LEADERSHIP BY CHUCK MORRIS Our recent two-day leadership ses-
from your staff. As they build confi-
don’t need to slip into that type of
sions held in Richmond was great!
dence in how you perform and build
autocratic aggression.
I believe in what we do and how
trust, you will gain more respect.
Doing what has just been de-
we endeavor to build upon leader-
Being a good leader means you
scribed will create a much better
ship programs delivered for you.
speak the truth, have solid integrity,
environment for them (and you) as
I believe all of us can benefit from
use good moral judgement, take
the days carry on. A good idea is
the lessons learned. If you were not
complete responsibility, and OWN
to hold management and leader-
present, try to catch the next ses-
your actions. You do not have to
ship training sessions periodically.
sion.
make up a story to dispel your re-
This builds a better team and sug-
Read. There are a lot of papers
sponsibilities; you do not need to
gests to your staff that good things
on leadership. Search the internet
remember a ‘little white lie’ to cover
are happening. Why would the boss
and you may find a few choice sites
your mistakes. Always OWN them.
spend all that time with us? Because
where you can glean great, positive
Never pass blame onto any of your
for those of us who have been there,
information. I did that many years
staff!
we have seen the results. Those re-
Use mistakes a staff member may
sults mean you have a great team
Tell stories as you begin to feel
have made as a learning moment.
in front of you and have likely pre-
more comfortable and confident
Bring them into your office and talk
pared them for a new challenge if
in your delivery of tips and lessons
about what you have seen and per-
they want to take on more respon-
on how you should be leading. Sto-
haps may have heard. Identify what
sibility and possibly post out for a
ries, interwoven throughout what-
you saw and talk to them, identify-
new position in the district they cur-
ever you are trying to say exemplify
ing that perhaps there is a better
rently work in or another one they
and more easily illustrates what you
way. Use this as a teaching mo-
may want to try for. Don’t discour-
are emphasizing to those listening.
ment without accusation, without
age them from advancing. Some-
Leadership is necessary and if done
demeaning anyone, without raising
one gave you that break years ago.
right will allow you to learn as well;
your voice, or hitting the table. You
Think about that. n
ago.
a past you can trust and a future you can depend on soarchitects.com
Educational Facility Managers Association of B.C. | www.efmabc.com 23
