PRESIDENT'S COLUMN

By Steve Sonnenberg

Leader Skills Vital For Career, AAPG

STEVE SONNENBERG
2003-04 AAPG President

The AAPG election is upon us, and now is the time for members to choose their future leadership.

The current slate consists of those individuals selected by the Advisory Council and approved by the Executive Committee, and two petition candidates. (For the first time, electronic balloting is available to the AAPG membership.) The candidates' qualifications are listed on the ballot attachment as well as on the internet and have been previously published in the EXPLORER. In addition, each candidate has written an article for the EXPLORER as to why they want to be a candidate.

Please take the time to review the candidate qualifications and exercise your voting right.

The dictionary defines a leader as one who rules, guides or inspires others; one who conducts or leads, and one having the authority to direct.

In any organization, good leaders motivate and inspire employees or subordinates. The dictatorial type of leader ("you gotta tell 'em style") can have a successful company, but often has unhappy, uninspired employees.

Various situations may demand different leadership styles -- but leaders must have respect from their subordinates, and this is only accomplished by giving respect.

Those who work under you should not work for you but with you toward a common goal.

It is important for the leader to establish the goal or vision (with the possible input from the employee). If a leader has respect, the employees will go the extra distance.

Bob Megill, in his book How To Be a Productive Employee, suggests two important rules for leaders:

Employees resent or reject anything that diminishes self-esteem or the esteem of others.

There are unique differences in individuals, and leaders should appreciate that and make the most of them.

Leaders can provide motivation and inspiration in several ways. Motivation is the real key to good supervision -- it is that which gives incentive for action. Positive energy, attitude, optimism and commitment are important. Good listening skills can help you understand what motivates employees. Pride is a great motivator, and pride comes from satisfaction of achievements and supervisor praise.

Other items that motivate include salary, status (e.g., office, title, etc.), fringe benefits (e.g., holidays and vacations, etc.), associations (with top leaders or successful people) and challenges. People should be rewarded for a job well done (this can range from a raise to a pat on the back).

Good supervisors provide challenging, meaningful work. Motivation requires good leadership, communication, trust and confidence, knowing the people you supervise and backing the people you supervise. Good supervisors inspire employees by expecting the most out of them, giving full credit where credit is due, leading by example (i.e., "walk the talk"), listening carefully, having implicit integrity, admitting errors and knowing how to delegate authority.

Every member of a team should feel wanted and appreciated. Give employees the treatment they earn and deserve. They will be inspired to work harder as a result. Treating people fairly means treating them differently!

Leaders must make decisions and be decisive. They should gather the facts, solicit advice from employees and friends (i.e., their network) and then make the decision. Advice taken can help a leader prevent unnecessary mistakes. Employees loathe procrastinators!

Leaders must have vision and the courage to carry out the vision. Leadership involves the risk of failure and the risk of opposition. Failure is not fatal if you learn from it.

Leadership is something people are not born with but is developed through time. Job experience leads to good communication skills (listening, speaking and writing), sensitivity and respect for others, team building, planning, organizing and decision-making skills. Leaders should also solicit feedback from their employees ("How am I doing?" style) periodically.

Jim Rohn (2002 Web-column) offers these suggestions for skillful leadership:

• Learn to be strong but not rude.
• Learn to be kind but not weak.
• Learn to be bold but not a bully.
• Learn to be humble but not timid.
• Be proud but not arrogant.
• Develop humor without folly.
• Deal in realities and in truth!

An important and fun way to further develop leadership skills is via AAPG and its leadership and committee positions. You not only expand your network but learn valuable skills that should help you in your job.

The future leadership of AAPG is in your hands. Please take time to vote.