Principles and Practices for True Leadership
By Winn Claybaugh
Author of Be Nice (Or Else!) And What's In It For You
 The “old school” of working with people taught leaders to dictate, control, manipulate, and police. Have you ever worked in that type of environment? How did it make you feel? Did it work? Were you happy? Were you excited about making your boss more money?
The new school of working with people advocates a different practice, one that translates into true leadership. It calls upon every person to assume the responsibility for inspiring each other. The new school is a bit radical because it may require you to adopt a different job description, which includes the following responsibilities: inspiring people, being a coach and a cheerleader, setting a good example, and empowering people.
Inspire People
Honestly ask yourself this question: When you walk through the doors into your work, does your presence in the building help to inspire people, or does it poison and intimidate them? Are you the type of person who brightens up a room by leaving? To bring inspiration means that you possess hope, happiness, and an attitude of fun, and you want others to have those things for themselves.
Be a Coach and a Cheerleader
Sometimes the best support you can receive from people at work is not to have them lend a hand, but rather to be your coach and cheerleader. Sometimes you just need to know that someone believes in you—believes you’re capable, competent, and a true contributor to the business. In addition to the “You jumped through fire” recognition printed in the company’s newsletter, a BE NICE community also promotes the little day-to-day victories privately shared between two team members. To be a coach and cheerleader requires simple words and gestures that say, “You can do it. I believe in you.”
Set a Good Example
“If it’s to be, it’s up to me.” I’m not sure where that quote came from but I learned it from my mother, and I’ve said it to myself and to others thousands of times. It’s so easy to worry about and focus on what other people need to learn: They should learn this, they should learn that. However, it’s not your job to fix and change people. Your job is to fix and change yourself, so look in the mirror because that’s the man or woman you can change. And making that change in yourself can be the best lesson and example so that others will want to make the change in themselves.
Who better to teach your staff about the importance of unbelievable customer service than someone who has high customer-service ratings? Who better to teach your co-workers about the importance of teamwork than someone who truly is a team player? Who better to teach your team at work about the excitement of your industry than someone who truly is excited? As the old saying goes, if you can’t walk into your work or office with a smile on your face, go to bed the night before with a coat hanger in your mouth.
Empower People
I love the word empowerment. It carries with it a feeling of hope mixed in with the idea of growth. When you empower someone, you offer them tools, resources, training, support, a little bit of guidance, and a lot of belief in their ability. You give them hope. What a sad belief, “If you want something done right, do it yourself.” When you empower people, you’re doing all that you can to set them up to win. At the same time, you’re allowing them to make some mistakes, just as you did when you were learning and growing.
If you think these principles and practices don’t apply to you because you’re not the owner or manager of your company, think again. Leadership is not a position, it’s a mind-set and an attitude. If your mind-set and purpose are to be nice, then your position and title won’t matter, because you can provide more effective leadership than the big guy or gal in the big office. Remember, being nice is everyone’s responsibility. In a BE NICE world, everyone wins!
Winn Claybaugh is the author of Be Nice (Or Else!) and “one of the best motivational speakers in the country,” according to CNN’s Larry King. A business owner for over 22 years, with over 8,000 people in his organization, Winn is the co-owner of hair care giant Paul Mitchell’s school division. Winn has helped thousands of businesses build their brands and create successful working cultures. His clients include Vidal Sassoon, the Irvine Company, Entertainment Tonight, Mattel, For Rent magazine, Structure/Limited Express, and others. Winn is a frequent guest on national radio and a regular contributor to online publications. Visit www.BeNiceOrElse.com to sign up for his free monthly Be Nice (Or Else!) newsletter.
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