Leaders: Be Decisive - Use The STRAIGHT Line Method

We've all heard the expression that the fastest way to get from one point to the next, is a straight line. While there are instances when obstructions, obstacles, or other common sense considerations, force you to take a detour, doesn't it make sense to make the direct approach, the first method considered, etc? When one decides to become a leader, he will be confronted by challenges, and need to make a timely, reliable, well-considered, decision. How one does so, often differentiates between the potentially, great leader, and the mere, wannabe! One must discipline himself to seek the best, most direct approaches, not only because of expediency, etc, but, most importantly, because doing so, reduces adding to one's potential woes and obstacles, and opening up, some Pandora's Box, which did not originally exist! Therefore, let's review, in a mnemonic manner, using the STRAIGHT line method.

1. Strength; sustainable system: The more direct the approach, the easier it is for others, to recognize advances and improvements, and thus, more quickly, buy into the leader's philosophy and goals. The goal of a true leader must be, to not merely either be a space-holder, or a crisis manager, but to lead the way, towards addressing current needs, concerns and priorities, but, doing so, in a sustainable, easily reproducible, system.

2. True: You've heard the expression that you can fool some of the people some of the time, etc. However, the best leaders make decisions based on the truth and needs, rather than any sort of personal agenda, or politics. Be direct, explain your reasons, and proceed forward, step-by-step!

3. Relevant; rational: You'll be challenged finding supporters or followers, unless your vision, is considered relevant and rational. Don't beat around the bush, but rather, directly explain what you hope to achieve, and why!

4. Attention; attitude: Are you ready, willing and able to pay keen attention, to needs, details, and alternatives? Will your well-considered plan, consider alternatives, ramifications, and contingencies, and will you proceed forward, rather than in a horizontal manner? Is your positive, can-do attitude, so consistent and true, it becomes somewhat contagious and compelling?

5. Ideas; ideology; intent: Are you merely restating the same-old, same-old, or introducing ideas, which will move your organization forward? Are you consistently true to your ideology, because, otherwise, you are not truly making meaningful progress? How often will your introspectively examine your intent?

6. Generate growth; goodwill: Organizations which do not consistently evolve, often stagnate and diminish. A plan must seek to generate growth, without merely making changes, for change-sake! Doing this effectively, means focusing on consistently adding to the overall goodwill.

7. Head/heart: Either too much logic, or too much emotion, are poor approaches to leadership! There must be a head/heart balance, where one probes, understands and satisfies the emotional needs of his stakeholders, while doing so in a rational, logical, meaningful, sane way.

8. Timely: Unless action is taken in a timely manner, you are not effectively leading! Taking timely action, means understanding needs, concerns and priorities, considering alternatives, developing quality strategic and action plans, and doing so, without procrastination, or unnecessary delay.

If you decide you are ready to be a leader, understand you must be decisive and prepared. Using the STRAIGHT line approach, helps you focus on the bigger picture.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Leaders:-Be-Decisive---Use-The-STRAIGHT-Line-Method&id=9455640

Instead of Complaining, Remember These 10 Things

How you can be a can-do person with the right attitude

A faint but discernible dividing line separates achievers from dreamers. What makes the difference? 

Attitude. Achievers have a can-do attitude that sets them apart from mere dreamers. Achievers are sold out to success—no matter the obstacles—and they are willing to put forth the effort and pay the price of success. Here are 10 tips to reveal your own can-do attitude:

1. Disown your helplessness. Can-do people aggressively pursue solutions, and, in the process, uncover creative solutions others never even try to find. Rather than wallowing in helplessness, can-do leaders search diligently to overcome the obstacles in front of them. 

2. Take the bull by the horns. Can-do people are fearless. They go straight to the source of their solution. Their very effort commands attention as they wrestle a problem to the ground with expediency. They don’t wait; they initiate. 

3. Enter the no whining zone. Can-do people abstain from complaining. They recognize its futility and guard their minds and mouths against indulging in this time-wasting activity. 

4. Put on another’s pair of shoes. Can-do people empathize with others. They attempt to see any predicament from the other person’s perspective in order to make the best decisions. 

5. Nurture Your Passion. Can-do people are immune to burnout. They love what they do because they’ve learned how to fuel the fire that keeps them moving. The prize is not given to the person who’s the smartest, nor to the person with the advantages in resources and position, but to the person with passion. 

6. Walk the second mile. Can-do people exceed expectations. While others settle for an acceptable solution, they aren’t satisfied until they have achieved the unimagined. They set expectations for themselves higher than what is dictated by the people or situations around them. 

7. Quit stewing and start doing. Can-do people take action. While others are crippled by worry, fear and anxiety, they have the fortitude to press forward. The perfect moment when all is safe and assured may never arrive, so why wait for it? 

8. Go with the flow. Can-do people can adjust to change. They don’t get caught griping about an unexpected curve in the road. They accept transition with an optimistic outlook. 

9. Follow through to the end. Can-do people not only initiate, they finish. They are self-starters with the capacity to close the deal. 

10. Expect a return as a result of your commitment. If you make an all-out commitment with a can-do attitude, expect a return. Passionate commitment is contagious, and resources follow resolve. Committed leaders will reap rewards and find open doors as others are drawn to the excitement and energy emanating from them. 

http://www.success.com/article/john-c-maxwell-instead-of-complaining-remember-these-10-things