Why Real Leaders Make Others Feel They BELONG?

A positive, can - do, attitude, and a well - developed, skill - set, and relevant aptitude, are certainly, necessities, of effectively leading. However, these alone, will often, be less, than sufficient, unless/ until, a leader focuses on those he serves, inspires, and motivates, them, proceeds with genuine empathy, and consistently, does all he can, to clearly show his constituents (each and every one), how, and why, they BELONG. A reality of organizations, is, for them, to proceed to exist, in a relevant, sustainable manner, is, consistent, persistent growth, which is only possible, when existing constituents, are inspired to getting further involved and committed, and potential ones, are convinced, belonging to this group, is worthwhile, and beneficial! With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly examine, review, and consider, using the mnemonic approach, why this matters.

1. Benefits; beliefs; believable; bring it: A leader must articulate, clearly, the benefits of belonging to the specific organization, rather than merely some of the history, heritage, etc. How do the beliefs of the potential constituent, match - up, with the core principles, of the group? Is the leader believable, because, unless, others, believe in him, they will generally, pay little attention? A true leader realizes, he must bring it (his best), every day, in every way!

2. Efforts; empathy; emphasis; energize: How will others perceive your efforts? Will you proceed, with the utmost degree of genuine empathy, so as to emphasize, what means the most, do them, and, thus, energize them, and the group, as a whole?

3. Listen; learn; leadership: To most of us, the sound, of our own voice, seems to be our favorite sound! However, effective leadership comes from the discipline, to listen far more than speaking, and do so effectively, in order to constantly, and consistently, learn, from every conversation and experience!

4. Options; opportunities; organized: Only when one considers various, viable options and alternatives, with an open - mind, will he positioned, to recognize, and take advantage of the finest opportunities, to benefit the group! It requires being organized, enough, to effectively, and efficiently, make a difference, for the better, in a well - considered, timely manner!

5. Needs: Nothing one does, will inspire and motivate others, until/ unless, it focuses on the actual, as well as perceived, needs, of the stakeholders, and organization!

6. Generate goodwill; growth: Groups either, consistently undergo, relevant growth, or they will fail to be sustainable! It's essential to proceed, at all times, in a way, which generates goodwill, by clearly focusing on the best interests, and common good, rather than any personal/ political agenda, and/ or, self - interest!

True leaders show others, they BELONG! Are you the right person, to be a leader?

Do You Have A Leader's FOCUS?

One of the necessary intangibles, we often see, someone, hoping to be a leader, lacking, is the ability, and commitment, to proceeding, consistently, with the utmost degree of relevant FOCUS. A true leader must be organized, and committed, to emphasize, what will make a significant difference, for the better, rather than merely, proceeding, with any change, for - change - sake! Because there are generally, many obstacles thrust in one's way, and these challenges, must be faced realistically, addressed, in a well - considered, timely manner, and potential ramifications, considered, with eyes - wide - open, it requires the utmost degree of relevant focus, to serve as a true, meaningful, effective leader. With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly, consider, review, and discuss, using the mnemonic approach, the essence of this asset, and why it matters.

1. Face facts; features; furnish; future; fruition: One's focus must begin, with a willingness, to realistically, recognize, and face the facts, and consider, the best course of action, and how to proceed. A true leader enhances the best features, while addressing weaknesses, so as to furnish, the group, and stakeholders, with the best options, towards a sustainable future. However, only when/ if, one maintains his focus, throughout the process, will he become capable of bringing his ideas, to a desirable fruition!

2. Options; opportunities; opinions: It's important to differentiate one's opinions, from actual facts, while considering, with an open - mind, the most viable options and alternatives, and positioning the organization, to be capable of taking advantage of the finest opportunities!

3. Character; creativity: You won't lead, effectively, by merely remaining within the restrictions of your self - imposed, comfort zone, but, rather, must possess, a well - developed degree of relevant creativity, while maintaining, a quality character, focused on making a difference, for the better!

4. Useful; usable; unique; urge: What one urges, others, to do, must be based on the most useful, relevant, sustainable concepts, which are, both, actually, as well as perceived as being usable! How will you place, your unique stamp, on your leadership, in order, to help others, focus on the best way, rather than the expedient approaches?

5. System; service; solutions; sustainable: You need clear focus, to perceive and conceive of, create, develop, and implement, a system, based on service, and solutions, which are not merely band - aids, for the present stresses, but, rather, consistently, relevant, and sustainable!

Will you proceed, with the best FOCUS, to effectively lead? Are you up to the task?

How A Leader Earns RESPECT?

Many of us remember the famous, Rodney Dangerfield, comedy routine, I don't get no respect. The similarity between Rodney's complaint, and, that, of many pseudo - leaders, is, while they feel, they aren't getting the degree of RESPECT, they believe they deserve, a true leader recognizes, one must earn that respect, because it doesn't automatically come, as a result of any position, and/ or status. With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly identify, consider, and discuss, using the mnemonic approach, why this is something sought, and needed, by a quality leader, and what it might mean, and represent.

1. Relevant; responsive; reliable: Quality leadership must be, consistently, and meaningfully, relevant, both, to the organization's sustainability, etc, as well as to the stakeholders, served and represented! A real leader must be responsive to the essential goals, and priorities, as well as perceptions, or why would others, grant him that desired, respect! He must also proceed, towards seeking, the most reliable courses, of actions, which might make a quality difference, for the better, for the group, and constituents!

2. Empathy; emphasis: Only when/ if, someone realizes, he doesn't know - it - all, or have all the answers, and makes a concerted effort to listen, far more than he speaks, and learns, from every conversation, and experience, will he place his emphasis, where it is most appreciated, and his efforts are, therefore, most respected!

3. Service; systems; sustainable solutions: Why should anyone respect you, unless your focus is on service to stakeholders, and organization, rather than any personal/ political agenda, and/ or, self - interest? What systems someone puts into place, often differentiate a true leader, who deserves to be respected, and the rest - of - the - pack! A quality leader perceives and conceives of, discovers, creates, and implements, sustainable solutions, rather than merely, blaming, and complaining!

4. Priorities; planning: How someone determines his priorities, and how others perceive them, often is a major differentiation, between one, who earns the respect, and others! To achieve, and make a change, for the better, requires professional, well - intentioned, leadership planning!

5. Excellence; energize: Will you demand the highest degree of your personal excellence, or accept, merely, good - enough? Only one who follows the first path, will positively, energize others, to care more, become more committed, and involved!

6. Character; clarity; creative; choices: The measure of one's character, should be measured by whether he articulates, with utmost clarity, considers various options and alternatives, and makes his choices, after creative, thorough, consideration, and with a positive, can - do, attitude!

7. Timely: We often witness fearful individuals, who fear, making timely, well - considered, choices, and decisions, and observe, how this tendency towards procrastination, hurts their leadership, and the organization's potential relevance, and sustainability!

This article has touched upon some of the aspects of a leader, earning RESPECT. Are you willing, and able, to proceed, in that way?

Essentials of FINEST Leadership

Although, many people, are elected, selected, or ascend to positions of leadership, very few, actually become the FINEST possible leader. In this age, where we are witnessing, and ever - increasing, dearth of genuine leadership, which is one of the primary reasons, so few organizations, remain strong, relevant, and sustainable, wouldn't we better served, if groups' leaders, were better prepared, to make a difference, for the better? In my, over four decades, of identifying, qualifying, training, developing, and consulting, to thousands of actual, as well as, pseudo - leaders, I have attempted to emphasize, some of the characteristics, traits, abilities, etc, a real leader, needs to possess. With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly examine, consider, review and discuss, using the mnemonic approach, what this means, and why it matters.

1. Face facts; future; furnish; fruition: One must avoid burying, his head, in the sand, and be willing to face the facts, and consider, both present needs, and challenges, as well as how to proceed forward, to ensure the best future! He must furnish the skills, and true leadership, to transform ideas, to fruition, in a relevant, sustainable manner.

2. Integrity; imagination; ideas; ideology: We, unfortunately, witness, far, too few, individuals, who possess, and proceed, with absolute integrity! A true leader must start there, and then possess, a relevant imagination, to consider options and alternatives, with an open - mind, and introduce the best ideas, to achieve great objectives, which align, with the ideology of the organization.

3. Needs: If it doesn't focus on, and address the genuine needs, of stakeholders, and the group, it isn't leading! To do so, a meaningful leader must put the needs of others, ahead of any personal/ political agenda, and. or self - interest!

4. Empathy; emphasis; energize; excellence: Begin by effectively listening, far more than speaking, and commit to consistently learning from every conversation, and experience, so as to proceed, with relevant, inspiring, genuine empathy! This must direct, where one's primary emphasis, should be placed, in order to energize others to greater commitment and involved, and, thus, become more capable of providing, the degree of excellence, an organization deserves!

5. Service; system; sustainable solution: Measure one's quality, and degree of leadership, on, whether it provides the utmost service, to those he serves and represents! It's essential to develop, a quality system, and avoid empty rhetoric and promises, while introducing the finest, sustainable solutions!

6. Timely: Since procrastination, is, generally, the death, of genuine leadership, one must proceed, forward, with well - considered, timely action!

Will you use the essentials of FINEST leadership? Why do you wish, to be, a leader?

Leaders Must Make The MOST Of Opportunities!

If you have ever watched any sports competitions, you've probably observed, the winners, generally, especially, in closer contests, are those, who, take advantage of, and make the MOST of opportunities! When it comes to effective leadership, this is even more so, because, as I have witnessed in my over 4 decades of involvement, in nearly every aspect of leading, and planning, although we sometimes, observe, individuals, who appear to possess the same quality, positive, can - do, attitudes, as well as well - developed, relevant, aptitude, and skill - sets, certain people become far more effective, relevant, significant, sustainable leaders! How one proceeds, in terms of being ready and capable of recognizing, and handling those opportunities, which might present themselves, as well as whether, someone, is able to perceive and conceive of, create, develop, and use the finest opportunity, differentiates the greatest leaders, from the rest - of - the - pack! With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly consider, examine, review, and discuss, using the mnemonic approach, why this makes a difference.

1. Make mark; motivate; mention; master: How can anyone make their mark, for the better, until/ unless, he proceeds forward, and masters the necessities of leading? Often, these, otherwise - qualified individuals, forget the need, to motivate constituents, in a positive way, by mentioning, and thanking others, for any, and every effort, etc!

2. Overcome obstacles; options; opinions: There are always challenges to leading, and one must be ready, and able, to consistently overcome obstacles, by considering and examining viable options and alternatives, with an open - mind! In addition, a true leader possesses the self - confidence, to articulate his opinions, in the best interests of his constituents, and organization!

3. System; service; sustainable solutions: True leaders place their unique stamp, on their leading, by perceiving, and conceiving of, creating, developing and implementing, their finest system! It must emphasize service to constituents and organization, rather than any personal/ political agenda, and/ or, self - interest! It's not genuine leadership, if the focus is not, on relevant, sustainable solutions!

4. Trendsetter; timely: We need leaders, who are prepared, and ready to be trendsetters, and expand the restrictions, of their self - imposed, personal comfort zones! However, unless they overcome the tendency to procrastinate, by proceeding forward, with well - considered, timely actions, they will not lead, as is needed, and necessary!

Will you be willing and ready to make the MOST of opportunities? How will you ensure, you're up, to the task, and challenges?

The NAPPISCIAM Approach To Creating A Quality Action Plan

Many people speak about the need, for a meaningful, relevant strategy, and applying that, to perceiving, conceiving, developing, and implementing, the best possible, action plan, but few, once they assume, positions of leadership, actually, do so! After over 4 decades of involvement, in nearly every aspect of leading, and leadership planning, and having identified, qualified, trained, and developed, thousands of actual, and/ or, potential leaders, I have come to believe, one meaningful way, to do so, is what I refer to, as, the NAPPISCIAM approach, to developing, a valuable action plan. With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly, review, consider, and discuss, using the mnemonic approach, what this means, and why it makes, a real difference, for the better.

1. Needs: No plan, makes any difference, for the better, until/ unless, it is based on the actual needs, of the organization, itself, as well as its stakeholders. In order to do so, takes the ability to fully consider, what these actually are, without any preconceived notions!

2. Attention: How one focuses his attention, and whether, he does so, with an open - mind, differentiates between true leaders, and the rest - of - the - pack!

3. Priorities: Whose priorities, one serves and represents, is significant, because unless, it is based on the needs, goals, and perceptions of stakeholders, and constituents, it is not possible, to create the best, action plan, for the particular group!

4. Perceptions: Two types of needs, should be addressed, in one's strategic and action plans! The first of these, obviously is the actual ones, but, unless, an attempt is made, to identify, and address, the perceptions of those one serves and represents, why would anyone be willing to listen, and participate?

5. Empathize: In developing, strategies, and approaches, a leader must prioritize, effectively listening, and learning, from every conversation, and experience! Only, when this is the process, will anyone be able to genuinely, empathize, and involve, and inspire, others, to buy - into, the program!

6. Strategy: You can't jump, right - in, and create an action plan. Rather, one must proceed, with a strategy, focused on addressing, current challenges, and needs, in a relevant manner, while ensuring, his approach, is, also, sustainable!

7. Consider; create: Great leaders, seriously consider, the options and alternatives, if they hope, to create an action plan, which might make a difference, for the better!

8. Implement: The reason, it's called, an action plan, is it creates a system, which implements, strategies, and approaches, focused, on change - for - the - better!

9. Articulate: How can one, get others to follow your plan, unless, you are able, and willing, to articulate, an inspiring, motivating, message?

10. Motivate to action: No one, leads, in a vacuum! Rather, it is incumbent, upon, quality leaders, to motivate, and inspire, others, to participating, and taking relevant action!

Will you consider the NAPPISCIAM approach, to creating, and developing, a quality, action plan? Are you the best person, for the responsibility?

The ONGORS Of Strategic Planning

Unless someone, is ready, willing, and able, to strategically plan, in a relevant, sustainable manner, how can he possibly, hope, to become, a quality, meaningful, effective leader? Far too often, organizations, claim, to honor this process, but rather, than focus on developing the best, possible, strategy, rather than merely, an expedient excuse to complain, and blame others, etc, the possibilities, are often, exponentially, expanded, and broadened! After over 4 decades of involvement, in nearly every aspect of leadership, and, especially, planning, from identify, qualifying, training, developing, and consulting to thousands of actual, and/ or potential leaders, I have decided, a simple, effective way, to consider this process, is to examine, the ONGORS of strategic planning. With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly examine, consider, review, and discuss, using the mnemonic approach, what this means and represents, and, why, it might be a smart approach.

1. Open - minded; organized: It's important to begin with, and maintain am open - mind, in order to consider the possibilities, and alternatives, thorough, and with the most, well - considers, attention! One must be organized, in order to ensure the highest degree of effectiveness, in a relevant, sustainable manner!

2. Needs: Shouldn't an organization's strategic plan, be focused, on the true needs, of constituents, and the group, itself? Why should anyone, consider, greater involvement, and commitment, unless/ until, he perceives its purpose, as addressing their needs, goals and priorities?

3. Goals; greater good: Before developing any strategic plan, it's important to carefully consider, and address the goals, which should be addressed and assisted, by how the organization proceeds. This strategic planning must focus on the greater - good, rather than any personal/ political agenda, and/ or, self - interest!

4. Options; opportunities: There's usually many decisions, and alternatives, to choose from, and which, options, and paths, are the best ways to proceed. Any planning must include a willingness, and ability to consider, and recognize the finest opportunities, which will make the group, stronger, and more viable/ sustainable!

5. Ramifications: Every action taken, or avoided, has potential ramifications. A true leader's strategy must consider, and recognize these, and must include, processes, for handling, potential challenges, and the creation of well - considered, contingency plans!

6. Sustainable system: It's not going to make a difference, for the better, until/ unless, any process, aims to perceive and conceive of, consider, create, develop, and implement a viable, relevant, sustainable system, which emphasizes quality, and meaningful service!

Will you consider the ONGORS of strategic planning? Will you keep them, in mind, when you plan, the best way, to proceed?

MY LATEST ACTIVITIES

Haven't Blogged here for a while, so I wanted to let you know what I've been up to. I have now had over 36,000 views of my over 855 Ezine Articles. It's pretty exciting! I've also done some Blogging on local issues on the Port Washington Patch.

Perhaps the most exciting two pieces of news both occurred within the past month:

1) Started a new corporation. The company is: PLAN2LEAD, LLC, and has a trademark pending. Take a look at the website at: www.plan2lead.net. The concept of PLAN2LEAD is to give the best consultations in the fields of leadership, training, management, negotiations, and event planning, as well as assist organizations in the important task of strategic planning. I will also be continuing my popular seminars on attitude adjustment, mental attitude, positive thinking, Getting a Yes, etc.

2) My novel, THE FAMILY BUSINESS was published last week on Kindle ebooks. You can download it on your Kindle, your computer, or just about any other tablet. Just use the free Kindle App. In search, just type in: Richard Brody The Family Business.

Keep following. Some exciting things coming up in the near future.

Strategic Planning Basics

Wikipedia defines "strategic planning" as "an organization's process of defining its strategy, or direction, and making decisions on allocating its resources to pursue this strategy, including its capital and people."

Unfortunately, I have also observed that the term, "strategic planning" is often also one of the most abused terms. Many individuals use a supposed strategic planning process as an excuse to promote a specific agenda, and find the guise of strategic planning to be an available manipulative ploy. In three decades of working with organizations, I have found very few that adequately perform a continuous strategic plan.

Before the strategic planning process can truly be effective, the objectives of the organization must be clearly identified in detail. All aspects of those objectives, and the needs of the organization must be identified. For this project to be worthwhile, the organization must be willing to "leave no stone unturned," and have no "sacred cows." Strategic planning means to look completely at all aspects, and come up with a "best practices" method and most realistic approach.

An organization needs to agree upon goals that need to be addressed. Goals can be thought of as the end result that the organization wishes to accomplish. In addition, each concept must be evaluated on a cost/ benefit basis, and weighed in terms of the probability of achieving the desired results.

What are the priorities of the organization? What are the organizations assets and liabilities? How strong is the membership base, and how has those numbers changed in the last few years? Does the organization seem to have a smooth transition from leader to leader? Would an unbiased observer describe the organization's leadership as strong or weak? What are the prospects for the upcoming leadership? What leadership training is done at an ongoing base? Does the organization clearly articulate its mission and goals?

Organizations must be willing to fully evaluate all approaches and alternatives. They must be creative in terms of "brainstorming" and thinking outside the box. Too many organizations get "hung up" on some aspect of the way they "have always done things."

Another important thing to evaluate in the strategic planning process is alternative methods and approaches. Organizations must find not only one method or plan of approach, but also secondary and tertiary approaches as well. Each approach must be evaluated in terms of costs and benefits, assets and liabilities, chances of success, etc. Each approach must also be accompanied by a carefully prepared budget, where worst-case scenarios for expenses are used, and the least optimistic income projections used as well. Many organizations do the opposite, and then when either optimistic revenues, or low-balled expenses are not achieved, the organization dooms itself to failure!

Strategic planning is essential for an organization. However, leaders must not simply use this as an exercise, but rather as a carefully planned approach to make the organization the best that it can possibly be.