Calling Business Leaders

Calling Business leaders!!

 

Do you know a General Manager who knows all three names, and nicknames of his over 400 employees?...I do.

 

The greatest thing about having a business leader for a manager is that business becomes the focus of attention. The combined efforts of staff equipment and effective procedures become the focus of performance and profitability. Well, you ask, how does this business leader of yours differ from any of the regular managers we come across. The business leader uses three important tools to assist him in his task of running the business: Challenge, Example and Loyalty.

 

The GM I found at the coast did not find it out of place to give his staff a challenge to work. He was not careless but did not seek to be involved in every decision in the business. Challenge is a very interesting tool. It can bring out the best in us and can cause individuals to excel where they were previously mediocre. In as much as he offered challenge he was willing to be challenged.

 

The GM led by example if there was anyone who exerted himself it was the GM. If there was anyone who was sympathetic to a customer, it was the GM. He was in the office at "5.00 AM" when most people were still kicking blankets in their third quarter dream. However, he did not demand this of anyone else. In effect, he was always two or three steps ahead of the rest of the people in the business in terms of detail and progress. He provided leadership. And wonder of wonders people began to keep up with him. Well not "5.00 AM", but at least "on time".

 

Thirdly, our hero made heroes of everyone else. No job or position was too lowly in his eyes. No person's contribution was of insignificant or less significant value. He knew the name of every single one of his 400 employees, their spouse and children's names. By this single initiative, I believe he commanded loyalty and respect that very few managers will ever get from their employees in their careers. Business leadership is not about money or resources it is about people.

 

Allan Bukusi, 2012