Gary Jobson’s opening remarks he stated: “Leadership can be lonely, exhilarating, confusing. Taking command is a great responsibility. You can delegate authority, but not responsibility.” His further thoughts follow:
1. Leadership
- Once in charge - be in charge
- Taking command is a big responsibility and sometimes lonely
- Many people avoid being in charge - for others it’s the essence of life
- An organization can only go as far as a Leader’s vision
- You can delegate authority - but not ultimate responsibility
2. Plan in advance
- Use lessons of the past to guide the future
- Make lists
- Seek advice
- Pay attention to details
- Set goals (mission statement)
3. Clear Communications
- Let everyone know the plan and goal - hold group meetings
- Forecasting situations in advance allows everyone to be mentally prepared
- Avoid arrogance
- Mold Opinions
- Be accurate
- Be enthusiastic
- Be a good public speaker (practice)
- Ask good questions
- Listen carefully to what others have to say
4. Be Decisive
- Go with your first instinct (at least consider it)
- Follow plan (know when to adjust)
- You can’t have an “all hands” call every day
- Don’t tolerate second-guessing
- During tough times remain calm - go back to a normal routine
5. Develop Your Team
- Explain common goal(s)
- Blend different talents
- Encourage specialization - look for better methods, add value, new opportunities
- Rely on others, but have a check
- Compliment each other - say nice things
- Build trust by not keeping secrets
- Give attribution - make heroes out of the people you work with
6. Act like a Leader
- Lead by example
- Be consistent
- Loyalties pay off in the long term
- Take on challenges directly
7. Innovate
- Use technology from other industries/sports/academia/government
- Find a niche and try to do something no one else has done before
- Better to do fewer things well, then to do too many things at once
8. Have Fun
- Success brings more opportunities
- Favorite words - excellence - essential - integrity - grateful
