Do you know what it means to be outstanding? No really – do you know what it means? I bet you do.
It simply means to “stand out”. In our current society, most people wear ridiculously bright or even fluorescent colors to stand out. And guess what? It works.
Today, a leader showed me a different way to be outstanding. She happens to be the greeter at my local Wal-Mart. Her name is Teri. She won’t be soon forgotten because she did these outstanding things:
7 Way to Demonstrate Outstanding Leadership:
1. Call Them By Name: Dale Carnegie said that a person’s name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language. I don’t know about all that, but I know people appreciate it when you remember their name.
2. Smile at Them: Simple, right? Actions speak louder than words. When you smile you are telling the person in front of you that you are glad to see them. Charles Schwab said his smile had been worth a million dollars. How much is yours worth?
3. Encourage Someone: Within two minutes of meeting someone, you should be able to provide encouragement to that person.
4. Compliment Someone: Look for something positive and call it out. Compliment their appearance. Their attitude. Their smile. Find something!
5. Ask a Thought Provoking Question: John Maxwell asserted that “good questions inform, great questions transform.” Our goal as leaders is not necessarily to inform. We lead to transform. Whether it is transforming your people, business-results, or community, let’s ask questions that transform.
6. Listen With Empathy: This is more than hearing what they say. Listening with empathy is putting yourself in their shoes. Wear someone else’s shoes today!
7. Give Something to Someone: Buy coffee for the next person in line. Pray for someone in need. When leaders pay attention to detail, they find opportunities to give. Leadership is not about us. It’s about those following. Give of yourself today.
Teri convinced me that you don’t need the flamboyant hues to be outstanding. Instead, just do the 7 things listed above.
-CK