I recently reread an article on the secrets of successful CEOs (by Geoffrey James for Inc.). It was one I had saved from a few years ago when I was managing my former firm. Over the years, I’ve learned that the core beliefs of successful managers have are the same ones we implement in life. Change the words (like “business” for “life”) and you’ll see what I mean:
1. Business (“life”) is an ecosystem, not a battlefield.
Extraordinary managers (“people”) see business (“life”) as a process of creating teams or support, forming new partnerships in order to stay ahead. They don’t separate out people or ideas.
2. A Business (“life”) is like a community, not a machine.
Extraordinary managers (“people”) see their business (“life”) as a collection of individual hopes and dreams, all connected to a higher purpose. They inspire people to dedicate themselves to the success of their peers and to the community at large.
3. Business (“life”) is about service, not control.
Extraordinary managers (“people”) set a general direction and then commit themselves to obtaining the resources that their employees (“friends” “family) need to get the job done.
4. My employees (“friends”) are peers, not children.
Extraordinary managers (“people”) treat everybody as if he or she were the most important person in their company (“life”). Excellence is expected everywhere. As a result, employees (our “family” and “friends”) can take charge of their own destinies.
5. Motivate by vision not fear.
Extraordinary managers (“people”) inspire other to see a better future and how they’ll be a part of it. They do not use fear as a motivator.
6. Change should mean growth, not pain.
Extraordinary managers (“people”) see change as an inevitable part of life and embrace the good parts and the not-so-good parts.
We often separate how we treat people at work and in our personal life. But the truth is that the difference is slight and the same principles of life really should hold true everywhere.
Have a wonderful day!
theyearof50 