There is a new leader at a place where I used to work. It is so sad to see the direction he is taking the organization. Morale among the employees is extremely low, and if he looked around to his back, he couldn't find anyone following. It is not because he is a bad person, he is simply using poor skills in leadership.
I am enjoying the book Sue gave me entitled "The Leadership Skills of Billy Graham." It is so interesting to see him at work in a way one would never see him in a crusade. Dr. Graham has been included in "Good Housekeeping's" most-admired list for decades. It appears that every person on that list is a positive person. When we think of Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, and my friend Dr. Arthur L. Mallory, we think of positive persons. It is interesting to discover that Dr. Graham's family nicknamed him "Puddleglum." Puddleglum is a character in C.S. Lewis's book series, the Chronicles of Narnia. Puddleglum is a brave but glum creature, always expecting the worst. Graham's family used this name for him with humor and affection.
Dr. Mallory told a group of Christians that he learned long ago that if he went into his job as president of a university or commissioner of education in a bad mood that some employee would have to go home with a bad headache or and upset stomach. Mallory, IKE, and JFK used engaging smiles to make people feel better and let them know that they were worthwhile employees and that went a long way in their success as leaders.
One of my teachers in high school wrote in my yearbook: "Keep that big smile, it's an invaluable asset." In leadership, it is an asset.
No comments:
Post a Comment