[e-nspirations] When your insides match your outsides.

[e-nspirations at jeankelley.com]

All of us have situations where we are called upon to be a leader. Whether
it is at work or in our civic or religious life, effective leadership is
important.

As leaders we hear a lot about leadership styles. Books and articles on the 
subject indicate that there might be a right style or a wrong style. 
Organizational and cultural pressures push people to adapt certain styles. And 
if our outside style isn't consistent with our internal values we end up with 
no personal integrity. We come across as unauthentic and fail to get the 
respect we need to accomplish great results.

Before I knew my leadership style should depend upon the situation, I decided 
that a commanding style was one that would push people to work hard. I 
incorporated dictatorial behaviors and prodded people relentlessly. All I had 
was a hammer so everything looked like a nail. I reaped misery, turnover and a 
bad reputation.

I admitted no weakness and had a tendency to be overly direct. I fooled myself 
into believing that I was being a strong leader. Most people could see my 
weaknesses better than I could. In my desire to cover up my weaknesses I was 
only fooling one person - me.

Over the years I became a better leader. And I learned that the respect I 
gained from people was in direct proportion to acknowledging and accepting my 
weaknesses.

by Jean Kelley

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___________________________________________________________________________

Jean Kelley Consulting specializes in executive development, 
selection, and retention. Through her seminars, media exposure, 
books, and one-to-one consulting, entrepreneur Jean Kelley has 
helped thousands of people improve their positions.

Jean Kelley Consulting, Inc.
918-496-9192
<http://www.jeankelley.com>

copyright 2000-2004, Jean Kelley
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