PMA News: Nurture a ‘winning spirit’

Many employees dread going to work each day. Their output suffers; many don’t work to their potential, feeling unappreciated. It is a vicious circle, causing management to be unreasonable and demanding, while employees become unhappier.

The following was taken from an interview by US internet talk show host and “life coach” Randy Gilbert with Lisa Wicker, author of The Winning Spirit: Building Employee Enthusiasm. According to Wicker, the first and foremost quality essential for a successful leader is trust. Integrity is a close second.

People must have confidence their leader has their best interests at heart, not his or her own personal success. Leaders must live up to their word, doing what they say they are going to do, and managing for the good of everyone. Trust and integrity define the leaders’ effectiveness and success.

A leader must build a winning spirit, encouraging employees’ enthusiasm. Here are Wicker’s 10 steps to a winning spirit:

1. Internalise self-worth: Leaders need to believe they are unique, and only they can provide certain talents.

2. Embrace change: Leaders don’t feel obliged to live with the status quo. They are energised by new ambitions and excitement for living.

3. Challenge the odds: Leaders are confident. They shake off worries and anxiety and, as a result, are free from personal limitations. They believe they can make a difference.

4. Keep an open mind: Leaders recognise everyone can learn from others. They should be flexible, adaptable, and open to new ideas.

5. Practice specific leader behaviours: Leaders are not born. They develop after years of practicing the qualities and traits of other successful leaders.

6. Visualise success: To have a winning spirit, leaders must see themselves in positions of authority, achieving success at their chosen profession.

7. Maintain focus: Leaders have power over their thoughts, and can change their lives by changing their attitudes and focusing on winning.

8. Achieve discipline: Leaders replace inner conflicts with calm resolve. They don’t waste time on things that don’t matter.

9. Enjoy today: Leaders do not spend undue time worrying about tomorrow. They plan for the future, but enjoy today to the fullest.

10. Practice being positive: Leaders understand their positive thoughts will be mirrored back to them.