"Leadership in today's world requires far more than a large stock of gunboats and a hard fist at the conference table."
--- Hubert H. Humphrey
What is it that makes a good leader? Can leadership be learned or are people born with it?
Pat Williams, General Manager of the Orlando Magic and motivational speaker, believes that leadership can be developed. He states, "Over the course of researching my four books on leadership I have found that some people say that leaders are born that way-it's genetic; it's a fixed and immutable trait. Most, however, are convinced that leaders are made, that every person has at least some leadership ability, and that virtually any person can become a leader on some level."
"The real leader has no need to lead-he is content to point the way."
--- Henry Miller
While leadership skills can be learned and refined, some people have more natural talent than others. Some seem ready and able to take charge of any situation, even from an early age. Others have other natural leadership gifts. Some are naturally gifted public speakers, organizers or motivators. Gifts and abilities, however, are not distributed equally across the entire population.
A passion for success and a desire for leading others is a good beginning. The rest can be developed through studying other great leaders, taking leadership courses, getting feedback (constructive criticism), and joining leadership groups.
"I don't think that a leader can control to any great extent his destiny. Very seldom can he step in and change the situation if the forces of history are running in another direction."
--- Richard M. Nixon
How difficult it is to try to turn around a working machine like your company after it has decided on the opposite direction. As always, communication is the key, but way before the people you are leading decide to go their merry way. Having a plan in place that is conveyed to everyone gives a leader a head start.
The desired leadership, people looking for someone with direction, is at the heart of your workforce. People are seeking a strong leader so take the bull by the horns and lead.
"People ask the difference between a leader and a boss.... The leader works in the open, and the boss in covert. The leader leads, and the boss drives."
--- Theodore Roosevelt
Distinguishing yourself as a leader means that you will sometimes go it alone. You will need to set the course and stand by your decisions. Of course, it helps if your decisions are well-thought out and that you've done your homework.
"The final test of a leader is that he leaves behind him in other men the conviction and the will to carry on.... The genius of a good leader is to leave behind him a situation which common sense, without the grace of genius, can deal with successfully."
--- Walter Lippmann
The successful leader is also one that can motivate his team to not only do what needs to be done in order to make the company a success, but to motivate them to think on their own, to generate ideas, to overcome obstacles and to, essentially, be a leader.
"To be a leader of men one must turn one's back on men."
--- Havelock Ellis
Applying Vinyl Over Molding, Curves and Body Creases
By Jennifer LeClaire
Installing graphics on vehicles or wrapping entire vehicles for that matter presents some unique challenges rarely encountered on other substrates. Find out how to get around these difficult issues.
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Laser Engraving Part 3: The Possibilities
By Diane Bosworth
The word, 'versatility' is often used to describe today’s laser engraving and cutting equipment: for good reason. Not only can you use the same system to cut out parts and engrave them, the material and product choices are seemingly endless as are the markets in which people use lasers.
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Lettering on Wrecker Service tow truck.in Albertville, Alabama
"The cheapest hooker in town"
Lettering on a plumbing service van in Albertville, Alabama
"A royal flush beats a full house any day."
As seen on a sign in a Kokomo, Idaho:
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