Likability and Leadership

I remember reading Tim Sanders' book The Likability Factor many years ago and was reminded of it when I recently attended an educational session led by Bill Graham on The Power of Likability Leadership.

Bill talks about "open face" and how the simple fact of raising the eyebrows allows those people you're communicating with into your circle.

The other points he makes is that "communicating is not an activity but a result."  He went on to say "it's all about what I leave in your head."

Tim talks about how people want to do business with people they like.  In my opinion, that's no different than what Bill's talking about with his "open face" communication concept.

At the end of the day, we should make sure we're imploring both in our communications with members and potential members.

I agree with Bill when he suggests practicing the "open face" technique, you instantly become likable and people will react to what you're saying.

That's an effective two-punch communication strategy.

For more information on Tim Sanders go HERE and for more information on Bill Graham go HERE.

Being likable is being a winner!

3 Tips for Creating a Stronger Organizational Culture

Culture eats strategy for lunch!  I forgot where I heard that but think about it.

I believe it!  Do you?

If we create the right culture in our organizations, the sky is the limit as to what you can do for your members.

Now more than ever since we have up to four generations in our workforce, it important to create this culture that everyone can embrace.

For me the following three are key to building a culture that you can build on:

  1. Trust
  2. Open Communication
  3. Empowerment

Trust - you must be able to trust your employees and for that matter your volunteers too.  It's a working partnership that needs to be constantly worked on and improved.

Open Communication - every employee and volunteer deserves to know what is expected of them in their respective roles as it relates to the organization.  Secrecy and side bar conversations is a huge negative.  If you don't communicate, in my opinion, you'll never create a culture that your staff and volunteers can get behind.

Empowerment - don't you like to be empowered to make a difference? News flash, your staff and volunteers feel the same way.  Set the vision, give them the resources and let them loose.

The results might just surprise you!

For a great resource on culture in the association space go HERE.