Fessenden LL Bean, Inc. 76234.3636@compuserve.com

Learning-org -- An Internet Dialog on Learning Organizations For info: <rkarash@karash.com> -or- <http://world.std.com/~lo/>