Did you know that the same skills that are used in survival situations are the
same skills needed for effective leadership? US military uses
the word SURVIVAL as a mnemonic device to aid your troops and leaders
remember the right actions under fire. Visionary leadership:
* S: Assess the situation *. Survivors know that they need to inspect their surroundings before acting. Today’s successful leaders
I need to do the same. Unfortunately, I have seen too many promoted recently.
managers, so eager to prove themselves, immediately begin to do
changes before careful business / organizational analysis. The result:
A disruption to customers and employees and often negative
consequences for the organization. Always drive Intel, before
offering opinion or direction.
* U: * Undue haste wastes: * A companion of the S in Survival with
an additional rule related to crisis situations. Did you know that
Does an angry or emotional person’s IQ drop 50%? How many leaders can
afford to lose so much brain power in decision making? Rule of
thumb: never make a business decision while in a business
status and that includes targeting employees when you have less
pressure or under fire.
* A: Remember where you are: * Always check that your decisions and
actions are in line with your organization’s mission statements,
key business goals and values. Ask yourself regularly.
“Is this the best use of my time to achieve the
organization’s mission and strategic objectives? “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 the 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 rating. People who speak slower and wait 2
3 seconds to respond is considered much more credible. * * Use the
“The power of the pause in your favor”. If you find yourself cutting
people in mid-sentence or frantically running in response
to pressure, both are warning signs to slow down and pause!
* I: Improvise: * Are you solution oriented or problem focused? From today
Successful leaders recognize that they won’t always have the perfect world
and thus quickly become known as the McGuivers in their organization.
The question is, are you a leader to turn to or a leader on the run? A go to
leader, presents a solution for each problem presented.
The leader complains about his lack of resources. You are the judge of what
category in which your organization would place it.
* V: Value Living: * I have met the brightest people who are
unfortunately bad managers because they know little about those
around them that make things happen. If you value the life of your
employees will value their association with you.
* A *: * Act like the natives: * Recognize that empathy and encounter
field with clients, employees, colleagues and top management are
the key to your survival. Entering like 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 must be an information and learning machine. Stay up to date on the best
practices, new consumer trends, competitors, and yes, even pop culture.
Your adaptability to changing life conditions is the key to
your survival. Have you ever met someone who talks about the good times?
Most likely they are not leadership survivors!
Rosemary Rein, is the author of GO Wild! Go BIG! Training seminars
Leadership and Customer Service. http://www.gowildgogreat.com, making keynote presentations and
1-day seminars in the United States, Canada and Latin America.
Email Rosemary @
