On Giving Credit Where Credit is Due

Is there really such a thing as a superstar? A sports team doesn’t win based on one player. A business doesn’t excel based on one person’s service. A family doesn’t thrive based on one member’s efforts. The truth is, credit is due to the group. In our individualistic society, we want to name heroes. But in actuality, unless we are working together, we will all fall.

Repeat this: Starting with me, credit for success will be given where it is due. I will neither hog the limelight, nor create individual heroes.

On Projection – Taking Out Frustration on the Wrong Person

When I took psychology I learned that projection is transferring our feelings about one person onto another. Once a therapist identified projection, the patient could begin looking at the real target of emotions.

Why is that important to us in the workplace? We get upset with someone or something, but instead of dealing with it directly, we project our feelings somewhere else. The danger here is twofold. One is that the new target is getting dumped on unfairly. The other is that we never really deal honestly with the problem.

Repeat this: Starting with me, there will be honesty in the workplace. I will learn to deal directly and respectfully with my feelings.

On Servant Leadership

Servant Leadership is a popular concept these days. What does it really mean? It means putting the needs of others before my own. This is not entirely unselfish. It’s a fact of human nature that unless and until others’ needs are met, they cannot work together to meet the needs of the organization. Maslow taught that people’s needs have to be met at basic levels before they can be effective.

How does this apply to you? You don’t have to be a manager or an elected official to be a servant leader. Repeat this: Starting with me, effective leadership will be in meeting the needs of others. I will put the needs of others before my own.