SalesHQ

Brilliant stuff Larry

I was making a point about leadership with my last statement, which of course was left wide open for interpretation.  Clearly companies are not operated by the democratic process, and much could be argued the same for our government when it comes to lobbyists and special interest groups.  In any event, is it not possible for a lower-ranking member (not self-appointed leader) to offer an idea, innovation, suggestion that would indeed "benefit the whole" yet have it shot down simply because the higher-ranking "boss" doesn't agree, or has a closed mind, or is too busy to bother, or worse yet doesn't like the individual making the suggestion?  I couldn't agree more with Larry's position on clients being our true bosses.  In this respect, I am focused on how to maintain and improve the quality of service for the client, not just to sustain a paycheck, but as a matter of integrity and ethics.  I disagree that a leader will never create conflict.  Invariably there are going to be those who disagree on any proposed issue or initiative.  A leader has the courage to challenge and question authority, not simply to "butt heads", but as a matter of growth and innovation, for the individual as much as the whole.

I concur Jack ;)

We all have models of how we view the world, which of course is a projection of how we view yourselves, and the models are framed by our values, fastened by experiences.  Anytime we encounter data that does not fit or compliment our model we experience "cognitive dissonance" which is generally stressful and often leads to conflict.  However, as none of us are infallible we operate from imperfect and incomplete, albeit functional models; therefore, cognitive dissonance is inevitable.   Whether the incoming data is an interaction with a co-worker, family member, something blasting at us from the increasingly sundry world of multi-media or even the neighbor's dog leaving a pile of it's affection on the front lawn, conflict holds the potential for evolution.  In short, conflict isn't inherently "bad."

The dog analogy was for emphasis, not necessarily a valid supporting piece of evidence for the model theory.  I'm not currently in a state of conflict at my job, but there has been cognitive dissonance on more than one occassion.  In one instance, I had the balls to address something that management lacks, yet I was out of line (in  the heirarchy).  In another instance, I prepared (on my own time) a 3 page detailed proposal to implement what I believed to be optimizations in our admissions process that would improve our results while increasing the value of our service.  Following the proposal I was told that I need to "earn my stripes" before they'd entertain any of my ideas- which were inspired upon working closely in a mentoring capacity with an industry expert prior to coming aboard.  So I sucked it up and proceeded to lead in FTE (sales) for 2 of the next 3 starts, but what I got was an "attaboy" rather than stripes.  I'm not some young kid fresh out of college.  I've been around the block a bunch and have learned a great deal from the school of hard knocks, although I do hold a bachelor degree as well.  In 20/20 hindsight, I realize that it may have served me better to put up some numbers then submit the proposal, but I've been prone to being driven by passion and enthusiasm, not entirely undesireable attributes.  But now I've toned it down, yet clearly I do not have management viewing me favorably, other than as a worker bee perhaps and I'm capable of much greater things.  Onward I roam, greater than I had been yesterday...

this puppy is growing up to become a Big Dog ;)

what exactly is the "Big Dog" philosophy?

ok so this big dog is not necessarily a manager or executive but could be anyone within an organization who beholds innate leadership qualities?  My cousin and I were discussing this over the weekend as we both ponder enrolling into graduate school for a MBA.  He has advanced to a supervisor role within a very large bank and wants to continue advancement.  He was a emphatic about his point that you are either born a leader or not declaring that he and I are both natural born leaders.  Then we get back to the clicke "lead by example" and the million dollar question "What example?"

 open invitation to all you entrepreneurial types out there:

would you consider joing my new group:

http://saleshq.monster.com/groups/91-marketing-geniuses ?

i am hoping it takes off and gets the juices flowing ... 

as you can tell by the icon, it's all about thinking creatively

so in other words you have to intimidate the more intelligent members of the organization in order that they will kowtow to the big dog?

yeah definitely walk the walk!