Qualities of a Great Business Leader:
#4 – Unwavering Self-control
In a previous post, I wrote that qualities of character in the CEO were a more important indicator of business success than the business model. In this, and the next few posts, I’m going to share those qualities that I believe mark a great business leader.
First, a disclaimer. This is one person’s point of view. This is not the result of some study that surveyed 10,000 business owners. Instead, it is the result of my personal, anecdotal experience. I’ve spoken to and with thousands of business executives in the US and other countries, and personally and contractually worked with over 459 of them. I have, I believe, achieved a breadth of experience in the world of business
that, coupled with a touch of wisdom, has a validity of its own.
With that disclaimer behind us, let’s tackle the subject.
Previously, I argued for these qualities: An unquenchable work ethic, an ability and propensity to learn
and a continuous quest for MORE. To that list, I’m adding Unwavering self-control.
Too much to do, and not enough time in which to do it? The typical salesperson today is overwhelmed, with too much to do and not enough time in which to do it.
Dave Kahle contends that smart time management is not about cramming more activity into each hour, but about working smarter to achieve greater
results.
In 11 Secrets of Time Management for Salespeople Kahle provides powerful, practical insights, including hundreds of specific, practical, effective time-management tips from dozens of salespeople who are on the
front lines every day.
Keep these secrets with you on your tablet, reader or smartphone. Specifically, that means that one exhibits the ability to control emotions, and to moderate words and actions. It has both a positive and a negative element to it. Let’s unpack this.
When it comes to controlling emotions, it means that you don’t let a flash of negative emotions erupt and produce negative results. For example, one of your customers may make a disparaging remark about your company, or one of your employees is late for the third time this week. Your natural tendency is to get irritated and defensive and let that emotion out in a way that may damage the relationship permanently. That’s a lack of self-control. On
the other hand, if you catch yourself, take a deep breath, and choose your words and your reaction mind-fully, you are acting with self-control.
Not only do we need to control our negative emotions, but we need to proactively and intentionally spread positive emotions. The classic book, The One Minute Manager, builds the case for walking around, finding something that your employees are doing
well, and praising them for it. In other words, intentionally and willfully developing the habit of praising specific actions and thereby spreading positive... [click here to read the entire article
online]Listen to Dave's Complimentary Podcast!
Planning & Preparing |
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