Zimpapers Logo

Shelter Chieza : Change Management

My first mentor in management had unique mentorship guides, which I feel business schools should take a cue from.Her levels of perfectionism are rare and are key in developing good leadership skills. Although I now respect and admire her, at the time I was her student she was the epitome of everything I despised because of what she put us through and how strict she was. When we answered the phone, we had to assume a certain posture, respond with a certain level of calmness in your voice.

We also had a specific way of walking when we were approaching a client. She still espouses perfectionism, to this day, I am forever grateful for the grooming me. Back in the day, self-esteem was considered the basis of individual success. With most jobs, high self-esteem is considered a plus. One of the key aspects of developing good leadership is to look inward. Always try to develop self-introspection and be willing to look at your own shortcomings with an open mind.

Keep your head above the water as you find ways of figuring out what needs to be done differently next time. However one thing I learnt was that being perfect does not lead to success and good leadership, but if you try to avoid the same mistake twice, it can help you achieve successes and be a better leader. There are a few things that I learnt from my mentor about succeeding in leadership.

Presentations

A good leader should be good at presentations. Presentations are like good stories — they should be able to find a solution to a conflict. I sought to discover the trick that one of the most profound speakers I have listened to uses to capture his audience. He uses simple everyday examples that the audience know of. He is so convincing that people nod their heads in recognition.

That is why some people given the same setting and environment have a proclivity to be change agents. They have this captivating aura within them to make people adapt to change. Gestures, posture, and facial expressions all convey powerful messages to the people you interact with. Yet too many people are unaware of the messages their body language sends. Next time you are in an important meeting, ask yourself. Am I fidgeting? If you are sitting still and listening, then all is probably well. However, if you are shifting about in your chair, drumming your fingers, or worst of all, looking at your phone, then you can be sure that the person talking feels like you are not interested in what they have to say.

Am I interrupting? In any healthy debate people will occasionally interrupt. But if you do it a lot, or are leaning in to make your point, people may feel that you are not open to what they are saying.

Not enough leadership positions. Gone are the days when you progress up the hierarchy at a steady pace; there simply are not enough leadership positions to go around. The higher you go, the fewer the people you meet. No wonder you are not finding that top post you are aiming for- people are not making any switches at high managerial level. With no ladder to climb, look at career moves differently:

Cast your net wider. Be open to horizontal experience, not just vertical progression. If you are a financial manager, for example, consider financial management in different industries. Prove you can handle the responsibilities. Find ways to demonstrate your capabilities. Are you interested in taking on a management role? Offer to help your manager by interviewing job candidates or training new people.

Grow your skills. Seek out opportunities to learn — and pounce on them. If no one in your company knows how to do something, take it upon yourself to master that skill.

The knowledge you gain might make you a natural choice for the next open leadership position.

Build a network. The best ideas; resources and talent come out of a network. Make your presence be felt in a crowd, turn off your phone and be a resource. People invest in relationships with other people. You should live up to your promises.

People are bound to be more forthcoming with their own ideas and resources if you draw them into stimulating conversations and projects.

Go networking

There’s an old saying that, “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” I can relate to it, it cannot be more appropriate for what I have observed in today’s competitive job market.

A business executive or business person cannot afford to be isolated and think that they will make it on their own.

Those that get the most business belong to strong affiliations and networks. Be sure to attend these networking events. When you do get there, make sure you have a plan for the night.

Have a number in your head for the number of people you intend to get to know, don’t hang around with the same people you have always known- it’s a waste of time. While networking is often used to generate referrals and get new business, it’s also extremely useful for finding a new job, discovering possible new hires, improving basic business practices, or changing career paths altogether.

Always dress immaculately and professionally. Fifty-five percent of a good impression is based on how you look. If you want to be perceived as a professional you need to dress like one.

Make sure your clothes are neat, fit well and appropriate to the time of day and event. Shake hands firmly and make good eye contact with everyone you meet.

Say the person’s name when you say goodbye so they can remember you.Some of this comes through experience but if you have the right attitude this should not be a tall mountain to climb.

Till next week, May God Richly bless you!! Shelter Chieza is an Advisor in Management issues. She can be contacted at [email protected]