Believe it or not, there is some good news coming out of our painful
and prolonged recession. Workers and their bosses feel closer as a
result of the economic downturn.
That's right.
According to a recent survey conducted by Adecco Staffing, 78 percent
of bosses feel closer to their teams, while 61 percent of workers
say they have a stronger bond with their bosses.
Here are some
other interesting findings:
88 percent
of employees say a good boss is willing to roll up his or her sleeves
and get the job done.
86 percent
of employees trust their boss.
61 percent
consider their boss a friend.
But even though
employees feel closer to their bosses, there are still those who
want to keep their distance.
32 percent
of employees who are connected to their boss by a social network
wish they weren't.
45 percent
of those have adjusted their privacy settings to keep parts of their
profile from their boss.
Speaking of bosses,
if you aspire to become an executive, I encourage you to read this
month's article on what it takes to have "executive presence."
From all my work
with executive coaching clients these are the top characteristics
that have made the best so successful. As I describe these traits,
ask yourself: where do I stand? What do I do well? What needs improvement?
If you have executive presence you have an aura or magnetism or charisma
that draws others to you. You're a compelling force inside your organization
or work group. When you speak, people listen, feel inspired and uplifted.
You convey confidence, are respected as an authority, know how to
create impact, provide value and know how to get noticed?
Think about your peers, your bosses, other executive leaders, famous
people and your friends, who has EP? Who doesn't? Executive presence
is your secret to your success. Exploit your potential. Your own greatness.
It all comes from executive presence.
You can cultivate executive presence through training and practice.
You'll know you're making progress when you:
1. See the Big Picture.
You're a strategic, "big picture" thinker who doesn't become
mired down in tactics. You think "outside the cubical" and
take a whole company perspective when solving problems or seeking
new opportunities. You're able to communicate in financial terms to
show your worth where it matters most - the company's bottom line.
2. Are Willing to Take Risks.
You capitalize on ambiguity and change. Leaders are revealed and careers
are made for those able to navigate stormy seas. You challenge yourself
and stretch your capabilities. You're able to conquer self-doubt and
break through self-imposed limitations by seeking out opportunities
to move beyond your comfort zone.
3. Develop Strong Interpersonal Skills.
You build confidence, trust and credibility by speaking clearly and
persuasively. You think and act more like a leader than a manager.
As a leader, you'll inspire and motivate others by advocating what's
best for the organization, not just your work group. And, when you're
successful, you're willing to share the limelight with others.
4. Focus on the Things that Matter Most.
You improve your productivity, influence and reputation for high-level
achievement when you focus on the things that matter most. Not only
will you be a peak performer, you'll maintain a healthy balance in
your life.
5. Constantly Seek to Improve Yourself.
You find personal fulfillment and professional success by capitalizing
on your strengths and minimizing your mistakes. You encourage feedback
to demonstrate your passion for self-development and desire to contribute
to your company's success. You increase your growth potential by investing
in the most important asset you possess - yourself.
Developing your executive presence may seem like a daunting task.
There is a lot of work involved, but it's the kind of work that will
have far-reaching, long-lasting benefits. You will become more motivated,
you'll learn how recognize and promote your own value and you'll develop
a meaningful and effective career plan. These are all things you can
accomplish on your way to becoming a better leader.
"Throw
away those books and cassettes on inspirational leadership. Send those
consultants packing. Know your job, set a good example for the people
under you and put results over politics. That's all the charisma you'll
really need to succeed."
~ Dyan Machan
"Management works in the system; Leadership works on the system."
~ Stephen R. Covey
"Act impeccably! Perform every act as if it were the only thing
in the world that mattered... It's the old Zen principle - you put
your whole soul and being and life into the act you're performing.
In Zen archery your entire being wills the arrow into the bull's eye
with an invisible force. It's not a question of winning or even caring,
it's making the everyday acts we all perform important to ourselves."
EXECUTIVE COACHING: Garfinkle Executive Coaching provides individualized,
customized coaching to help you move to higher levels of leadership
by creating impact, exercising influence, boosting visibility and
achieving significant victories on key projects. http://www.garfinkleexecutivecoaching.com/
CAREER COACHING: You spend one-third of your life at
work, so you deserve to feel fulfilled by it. Joel's unique 7-Step
Dream Job Process focuses first and foremost on helping you find the
perfect job that aligns with your passions and natural talents. http://www.dreamjobcoaching.com/coaching/career/
SPEAKING: Frequent speaker at keynotes, meetings, conventions
and seminars. He will energize your keynotes, meetings, conventions
and seminars with his compelling and inspirational speaking style.
http://joelinspirationalspeaker.com/
EMPLOYEE OUTPLACEMENT PROGRAM:This
proven 9-step program provides unique, personalized services to displaced
workers. Whether you are a manager on your first job or a seasoned,
high-level executive, you will receive intensive one-on-one attention
and support to help you move quickly and successfully through the
job search process. http://www.outplacement-firm.com/
