NOVEMBER 2016
WINNERS never quit, and quitters never WIN.— Vince Lombardio
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Contents
Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Kuanita E. Murphy, PhD Rural Leader Magazine, LLC is a digital publication that highlights every day people doing extraordinary things nationally and abroad. www.RuralLeaderMag.com www.GetRuralLeaderMag.com
Guest Contributors Chris D'Cruz Leadership Guru Sydney Dinsmore Entrepreneur David Lesser Executive Coach Milemm Madinah Leadership Consultant Steve Morgan Leadership Consultant Lonnie Pacelli Author George A. Parker Author and Executive Coach Cecile Peterkin Entrepreneur, Executive Coach, and Mentor Stewart Wrighter Executive Coach Reproduction in any manner, in whole or in part, in English, or other languages, is prohibited without written consent. Send editorial ideas to Kuanita Murphy, PhD, Editor-in-Chief editor@ruralleadermagazine.com
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5 The Seven Deadly Sins of Leadership 9 Farming Program Helps Neighbors in Rural America Fight Hunger
10 Twenty Seventeen Nominations Calendar 11 Business Challenges and Leadership Development 13 Charismatic Leadership Tricks That Get You Further Up The Career Ladder 15 Smart Ways to Create Calm as You Rush from Holiday to Holiday 17 Different Types of Business Leadership Styles
19 Freedom is not free: Remembering Our Soldiers’ Sacrifices this Veterans Day 20 Save money, cut stress with savvy small-business travel tips 21 Top Ten Tips on Managing People 23 How to Change Your Perception of "Normal" 25 Keeping Your Team Motivated 26 How To Meet Opposition 27 How Can One Person Make A Huge Difference? 29 Classifieds
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Editor’s Note
Photo Courtesy of TieFotos
Dear Readers, I am pleased to present to you the 11th installment of Rural Leader Magazine. Inside this issue, learn more about leadership best practices, such as the Seven Deadly Sins of Leadership (See page 5, Keeping your Team Motivated (See page 25), the Top 10 Tips for Managing People (See page 21), and much more! The holidays are fast approaching and so, we have several articles to help you navigate the joyous season. Learn Smart Ways to Create Calm as you rush from Holiday to Holiday (See page 15). November 11th is Veterans Day. We salute and remember the fall U. S. soldiers who lost their lives. Read more about Soldiers' Sacrifices this Veterans Day (See page 19). As always, I hope you enjoy this issue and continue to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google +, and LinkedIn. Thanks again for your continual support!
Sincerely, Kuanita E. Murphy, PhD Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
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The Seven Deadly Sins Of Leadership By Lonnie Pacelli
Envy. Gluttony. Lust. Anger. Greed. Sloth. You either recognize these as the seven deadly sins or as themes for prime-time television. Nonetheless, you were probably taught as a child that these are bad and you shouldn’t do them. For purposes of this article, do as you were taught and think bad when you commit these similar sins in the workplace. As leaders, we are continually being introduced to new techniques and theories. Hammer & Champy’s Business Process Re-engineering Model, McKinsey’s 7-S Framework, and Kenichi Ohmae’s 3C’s Strategic Triangle are all examples of strategic models designed to help leaders think about their business in different and innovative ways. What sits on top of all of the models and frameworks, though, are a series of foundational attributes that every leader should possess if he or she is going to have demonstrated, sustained success as a leader. In my career as a leader, I’ve been fortunate enough to experience a broad array of leadership situations where sometimes I enjoyed fantastic success, and at other times experienced dismal failure. In looking back at my failures, many of them had nothing to do with a theory, framework, or technology that was utilized. The failures had to do with cracks in my own foundational attributes which left me vulnerable as a leader. I’ve boiled these down to seven key sins which this article will focus on to help you become a more effective leader. Sin #1 - Arrogance Ever known a manager that consistently claimed to know more than the rest of the team? How about one that was unwilling to listen to opposing views? Isn’t this just a sign of confidence? What’s wrong with that? Confidence as a manager is crucial as people will look to you, particularly when things get tough. When it runs amok and turns to arrogance, the manager disrespects the team. Show respect and have confidence and you’ll do fine. Subtract out respect and you’re just an arrogant doofus. Sin #2 – Indecisiveness So you have a meeting on Monday and the management agrees on a course of action. On Tuesday, the manager decides to take a completely different course of action. Thursday the manager goes back to Monday’s course of action. The following Monday you’re back re-hashing through the same problem from last Monday. Blech. Decisiveness means the manager listens to those around him or her and then makes the best decision for the project that the rest of the team can understand, and sticks to it. While team members may not agree with the decision, they should be able to see the rationale. Decisions without rationale or without listening will ultimately frustrate the team and put a target on your 6 RuralLeaderMag.com | NOVEMBER 2016
back. Sin #3 – Disorganization We’ve all known the manager that asks for the same information multiple times, keeps the plan in their head versus writing things down, or is so frantic that they’re on the verge of spontaneously combusting. Their disorganization creates unneeded stress and frustration for the project team. The manager needs to have a clear pathway paved for the staff to get from start to completion, and make sure the ball moves forward every day of the project. Disorganization leads to frustration, which leads to either empathy or anarchy. Sin #4 – Stubbornness On one of my early project management jobs I was a month behind schedule on a three-month project. I refused to alter the project schedule insisting that I could “make up schedule” by cutting corners and eliminating tasks. Despite the entire project team telling me we were in deep yogurt, I stubbornly forged ahead. I ended up never seeing the end of the project because my stubbornness got me removed as the project manager. Talk about your 2x4 across the head. The manager may believe his or her view of reality is the right way to go, but it’s imperative that he or she balances their own perspective with that of the rest of the project team. Decisiveness without listening to the team leads to stubbornness. Sin #5 – Negativism Years back, one of my peer managers, in their zeal to “manage expectations” would consistently discuss the project in a negative light. Either the focus was on what work didn’t get done, what the new issue of the week was, who wasn’t doing their job. Their negative attitude about the work, people, and purpose of the project sapped the energy, enthusiasm, and passion out of the work. It was a self-fulfilling prophecy; the project failed because the project manager willed it to fail. This one’s simple; a glass-is-half-empty project manager is going to be a horrible motivator and will sap the energy from a team. This doesn’t mean that you have to be a shiny-happy person all the time; but that the project manager has to truly believe in what he or she is doing and needs to positively motivate the team to get there. Sin #6 – Cowardice Imagine this: the manager who, when pressed on a budget or schedule over-run, will blame team members, stakeholders, or anyone else that could possibly have contributed to their non-performance. Much easier to play the blame game and implicate others because everything didn’t go perfectly as planned. What a weenie. It’s perfectly OK to be self-critical and aware of your own weaknesses and mistakes. For a leader to truly continue to grow in their leadership capabilities they need to
be the first to admit their mistakes and learn from them as opposed to being the last one to admit their mistakes. Sin #7 – Untrustworthiness Simply put, managers that don’t display necessary skills, show wisdom in their decisions, or demonstrate integrity aren’t going to be trusted. For the team to truly have trust in their leader, they need to believe that the manager has the skills to manage the project, the wisdom to make
sound business decisions, and the integrity to put the team’s interests ahead of their own. Take any one of these attributes away, and it’s just a matter of time before the manager gets voted off the island. About the Author Lonnie Pacelli is an author with over 20 years experience with Accenture and Microsoft and is president of Leading on the Edge International. See more at http://www.leadingonedge.com.—
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Farming Program Helps Neighbors in Rural America Fight Hunger Breaking barriers to win the war against hunger in rural America Although the United States produces much of the world’s food, 48 million people in the country are food insecure, lacking access to enough food to sustain a healthy, active lifestyle. What’s even more surprising is that many of the counties with the highest rates of food insecurity are located in rural communities, the very places growing the bulk of this food. According to Feeding America’s study Map the Meal Gap 2016, rural counties are more likely to have high rates of food insecurity than more densely populated counties. In fact, 54 percent of counties with the highest rates of food are in rural areas. Rural areas also account for 62 percent of counties with the highest rates of child food insecurity. While shocking to many, these numbers don’t surprise Michelle Sause, Assistant Director of Network Relations at Food Bank for the Heartland in Omaha. Her work with the food bank covers more than 78,000 square miles and spans 93 counties. “The majority of our counties are rural communities,” says Sause. “We serve over 530 network partners that include pantries, meal providers
and backpack programs, Kid’s Cafe and summer feeding programs.” Some of the challenges in providing food to food-insecure families are unique in rural locations compared to metropolitan areas. These pantries often have limited resources, supplies and volunteers, which makes it difficult to secure meals for people struggling with hunger. “We have two main challenges - transportation and establishing partnerships with donors in our rural communities,” she says. “With a service area that spans over 78,000 square miles, transportation can be a challenge.” Sause adds, “Another challenge is finding and securing relationships with donors. This challenge is partly because our communities really want to take care of their own and when a large agency from a bigger city is coming in, it can feel threatening.” There is a tradition of helping your neighbor in rural communities, including Sause’s. Invest An Acre is a program working hard to uphold that tradition. Invest An Acre is a program of Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, designed to engage farmers, agribusiGetRuralLeaderMag.com | NOVEMBER 2016 9
2017 NOMINATIONS CALENDAR Forty under Forty Recognizes young leaders under 40 from AL, FL, and GA March 1st-April 30th (September issue) Fifty under Fifty Recognizes leaders under fifty nationally for outstanding achievement April 30th-May 31st (July issue) Eagle of Elite Club Magazine Recognizes youth ages 5-13 for outstanding scholastic achievement in leadership, art, music, community service, and sports March 1st-April 30th (June Publication) Twenty under Twenty Recognizes youth under 20 for outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and community service March 30th-April 30th (May issue) Scholars of Collegiate Distinction Magazine Honors individuals of all ages who attain higher education from small communities May 1st-June 30th (August Publication) Best Small Town Restaurant Ongoing Celebrating the Women of Small Town America Recognizes women ages 18 and older for exemplary achievement and service to community April 1-May1st (Virtual Online Only) Small Town America’s 100 Most Influential People A national call to recognize exemplary leaders from small communities July 1-Aug. 31st (December issue) For More Information, visit RuralLeaderMag.com.
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Business Challenges and Leadership Development By Milemm Madinah
Economic activities were not that complex and intricate as they are now, in the modern age of information technology and globalization. Challenges are growing. Competition is high. Since the present-day world is a free world, the days of imperialism are bygone, it is not possible for companies in trade and commerce to force their subjects: people of conquered lands, to buy the stuff from their masters by hook or by crook, you have no hope to force out your economic rivals by defeating them in the battle field, so, the companies in the era of free
economy have to seek new and attractive ways to catch the attention of their potential customers and to defeat their rivals. That company wins the competitions which, in addition to hard work, think out innovative ways and techniques to sell its products and services more than the others. The executives of the business companies are facing great deal of challenges in leading their companies through the great competition. He must possess the great qualities of leadership and management to come successful. An executive is a leader of the
business company. He is the brain, and the managers, offices and workers under him are his limbs whom he has to use to achieve his targets. To be well aware of the abilities and capabilities of the working hierarchy: managers, officers, workers, working under him, are the prerequisite of a good leadership and management quality. An executive must hold finer administrative skills for the better management of the company or the organization he is working for. An executive should have a direct relation with his working hierarchy under him at every level,
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so that he may be alert of their needs, demands and problems and be able to solve them in time. An executive must be a visionary. He should envision targets to his working partners and make them their targets. Incentives for working should be material but he should make it in such an affectionate fashion that the workers feel like to do the job even if the material incentive are not in hand. An executive must be bold and have courage to take risk for the benefits of his company. Endurance to stand and solve odds is the quality immensely needed for the leadership and management. Today is the age of information technology the power of print and electronic media and Internet holds sway. People’s needs, demands, fashion, so much so, their behavior can be modified by the influence of media. An executive must be fully aware of the power of media. He must know how to use it to get to its set targets. Leadership development is a great job. It is another great quality of a leader that he develops the required skills of leadership and management in others so that they can succeed him when needed. Sensing the great demand of executives in the market many institutions, schools, colleges, universities, websites on internet have taken up the job of teaching and training of leadership development. Executive education has become a part of educa-
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tion of economics, finance, commerce and management. A good leader needs to do a lot outside of the premises of his or her alma mater. Experience is the greatest teacher. In internship one must learn what one cannot learn in the classroom. One should spend a good enough time assisting some executive. Another way of leadership development is to read biographies of the successful persons of the world. For the same purpose seminar are held, too. Future leaders must participate in them to learn from the living leaders of their fields the ways to become successful leaders. Now such seminars are available on Internet as well. Some websites invites renowned and eminent personalities of their respective fields as speakers to share their thought and experiences to interested individuals to make them future leaders. This is a very effective way of transmitting practical knowledge of leadership development to those who want to come into the shoes of the successful business leaders. The Madinah Institute of Leadership and Entrepreneurship (MILE) brings senior executives and high potential leaders from all over the world for executive education to discover new dimensions in Leadership Development, Good Governance, Telecom Training, HR Performance at http://www.mile. org—
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by Chris D'Cruz
Charismatic Leadership Tricks That Get You Further Up The Career Ladder
Charismatic leadership has a convincing power to inspire other people. It is a leader with its own unique charm to persuade his or her group. To be a charismatic leader, one should know how to identify the situation and step up for their team. After viewing some of what charismatic leadership means, let's try to look a few vital tricks you need to know to achieve their charm. First, develop a genuine interest in your subjects. To succeed as a charismatic leader, you need to develop a genuine interest in your followers. You have to find time to relate with them at their level. Take your time to listen to their suggestions which you can easily implement to make things work. There is every need for you to show empathy to the plights of your followers. This can help you a lot in carrying them along. Second, be sensitive to your domain. You have to be very sensitive to your domain in order to succeed as a charismatic leader. Your immediate environment should be well known to you. From time to time, you have to make sure you know exactly the details of what is going on in the domain or environment. This helps you to know exactly the areas to focus on when leading your people. Third, have a vision for the people. A charismatic leader ought to have a vision for the people he is leading. It will be very difficult to the leader and for the people if no one knows where your team is heading. You have to set attainable goals and share your thoughts with your people. This gives both parties a
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sense of direction to look for. Fourth, be ahead of your followers in everything To succeed in your groups endeavor, you have to take the lead for them. You have to be ahead of your followers in everything. The leader should have the knowledge and interest to discover better ways of leading the team. Your followers should see you as their ultimate person whom they can rely on every time. Fifth, take responsibility all the time. As a charismatic leader, you have to take responsibility all the time in any given situation. You cannot run away from your responsibilities especially when the tides are working against you. A true leader should stick to the right principles and continue to carry out the duty for everyone. Lastly, charismatic leader should be open to change. This is what keeps us moving forward, innovative and better every time. To sum it all, it is believed that having these traits of charismatic leaders can work in an organization to boost the morale of the people and brings the company to the top for its overall performance. It also molds the society the way they envision themselves to be. With these attributes of a charismatic leader and if you are able to practice all these tricks for yourself, you could be one of those charismatic leaders that can lead your team to success. —
ness, and rural communities in the fight against hunger in rural communities across America. Farmers can donate a portion of their crop proceeds at their local grain elevator, by check or online. Donations are doubled by matching partners, and the full amount is distributed directly to eligible local food banks and pantries. This means 200 percent of what a farmer gives goes back to the local food back of that town, and the people who need it most. Food Bank for the Heartland - just one of
many organizations working with Invest An Acre to fight rural hunger - has received more than $50,000 through the program. “At Food Bank for the Heartland, we have found the best support is locally sourced,” says Sause. “Thank you to the generous farmers who have donated through Invest An Acre and who have encouraged fellow farmers to participate too. You are making a difference in the lives of hungry children, families and seniors.”—BPT
Smart Ways to Create Calm as You Rush from Holiday to Holiday
Less than a month separates Halloween from Thanksgiving. And, this year, Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa are all within a day of each other, and the two multi-day holidays both end on New Year’s Day. With end-of-year celebrations coming one after another, transitioning from holiday to holiday can ratchet up your stress level. If you really want to enjoy the holiday season to the fullest, it’s important to find ways to create calm in the chaos of party preparations, gift shopping, meal planning and other forms of business. Here are some tips to remain calm and in control as you move
through the hectic pace of the holidays: Have a plan The holidays are busy and stressful enough without adding uncertainty and last-minute challenges into the mix. Plan ahead for holiday celebrations so that you know well in advance what you’ll need to make a memorable gathering. The further ahead you plan, the more time you’ll have for preparation, so go ahead and create your Thanksgiving menu while you’re sneaking treats from the kids’ Halloween stash. Start your Christmas shopping list at the same time. GetRuralLeaderMag.com | NOVEMBER 2016 15
Establishing a budget can also help ensure you stay calm during the holidays. Overspending is one of the most stress-causing experiences of the season. Planning how much you’ll spend for gifts, decorations and entertainment can help remove the stress of watching the bills pile up. Relieve stress with renting The amount of clutter you need in your home always seems to increase with the holidays - from Halloween costumes and decorations, to dishes and silverware for meals. Trying to gather everything in time can be stressful, and figuring out where to store it all after the holidays are over can be even more frustrating. Renting holiday-related items can be a hassle-free way to get what you need without the expense of buying, the logistical challenges of borrowing and the headache of storing stuff after the holidays. Local rental stores carry everything you need to move quickly and calmly from holiday to holiday. You can rent Halloween costumes; chafing dishes, silverware, dishes and linens for a big Thanksgiving meal; and decor for Christmas and New Year’s. You can find tables and chairs, lighting, centerpieces and even portable dance floors for New Year’s parties. Visit www.rentalHQ.com to find an American Rental Association member store in your area, and remember to reserve items early as the holidays are a busy time for rental stores as well. Repurpose recipes Your guest list probably changes from celebration to celebration. The big Halloween party might include friends from the neighborhood or co-workers; Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa are for spending time with family; and your annual New Year’s Eve party involves practically everyone you 16 RuralLeaderMag.com | NOVEMBER 2016
know. Trying to make different dishes and entirely unique menus for every one of those holiday celebrations could drive you crazy. Try repurposing recipes and reusing dishes that are easy to make, impressive to eat and work for you and your budget. For example, the punch you made for Halloween could also be great for New Year’s, especially with a grownup flare. The pumpkin cheesecake that was the perfect ending to your Thanksgiving menu can be just as delicious for New Year’s. Since each event will probably have a different guest list, it won’t look like you’re repeating yourself. Soothe your senses Gaudy store displays, flashing holiday lights, blaring TV and radio commercials - the sights and sounds of the season can sometimes get to be too much. Soothing your senses can help create calm amid the chaos. While it may not be possible to completely unplug from the sensory overload the holidays can become, certain tactics can help relax you. Try using aromatherapy at home and even in the office to create a scented oasis of serenity. Scented candles, potpourri or room spray in popular holiday aromas like pine, cinnamon, peppermint and vanilla can subliminally create calm. Music is also one of the most enjoyable aspects of the holiday season. If you love holiday music, playing it in the background while you tackle chores like meal prep or gift wrapping can help relax you and put you in a festive mood. Or, if you’re feeling overloaded with holiday music, put on something else that you find soothing - classical music, jazz or hip hop. Whatever works for you is the right background music to help you enjoy the season!—BPT
Different Types of Business Leadership Styles By Steve Morgan
In business, there are many different kinds of leadership styles that a leader or manager could choose to make use of. Different styles of leadership may be more appropriate to different situations, depending on a business' goals, its industry as well as the skill-level of the staff it employs, among numerous other issues. Ultimately, picking the right type of leadership style is essential: in the most basic terms, it might help to determine the success or
failure of the company. There's for the decision-making process. three main types of leadership Therefore the leaders provide styles, categorised by psychologist their subordinates with the details Kurt Lewin. They are autocratic, of what needs to be done, whose democratic and laissez-faire leadsuggestions might be shunned or ership. Below we define what they simply ignored. are, their pros and cons, and when Pros: This particular type of they are perhaps best used in the leadership style does well in business world. businesses and industries where Autocratic Leadership The fast decision-making is important, autocratic leadership style (a.k.a. when there's no time to check with authoritarian leadership) grants employees for their input anyway. all control to the leaders, meaning It's also useful on members of staff that they are 100% responsible who might not possess the skills GetRuralLeaderMag.com | NOVEMBER 2016 17
or the knowhow to sort out their own work. Cons: Staff may feel unimportant and ignored, which might affect employee satisfaction and motivation. Creativity can also become negatively affected, as workers are not provided with room to innovate. Best used: When getting the job done in a certain way is much more important than staff participation and creativity. Democratic Leadership The democratic style of leadership (a.k.a. participative leadership) grants some decision-making powers to the group (i.e. other members of staff), but in the end the final decision still belongs to the managers - staff members simply have a chance to give their opinions and recommendations to the work. Pros: Staff members should feel more wanted, with the added responsibility and the fact that their insights seem to matter. This in
turn should lead to a higher standard of motivation. Cons: With more people included, decisions will take longer to implement. This may be fine when things can take time, but be more of a problem when a decision must be made in a hurry. Best used: When stuff does not have to get done immediately and innovation and creativity are important factors. Laissez-faire Leadership Laissez-faire leadership (which is also known as delegative leadership) is a fairly relaxed leadership style, giving full decision-making control to the employees. It's pretty much up to them to sort out their workload, whilst the managers neither get in the way nor closely monitor what it is they're doing. Pros: Employees will feel rather important with the high levels of responsibility, as they will be granted independence in what they do. Cons: If the laissez-faire
leadership style is implemented on somebody who is not very good at managing their own work then productivity could plummet. Also, there's the issue that the leaders will look like they're lazy and that they don't want to be included in the goings-on of the workplace. Best used: When team members are sensible enough to keep on top of their work, as well as when their independence is a positive, beneficial factor, instead of them being instructed what they can and cannot do. Providing numerous industry-recognized management qualifications, t2 Management Training is one of the UK's leading executive training and coaching providers, fit for all types of managers, from CEO to team leader. http://www.t2managementtraining.co.uk/leadershipmanagementqualifications.html.—
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Freedom is not free: Remembering Our Soldiers’ Sacrifices this Veterans Day
When U.S. Navy Lt. John McGrath took off on his 178th mission over North Vietnam at the age of 27, he had no idea it would end his life as a free man for more than six years. His plane was struck by anti-aircraft fire, tearing the wing and forcing him to eject from the aircraft. With a fractured back and dislocated knee, Lt. McGrath was captured and taken to “New Guy Village,” a war camp in Hanoi, Vietnam, where he became a Prisoner of War (POW). Lt. McGrath was handcuffed behind bars, isolated, tortured and interrogated for more than a half decade. Back in the United States during the Vietnam War, when a soldier went missing, an American could buy a bracelet with their name on it to show solidarity and support. Nearly 5 million Americans wore POW/MIA bracelets to support Lt. McGrath, and the 600 other imprisoned soldiers as they anxiously waited for the war to end. The veteran’s journey is one that few civilians understand, despite the nearly 22 million Americans who share it. Veterans Day, Nov. 11, is a time to remember and recognize veterans who have served throughout our nation’s history. It’s also a time to do our part to understand their sacrifice. Historically, Veterans Day began as Armistice Day to commemorate the end of the First World War. Now, since November 1919, we celebrate each year to honor all veterans who have protected our freedom. We can begin to repay their sacrifice by advocating for military personnel who gave some, or all, to defend our country and our rights as citizens. The American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) is one of the nation’s most prominent supporters of veterans.
The nonpartisan organization, founded in 1919, is committed to advocating for veterans’ issues, mentoring America’s youth and promoting patriotism. It was founded to advance the mission of The American Legion, incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans service organization. The ALA believes it is each citizen’s civic responsibility to support the veteran community. In 2015, ALA members donated 5 million hours of community service to the nation’s veterans. Members support those who served in the Armed Forces in many ways including education scholarships, aiding shelters for homeless veterans and working with local VA hospitals to support service members. On Veterans Day, the ALA encourages Americans to take the time to thank individuals in the Armed Forces, engage with the military and veteran community in a meaningful way to recognize their sacrifices throughout history, and take a moment to understand the experiences of soldiers like Lt. McGrath. Recalling his homecoming in March 1973, Lt. McGrath said, “I returned to San Diego where I was greeted by my wife and two sons. The years of waiting for this moment were suddenly forgotten, and I realized how great it was to be alive, to be wanted and loved and, most of all, to be American.” For more than six years prior to his coming home, Doreen Long, then a teenager, had worn a POW/ MIA bracelet bearing Lt. McGrath’s name. When she rediscovered the bracelet in a jewelry box decades later, she set out to determine the fate of the honorable soldier. Long got in touch with the ALA and expressed her desire to meet Lt. McGrath and thank GetRuralLeaderMag.com | NOVEMBER 2016 19
him for his service. Long’s dream became a reality at the ALA National Convention in 2014 when Lt. McGrath surprised her on stage. For Long, it was the opportunity to meet a true American Hero. For Lt. McGrath, it was an affir-
mation of the nation’s gratitude for his service. For more information about how you can support the veteran community, visit www.alaforveterans. org.—BPT
Save money, cut stress with savvy small-business travel tips
If you work for a small business, you’re in good company. There are 28 million small businesses in the United States that provide 55 percent of all jobs, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. Travel is a necessary part of growing a small business. In fact, two out of three small-business owners and employees travel specifically to meet clients faceto-face, a Holiday Inn Small Business Traveler Study found. However, 56 percent of those surveyed note the stress of travel is the top pain point for business trips, plus nearly a third feel they aren’t treated as well as business travelers who work for large companies. To put the joy back into traveling and to help small-business travelers get the most out of their money, consider these expert tips and tricks. Research hotel amenities and extras The hotel you choose should enable your success, not hinder it. That’s why you should research options and select a hotel that offers the amenities and extras you need to grow your small business even when you’re away from home. A few hotel essentials for small-business travelers include free high speed Wi-Fi, comfortable and quiet lounge areas, business centers and meeting facilities. 20 RuralLeaderMag.com | NOVEMBER 2016
Additionally, a full-service hotel with a restaurant, bar and workout rooms will save you time and help you find the balance between work and relaxation. Seek small-business perk programs Some hotels offer programs specifically for small-business travelers. For example, The Holiday Inn brand’s “Inn Business” offer awards small-business travelers with Gold Elite status in IHG Rewards Club following just one-night stay, as well as complimentary room upgrades, priority check-in and late check-out, and the ability to earn rewards nights faster. Learn more at www.holidayinn.com/innbiz. Another program to explore is Your Rate by IHG Rewards Club, which provides access to exclusive rates to save money plus a streamlined booking process. This is a major time-saver considering it takes an average of nine steps to book a hotel room, according to the Holiday Inn Small Business Traveler Study, and now it can take a little as two steps. Stay organized and save time Disorganization fuels stress. A little proactive thinking can eliminate worries and headaches from small-business travel. First, make a travel checklist even if you’re frequently on the road. It’s easy to forget necessities when you’re in a hurry.
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By Cecile Peterkin
Top Ten Tips on Managing People
Being a great manager is something that anyone in that position aspires to, but to become one requires more than just possessing the right degree or the necessary years of experience as a subordinate. Often the biggest roadblock on the way to becoming a truly great manager is learning how to become a great people manager. Here are ten top tips on managing people that any supervisor can use to help up their "game." Tip #1 - Realize that People Management is a Skill Separate From Your Core Skills: You may be a great executive but without great people management skills you'll never be a great manager. It is a skill that can be learned though, so if you are not so good at it just yet keep at it, the rewards you reap on a professional level will be worth all the extra effort. Tip #2 - Being a Manager is a Role - A manager has a role that requires them to set themselves apart, make tough decisions and take responsibility for everyone's actions, not just their own. This means that a manager should not be a subordinate's best friend, they should be someone who provides great direction and then make sure that they do all they can to allow their employees to do their jobs. Tip #3 - Find the Right Distance - A micromanager can be a nightmare to work for. Their constant presence can destroy employee trust, lower morale and leave their employees feeling totally disempowered. An absentee manager can be even worse though. They are often unavailable when a subordinate really does need help and guidance and their seeming lack of interest can destroy a team. The perfect balance is somewhere between the two. A great manager provides direction when needed but then retires to a distance, but lets the employees know that they are keeping track of them by checking in with them periodically. Tip #4 Make Your Employee's Success a Priority - It is a very simple concept. If your employees do well and succeed so will you. If a manager becomes known for being a great talent spotter - and talent nurturer - then they become an even more valuable asset to the company. A great manager discovers what their employee's goals are and then does all they can to help them meet them. Tip #5 -Take the Time to Acknowledge Great Work - Deep down, most people value acknowledgment for a job well done more than they do money. A great manager takes the time to acknowledge good work but does not gush. This lets employees know when they are doing something right, which will allow them to build on that success even further. Tip #6 - Guide First, Counsel Second and Discipline Last 22 RuralLeaderMag.com | NOVEMBER 2016
- When dealing with any employee a great manager guides first and then if a specific issue arises that needs to be addressed, if something has to change, they counsel their employee about how to do that. Discipline should be a last resort, something that occurs when the employee has still not delivered on the action that was requested and talked about. Tip #7 - Record it All - A manager is responsible for their own actions, including how they dealt with employees. A great manager is able to show what they did and when in regards to employees because they kept a record of it. In bad times this can protect their job and in good times it can prove just how good they are at it. Tip #8 - Make Agreements - Employees may not be enthralled about every goal they are set but a great manager does have to make sure that they abide by company policies by making agreements about expectations with employees right from the start, so that everyone knows what is expected of them. Tip #9 - Work on Team Building - A great manager has a great team, it's as simple as that. Team building is something that needs to be worked on every day, with issues addressed as they arise, not when they become an insurmountable problem. Tip #10 - Be Fair and Consistent - A great manager never plays favorites (however hard that may be sometimes) and is consistent in the way they communicate, and discipline, everyone they manage. About the Author Long before Cecile Peterkin opened her own career coaching and mentoring business, she was already a coach and mentor to a number of individuals. For Cecile, it’s just a way of life, a natural skill set that she fully utilizes for those searching for their own life or career path. Cecile provides one-on-one or team counselling services in career and leadership coaching, mentoring, training and personal development. http://cosmiccoachingcentre.com.—
How to Change Your Perception of "Normal" By Sydney Dinsmore
"If you don't stop crying I'll give you something to cry about!" How many of us heard that one? As a child I only understood that I was actually crying for a reason but I certainly didn't want anything else to cry about. Were my parents doing the best they could with what they learned as children? Have I ever used this line on my children? Probably, but it didn't seem right when it fell out of my mouth. As we grow up whether our parents know it or not our beliefs are being formed. Not just the beliefs of what our parents are teaching us but also from people we are surrounded by. We learn all about religion, customs, politics, social status and our values. These are paradigms that we form and believe to be our comfort zone. If anyone enters into our comfort zone that doesn't have the same beliefs we do, we tend to somehow fear them. If they don't share our fundamental values we prefer not to be around them. We want to surround ourselves with people who have the same beliefs we do so we feel comfortable and inspired by them. But, maybe the beliefs we have as a foundation for raising our children could use a revamping. We are doing the best we can with what we learned from our parents, just as our parents did the best they could. But I'd like to propose that we can do better for our children. The way we were raised may seem to be normal to us. But have you ever noticed that sometimes you sound just like your parents? However you aren't sure that's the right way to deal with a situation and you don't feel you have the tools to make the change. The only way we can use new tools is if we figure out that it's okay to question some of the beliefs we were raised with. Begin to understand that maybe we can make a difference in the world by giving our children a better way to raise their children.
Our beliefs control our behavior. We need to first realize the problem before we can use tools to correct our behavior. I mean if you take your car to a mechanic and they just throw in a new carburetor without knowing what the problem really is, then they've wasted your money and your car still doesn't work. So in this way, before we start using new tools, we need to take a close look at what we see as normal and be willing to change. Today, I'm going to take a close look at how I behave around my family, friends, and business to see if I could use some new tools to better form the comfort zone I'm truly looking for. Am I cultivating and environment of love, respect, freedom and self-control? Or am I being manipulative and controlling? Let's do what we can to help our children have the tools they need to raise their children better than we were raised. But first we need to be willing to see that perhaps our fundamental values could use a little change. Are you brave enough to do that? If you are an entrepreneur or thinking about becoming an owner of your life, give yourself permission to change for the better and others will want to follow you. Best wishes to you in your self-exploration.— About the Author Sydney and her husband Glen enjoy being in nature, hiking, canoeing, fishing, and camping. They've always had an entrepreneurial spirit that drove them to find a business they could work from home. However they both had good jobs that held them firmly in their comfort zone. The problem was they didn't have the freedom they wanted to do what they love and enjoy. Here is more information on the solution they found to give them the freedom they craved. Check us out here http://SystemStepByStep.com GetRuralLeaderMag.com | NOVEMBER 2016 23
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Keeping Your Team Motivated By Stewart Wrighter
Successful companies have groups of employees who work well together and care about the future. Sometimes creating this atmosphere takes effort. Team building events are a great way to create a sense of teamwork among employees. Corporate events that celebrate accomplishments make everyone feel great about their work, but there are other things that can create a sense of team spirit and leave everyone feel refreshed and invigorated about their work. There are several factors that go into people feeling as if they are working together and are really part of something bigger than just the immediate issue at hand. This sense of teamwork makes it possible to solve problems and work together in an environment of mutual respect and admiration. Teamwork requires everyone to share the same purpose. A shared sense of purpose fuels motivation. When everyone is working toward a single goal that is beneficial for everyone involved, they feel motivated to get a job done well. The members of the group must all be on the same page and feel as if they benefit from achieving their shared goal. If anyone is not on board with the goal, the teamwork will go nowhere and it is unlikely the group will find success. People must feel challenged to achieve something. In order for people to pull together and create a feeling of teamwork, there must be a problem that needs to be overcome. Challenges are too often viewed as negative. In reality they are a part of everyday life and people are constantly overcoming challenge. When the reward is great, people are willing to work hard to achieve something and find a solution.
If they are just putting in time to help someone else make more money or find success, they are likely to not care much about the challenge. The key to success is to offer employees a challenge that is possible to overcome and a benefit to finding a solution. Camaraderie is another important part of teamwork. People have to click to work well together. There might still be debate, which is healthy and necessary to reach well-rounded solutions. However, if there is a severe power struggle, groups get caught up in that feeling and solutions fall to the wayside. The problem needs to be the external thing that is in need of a solution. If groups are constantly battling with their personality differences, they will never get anywhere. Find ways to build a feeling of camaraderie, especially through special functions and celebrations. Finally, make sure everyone feels responsible for the actions the group is taking. If anyone is just along for the ride and going along with what everyone else is saying, they will not feel ownership over the solution. They might be avoiding responsibility or they might be out voiced in the group. It is important to find out the problem so you can help the group remedy the problem and get everyone involved in what is happening. Creating a sense of teamwork helps you accomplish all of these goals.—
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How To Meet Opposition
contribute more in some way, and they’re looking for a way in. Typically such people got told along the way that By David Lesser My mentor always told me he would rather people they don’t really matter. They are used to being dismissed or overpowered and are wrestling this demon were either hot or cold toward him, not lukewarm. right now with the current authority figure in their You cannot do much with lukewarm response, but life: you. What a golden opportunity. You can let you can use challenge and opposition to advantage. them know, finally, how much they do matter. AvoidSome weeks the same topic keeps coming up in a ing their energy, even meeting it with all the gentle number of different coaching sessions. Last week it was leaders learning, sometimes the hard way, how to kindness of a saint, won’t give them that. meet opposition from a colleague. The key word here You have to be willing to fight a little, to engage but in a way that leaves them getting a win, so they is “meet.” end up honored for the truth they are seeking to Most people get into trouble by failing to meet what the person is actually bringing to them. Instead bring and feel they have a place to give their gift. The more willing we are to meet opposition, the more they avoid the person’s energy by trying to pacify, we will find ourselves surrounded by strong people correct or fix it. Often that just makes things worse. engaging in a genuinely loyal and creative way.— What works for me is to recognize the emotion the About the Author person is experiencing, see where the challenge is Formerly CEO of a major real estate and construccoming from, and meet them there. tion group, David Lesser has been guiding people Most of us are hesitant to meet people with a strong pushback. Understandably so; as lead ers or and organizations through crucial transitions for experts, we are careful with the power differential de- over 20 years. Go to http://ExecutiveConfidant.com. Join David's blog or arrange for a free 30 minute rived from our position and, if the person is coming consultation. from pain, low esteem or self-protection, coming on strong clearly doesn’t help. There are different ways to meet each of those three types creatively, which we may touch on in future postings. The coaching in these recent sessions, however, was about meeting people who were bringing their challenge in a feisty, aggressive way. It is easy enough to recognize when opposition is coming from this kind of energy. The language will be clean and direct, not veiled or pained. You will probably feel some feistiness rising in yourself. Under the issue the person is bringing, you will often notice it is really about them finding their place. They want to play, to 26 RuralLeaderMag.com | NOVEMBER 2016
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By George A. Parker
How Can One Person Make A Huge Difference?
We are all the fruit of a lot of cultivation. In my own case, I can trace much of my progress in life to a few dedicated, giving people. One person can make a tremendous difference. As an example, Mother Teresa never imagined that she could change the conditions of the dying poor in Calcutta. She was primarily focused on helping the ones directly in front of her. Over time, with tireless work, she inspired thousands to join her in the challenge. Helen Keller once remarked "I am only one person, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something." We are all capable of doing something. How can one person, making a relatively small contribution, impact the world? At the turn of the twentieth century, Mary McLeod Bethune was a young Black girl who dreamed of helping other poor kids rise out of poverty. She was herself poor, one of seventeen children born to slaves in South Carolina. Walking more than ten miles to school each day and working tirelessly, she came to the attention of a wealthy Colorado dressmaker. The dressmaker sponsored Mary's attendance to the Scotia Seminary where Mary excelled. Eventually, Mary moved to Daytona, Florida where she saw the opportunity to realize her dream. Working day and night for very low wages, she eventually saved enough money to acquire a small building to start a one-room school. Over a 75 year period, that one-room school blossomed into Bethune-Cookman University. Today Bethune-Cookman University serves over 3000 students from the U.S., the Caribbean Islands, and 35 countries -- offering degrees and professional training to disadvantaged and other students enrolled
in their six academic schools. Truly, one person can make a difference. Here is another example: In 1970, a young college president was on a mission. He was committed to increasing his university's enrollment of young, qualified minorities and women - an area where the university had done a poor job. He made it his business to travel the country giving talks and sent university representatives to visit promising minority and female prospects. Once identified, he extended them invitations to visit the campus and to apply. One potential student lived in a poor inner-city neighborhood at the south eastern end of Washington, D.C. This student had considered college, but was convinced that the expense was too great for his family. In his mind, going to work would make a far better choice. Learning of this student's situation from a school guidance counselor, the president sent a representative to visit him. During that meeting and later during a trip to campus, the student was encouraged to apply. The president assured him that sufficient financial support would be given if he was accepted, and that acceptance was likely. That student performed well at the university and went on to post-graduate studies in business. He eventually entered and advanced in the banking and finance field, became active in the industry, and co-founded an equipment finance company serving U.S. based start-ups and emerging growth companies. The story did not end there. That executive, inspired by his own experience, decided to reach out to other students. Rather than focus on students in his native country, he identified a handful of under-developed countries where small financial amounts could make a
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big difference. He began to support ten students unable to attend school. As of this writing, two of the students attend universities and another five are on the college track. Imagine the possibilities! One day, several of these students might finish college. They may move on to have successful careers and families. Possibly, one or more of them -- inspired by a helping hand -might go on to assist or to inspire others. One person can make a big difference. From one person's commitment, a large, fruit-bearing garden can grow. That garden can prosper and stretch out over generations. In this case, the helping hand of one university president is still at work. This is a true story. The university visionary, who has since passed away, was Dr. James Ralph Scales of Wake Forest University. The student that he recruited and inspired --- you have guessed it, that's me. — About the Author George Parker is a twenty-five year industry leader, co-founder and Executive Vice President of Leasing Technologies International, Inc. ("LTI"). He is author of several articles and e-books, including "Using Venture Leasing As A Competitive Weapon" and "101 Equipment Leasing Tips". LTI provides superior financing solutions to emerging growth companies and venture capital-backed startups. Visit http://www.ltileasing. com to learn how LTI's innovative equipment financing can help you get a jump on competitors.
Next, if you’re flying, opt for non-stop flights to save time. A flight labeled non-stop arrives at a destination without a layover. This is not to be confused with direct flights which can have a stop, but travelers wouldn’t be required to get off the plane. This results in a longer trip time compared to a non-stop flight. Finally, it’s easy to get confused when traveling frequently. Take cell phone photos of your hotel room so you can easily reference the number. Also, take photos of your car rental and where you park so you can find your vehicle-of-the-moment without a hitch. Eat well and maintain a schedule Traveling can throw off your schedule which can make you feel tired and impatient. First, pack a pro-
tein-packed snack and remember to stay fueled and hydrated to avoid headaches, fatigue or worse. Next, try to stay at hotels that offer room service from a full onsite restaurant. This makes it easy to save time by starting your morning in-room with a wholesome meal, or, kick back after a long day with a tasty dish enjoyed from the comfort of your private suite. To avoid burnout and stay healthy, sleep is vital. A portable white noise machine helps induce sleep, especially when changing time zones. Also, keeping up an exercise routine at the hotel’s gym is great for melting away stress and allowing the body rest come nighttime.—BPT
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