The Miners

I’ve been thinking off & on about the big story from last week. The Miners. I know I'm behind in posting, but life for me has happily been busy and even hectic- but time to catch up!
They can teach us SOOOOOOOO much. Not only the broad lesson about living life (family and such), but also about us as coworkers- crisis, -and leadership. While a full analysis and commentary would take chapter upon chapter; I want to touch upon just a few points rumbling through my head.
*As coworkers- there are reports there was some fighting at first. Then came, however, the realization –the acceptance that they all had the same goal. With a common purpose they focused on the goal (surviving until rescued) and by doing so they became a team. The pride and courage they showed as a result was AMAZING. When I first heard the group was arguing about the order they would leave this underground prison, I NEVER would have imagined the details. They argued who should have the HONOR of leaving last. The leader who kept them going was bestowed with that. Not a ‘me first’ by ANY means. WOW!

*Leadership: Now here’s a rich source for this heading (but I’ll keep it to a minimum); stories of the shift leader’s efforts will continue to emerge, I think. Turning arguments into resolve has to be credited to him. Not only did he manage to unify his team in this extraordinary crisis, he motivated them to rally together. This guy is my hero. He organized specified areas and schedules to keep all focused (and sane). Gathering resources like the lights on equipment to simulate day & night as much as possible; setting up exercise regimens (that helped the mind as much as the body), and other examples that DEFINE leadership as well as heroism. The examples these men set for us are nearly endless! Talk about handling a stressful situation and overcoming a crisis!!

*Even above the ground efforts of teamwork shone through. Finger pointing was almost no existent- instead, a focus on THE GOAL (getting them out alive). Various industries (including the likes of NASA) from countries around the world come together with the vision defined.

I can’t speak for others, but I can say I will remember these examples for quite some time, and try to emulate- to live up to this high bar these men set.

Customer Service - Building Relationships and Business

"Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it." -Dwight Eisenhower
There is a phrase in business - "internal & external customers (clients)". I have been building these internal relationships before I had even heard the phrase. To me it just made sense. These folks (sometimes department managers) Have their part in the company's overall operation as much as mine. I treat them like I want them to treat me. I don't bark at them- I have always tried to make them understand MY side, and the impact of the situation. In many cases, I became the 'go-to' even if I had a senior manager overseeing a project. This was simply because I could get things done. I earned the respect of these 'internal customers' because I respected them and worked with them. I have worked along side their people quiet often to learn THEIR side, and procedures. This has shown me how they interpret what WE do, and likewise how we can communicate better.

Now that is not to say I don't hold them accountable. In one specific situation, I would push when need be. But it was done with KNOWLEDGE. The other Dept head was defending his employee (as a good manager will), but when I pointed out some facts from what I learned, he had to concede that I was more right than wrong. A fix would be put in place and we would move forward.

Call it leadership or call it teamwork- I call it good business and just plain common sense.
Looking forward to putting that back to work.
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/thomas-drake/b/264/545

Team Effort

In a recent interview, I -of course -talked about my career highlights. While there were ideas I came up with, plans I guided to completion, etc- a different thought came to mind.
What my mind flashed to was my teams -- yes teams, not employees. I could not talk about my successes without talking about them. First, because a good leader and manager is not an island. His team can make or break him in some cases. Picking the right people, setting expectations, providing opportunity, guidance, and recognition all make a difference. My second reason-- The actual developing of team members was an achievement itself. Seeing them as the individuals that they are, and motivating, coaching each with that focus. Through group meetings, one on ones and daily discussions, I could make a difference in their career growth. I was happy to offer them a chance for success of their own, and also because how I trained and developed my team ultimately says allot about me, and my abilities.