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In this month's newsletter, I would like to share the leadership philosophy of Dennis Haas, a leader from the FEMA organization who attended our True Growth Academy leader development experience. I had the privilege of coaching Dennis during his one- on-one 360 review and was impressed with both his philosophy on life and his practical and applicable insights on leadership. Enjoy the wisdom of a true authentic leader… My Philosophy on Leadership Dennis Haas  The ability to convince others to believe in and follow you for a common goal…
The process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task… The art of getting someone else to do something you want done because they want to do it… What are we trying to describe? What behaviors, skills, or attributes are we looking for? What kind of person possesses these qualities? I was once asked to write a short paper on my philosophy on leadership. I quickly discovered this was easier said than done. Where does one begin? I started by thinking of my experiences, remembering who influenced my life and career, those who convinced me to follow them, and why? Why did I believe in them? Why did I respect and trust them? What did they have that others didn't? I thought of my junior high and high school football, wrestling, baseball and track coaches. I thought about my high school principal and my pastor. These people were all positive influences in my life, people who ultimately influenced me to make good choices. They were leaders. At the age of 16 I joined our local volunteer rescue squad. At 21 I began my career as a law enforcement officer. Twenty-seven years later, I continue service to my God, family, country, and community. My life's journey has been to serve others. You have to care about people. Throughout my career I have been exposed to many different styles and philosophies on leadership. I have made it a point to observe people and their reaction to those leaders. I have been both impressed with some and taken back by others. At the end of the day, I would make a mental note of what worked and what didn't. A leader will recognize the talents within their team, encourage leadership, empower them and coach them along. A true leader does not always have to be front and center, leading from the front. I worked for a Vice President of a large non-profit organization who skillfully directed her management staff from the rear on many occasions. She always ended up with the results she wanted. A leader must be comfortable with who they are, have confidence in their abilities, know their weaknesses, and be approachable. An authentic leader will be a natural; people will want to be with this leader. They will value their advice and trust them. A leader will feel the pain as well as the pleasure of others. A leader will remember their name and something personal about them. Having spent a career in law enforcement, people normally never have contact unless they are in a crisis. Most of the time people are at their lowest point and/or at their worst. I learned very quickly that you cannot communicate with all people the same way. You have to have the ability to size them up and speak with them at their level. Never intimidate others or be intimidated. If you have ever flown on a commercial air carrier, the flight attendant provides some instruction on the purpose and use of the overhead oxygen mask in the event the cabin becomes de- pressurized. They tell you that if you have a child or a person you are responsible for to make sure you place your oxygen mask on first before you assist others. Have you ever thought about that statement? Wouldn't it be our natural instinct to help a child or an elderly person before we help ourselves? We would have to fight against that instinct. If we don't take care of ourselves first, we become useless to others, we become part of the problem. As a leader, we have to take care of ourselves. We have to feed the machine that makes us that leader. Daily quiet time, devotions, recharge our batteries, focus in on our vision…our true purpose in life. One final thought on leadership. Be committed to the purpose and to those around you. Respect yourself and others and NEVER COMPROMISE YOUR PRINCIPLES! "The leader can never close the gap between himself and the group. If he does, he is no longer what he must be. He must walk a tightrope between the consent he must win and the control he must exert." Vince Lombardi | |
Read what leaders had to say about the September True Growth Academy experience. View Testimonials. November 2010 session sold out. Enroll now for the 2011 sessions. One day portable program now available click here for details.
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