Leadership

Just finished reading the first chapter of Ken Blanchard's Leading at a Higher Level on my Kindle.

Interesting concept. Or should I say, "well-phrased old concept?"

The updated book describes that the focus of leadership should be on service, not self-service. It's the "process of achieving worthwhile results while acting with respect, care, and fairness for the well-being of all involved."

Profit becomes the by-product of helping the customer, putting their desires over your bottom line. There's too much competition for their business. To create this atmosphere, you also have to give your employees the power to help that customer.

When my husband and I began our advertising directory, we wanted to provide a specialized service. We didn't expect to make a lot of money. We developed a relationship with our customers, some of whom we still work with. As we employed sales people, we added them into our family, and listened to their ideas and suggestions.

Eventually we began to feel the pressure to make a certain amount of money. As that mindset crept into our priorities, we realized it was time to sell.

As I look for a company to work for, I want one where I can be valuable. One interested in creating "raving fans" of their customers and employees. One that enables us both to grow.