Did you know that the same skills that are used in survival situations are the
same skills needed for effective leadership? The US Army uses
the word SURVIVAL as a mnemonic device to help your troops and leaders
remember the right actions under fire. Visionary leadership:
*S: Assess the situation*. Survivors know that they need to survey their surroundings before acting. Today’s Successful Leaders
you need to do the same. Unfortunately I have seen too many newly promoted
managers, so eager to prove themselves, immediately begin making
changes before careful business/organizational analysis. The result:
A customer and employee disruption and often a negative one.
consequences for the organization. Always carry out Intel, before
offer an opinion or direction.
*U: *Undue Haste Makes Waste:* A partner of S in Survival with
an additional rule relating to crisis situations. Did you know that
Does the IQ of an angry or emotional person drop by 50%? How many leaders can
afford to lose so much mental power in decision making? Rule of
thumb: Never make a business decision while in an emotionally charged situation.
status and that includes targeting employees when under
pressure or under fire.
*A: Remember where you are: *Always check that your decisions and
actions are in accordance with your organization’s mission statements,
key business values and goals. Ask yourself on a regular basis.
“Is this the best use of my time to achieve the overall goal
organization’s mission and strategic goals?” If the answer is no,
rethink the task. It takes discipline for a leader to stay on point
and not get lost in the jungle. Remember, the best way to be found in
the desert is to focus on not getting lost in the first place.
Clear vision and goals are key.
*V: Overcome fear and panic: *An animal that runs is a vulnerable animal.
Do you know leaders and managers who run around the office doing
everyone crazy? Do they see themselves as a leader who is cool and calm in a
crisis? I do not think so. Here is a simple communication rule to improve
your leadership credibility score. People who speak slower and wait 2
3 seconds to respond are considered much more believable. * *Use the
“The power of the pause in your favor”. If you find yourself cutting
people in the middle of a sentence or running frantically in response
to pressure, both are warning signs to slow down and take a break!
*I: Improvise: *Is it solution-oriented or problem-focused? from today
Successful leaders recognize that they will not always have the perfect world.
and they quickly became known as the McGuivers in their organization.
The question is: are you a leader of destiny or origin? a go to
leader, presents a solution for each problem presented.
leader complains about his lack of resources. You are the judge of what
category in which your organization would put you.
*V: Value Living: *I have met the brightest people who are
unfortunately bad managers because they know little about those
around you that make things happen. If you value the life of your
employees, they will value their association with you.
*A*: *Act like the natives: *Recognizes that empathy and finding common ground
ground with customers, employees, colleagues, and senior management are
the key to your survival. Entering as a tourist, telling the
natives what you do in their country will not earn you points in any camp.
*L: Learn something new*—–Every day! Today’s Successful Leader
it needs to be an information and learning machine. keep up better
practices, new consumer trends, competitors, and yes, even pop culture.
Its adaptability to the ever-changing conditions of life is the key to
your survival Have you ever met someone who talks about the good old days?
Most likely, they are not survivors of leadership!
Rosemary Rein, is the author of GO Wild! Go BIG! Training seminars
Leadership and Customer Service. http://www.gowildgogreat.com, delivering keynote presentations and
1-day seminars in the United States, Canada and Latin America.
Send an email to Romero@
