Lessons for Rebirth
6. Rise with the sun.
Leaders offer the light in any organization. Just like the sun, they are there to help illuminate, guide, and provide warmth. They are not there to conduct surgery and burn. If there is too little light the employees will be living in dusk. If there is too much light they will be squinting and irritable. We want just enough guidance to inspire them to climb mountains and walk long distances. Every day set that intention that you will rise and set as the sun in the entire universe of your business; employees, customers, and suppliers.
Task: Ask yourself what your role will be in this new company. Where can you be utilized to the company’s best advantage? Are you more comfortable selling, working with design and manufacturing, working within finance developing financial measurements and controls, or recruiting? Pick an area in which you can use your natural talents and then offer help in that area or design it so that it’s your primary responsibility.
Next, lay out the vision for the company. Work with each department to develop the drivers of productivity and profitability. Each week make your rounds to the front lines and shop floors. Renew the vision and the drivers. Listen more than you speak. Be the Light.