Today is my last day teaching on leadership. As a part of the curriculum, I included a few interviews with leaders, in the hopes of giving kids real-life insight. The following is the second half of my interview with Jerry Foster, Vice-President of Research and Development at Plex Systems. You can read part 1, covering contemporary challenges and important traits for leaders, here.
How do you go about making tough decisions?
JF: Lots of thought and prayer. Get lots of advice, including from people who don't think like you. If you are a guy, it is critical that you get a woman's perspective on a situation. They have insight into how people will react that I guarantee you never thought of.
Never make a tough decision when you are tired or angry. Rarely make big decisions through email. If you are making a decision you know will be unpopular (and once in a while this is necessary), explain your reasons in great detail. I have found that even if people don't agree with me, if I can get them to understand where I am coming from, they are much more apt to follow. If you are unable to articulate the reasoning behind your decision, perhaps you need to rethink your decision.
Give your followers a chance to air their thoughts, suggestions, and concerns. Nothing will frustrate people more than being forced to do something without any avenue to express their emotions. It doesn't mean you have to act on all that emotion, but it sure helps keep the communication lines open.
Finally, this is something I have learned over the years. If I have a really tough decision to make, sometimes *I* don't make it. I get all the relevant people in a room and I say, "Here is what is going on. Here are our choices - A, B, and C. Here is how I perceive them, but I'm stuck. We need to come to a decision. What should we do?" This can be an amazing process. It can push significant growth in the trust and camaraderie of your team. But most importantly, when everyone comes to a consensus, you have total buy-in and cooperation with the direction that has been decided.
How can someone prepare to lead?
JF: Two things come to mind.
1. Find someone you know that seems to be a leader. It can be anyone - a teacher, a coach, a pastor. Watch them closely. See how they react in tough situations, or better, with difficult people. If possible, get to know them on a personal level and ask them to mentor you. Work with them, observe, and absorb.
It is very important to note here, that just because someone has a title of authority, does not mean they are a leader. And likewise, some great leaders don't have official titles. But people are drawn to them and follow them naturally anyway.
2. Experiment leading very small groups with short timelines. For instance, organize and lead a small study group for a test. Or volunteer to plan a particular event. These situations will help you learn how to lead in a low-risk situation. You get great experience, and you learn what things you need to work on, as you take on bigger leadership roles. Leading people is often an art, not a science, and often the only way to prepare is to learn on the job and get the experience under your belt.
Please share anything else you think might be valuable for students to hear.
JF: There are varying degrees of leadership. At some point in your life you will have to lead someone, even if you are just leading your kids (which is probably one of the more crucial leadership roles that has ever existed!). But, not everyone is cut out to lead a huge team, or be the CEO of a company, or be a manager. That's ok! I'm not saying don't stretch yourself, or try new things. I'm simply saying, your heart will tell you where you fall on the leadership spectrum, and you can work very confidently from that position.
Showing posts with label teaching. Show all posts
Showing posts with label teaching. Show all posts
Monday, May 16, 2011
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Foster on Leadership Part 1
Last week, I ran an interview with Asa Lane on what it takes to be a successful musician. If you missed it, you can read the full article here. This week for my students, I've interviewed Jerry Foster (JF) on the subject of leadership. I'll publish part one today, part two tomorrow.
What are the challenges of leadership today?
JF: There is so much information coming from so many different sources, it is often very difficult to wade through all the garbage and figure out what are the real critical pieces of information that need to be the basis of your decisions.
It is easy to lose sight of the people you lead, as you lead. It seems counter-intuitive, but when there are pressures coming from your boss (every leader has a boss!), you can be pressured to be more attentive to the bottom line, whatever that may be for your leadership position, rather than showing nurture and care for those you are leading.
Finally, it is easy to become distracted from the main goal. Things like email, voicemail, your phone, the internet, games, etc., pull us in different directions. But sometimes even more so, there are lots of little goals that each seem good in their own right, but keep you from focusing on the big one, the main goal, the number one thing you need to get done. Stay focused.
What do you think are the most important traits in a leader?
JF: I think it is very important that you are knowledgeable and competent in the area that you are leading. This is the number one thing that will cause people to lose respect for a leader - if it is obvious he has no idea what he is doing. People don't like following a sinking ship.
Honesty. People have become jaded and expect the opposite. If you are always honest, you will gain people's trust. They will understand that you mean what you say, and that you are not saying something different to someone else.
Humility. Acknowledging mistakes, not acting like a know-it-all, asking people for their opinions (and actually following up if they are good ones), being willing to jump into a task and work with people shoulder-to-shoulder goes a long way.
Tomorrow: Jerry talks about making tough decisions and preparing to lead.
Jerry Foster is Vice-President of Research and Development at Plex Systems.
What are the challenges of leadership today?
JF: There is so much information coming from so many different sources, it is often very difficult to wade through all the garbage and figure out what are the real critical pieces of information that need to be the basis of your decisions.
It is easy to lose sight of the people you lead, as you lead. It seems counter-intuitive, but when there are pressures coming from your boss (every leader has a boss!), you can be pressured to be more attentive to the bottom line, whatever that may be for your leadership position, rather than showing nurture and care for those you are leading.
Finally, it is easy to become distracted from the main goal. Things like email, voicemail, your phone, the internet, games, etc., pull us in different directions. But sometimes even more so, there are lots of little goals that each seem good in their own right, but keep you from focusing on the big one, the main goal, the number one thing you need to get done. Stay focused.
What do you think are the most important traits in a leader?
JF: I think it is very important that you are knowledgeable and competent in the area that you are leading. This is the number one thing that will cause people to lose respect for a leader - if it is obvious he has no idea what he is doing. People don't like following a sinking ship.
Honesty. People have become jaded and expect the opposite. If you are always honest, you will gain people's trust. They will understand that you mean what you say, and that you are not saying something different to someone else.
Humility. Acknowledging mistakes, not acting like a know-it-all, asking people for their opinions (and actually following up if they are good ones), being willing to jump into a task and work with people shoulder-to-shoulder goes a long way.
Tomorrow: Jerry talks about making tough decisions and preparing to lead.
Jerry Foster is Vice-President of Research and Development at Plex Systems.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Musician on Goal-Setting
I'm currently teaching four classes for junior high/high school students. One is a class on leadership. As a part of the weekly lesson, I interview a leader and share his or her insight with the group.
This strategy came out of a very short preparation window: I didn't have a lot of time to read and research using traditional methods, but I do know some amazing people. I chased a couple of them around for an hour or two. I learned more from that conversation than I could've learned from reading an entire book. The students seemed to enjoy the real-world connection, so I've kept this interview portion of class as a weekly thing.
I've discovered that a couple of these students are musicians. They are thinking about their future; they're dreaming big. To give them some perspective on the music industry, I asked Asa Lane, all-around cool cat and drummer for the Jason Eaton Band, to be my first formal, in-writing, interviewee for my class. I've known Asa for a while, and have always been impressed by his intensity and discipline.
When asked to help my students, Asa said yes. I liked his answers so much that I wanted to publish them. He kindly agreed.
How have you approached your musical career?
Asa: I've approached it with the positive attitude that I will absolutely be making my livelyhood making and performing music. You must have that in your head no matter what "seems" "normal". Forget the traditions, the family job, the army, the desk job, etc. If you were born to play music, you must give it your best effort with the reinforcement that you WILL be successful in it. Many other things go into that though besides thinking it (practice, connections, etc.)
Describe your training in music.
Asa: My "official" training included my last 2 years of marching/concert/jazz band in high school. I started playing drums when I was 11, and have had 2 unofficial drum lessons from insane pros in my life totaling about 45 minutes worth of lesson time. I still use things learned from them to this day, and will continue to use and teach them!
What kind of schedule do you follow for personal growth? How disciplined do you have to be?
Asa: PRACTICE. PRACTICE. PRACTICE. Seriously, practice as often and as hard as possible. If it's not music then STUDY or TRAIN or whatever it is you have to do to set yourself far above the rest. Great lawyers wouldn't cut making the OJ trial, the exceptional lawyers who have true passion for their art do. You can accomplish this by finding out what the status quo is, and then multiplying that by 10, 100, or 1000. It's up to you. An exceptional drummer once stated that it's better to practice 20 minutes a day, rather than 4 hours once a week. It'll keep you fluid in both physical and mental memory with what you're rehearsing/building upon. Remember that in all things.
You have to be as disciplined as far as you want to take your career. Pushing yourself far beyond your comfort level is key, as well as knowing the profession like the back of your hand.
What non-music skills have you sought to gain and why?
Asa: -People skills. I cannot stress enough how important it is to go up to random strangers you respect in your profession and just introduce yourself, get them to come see you play, etc. More often than naught, having the right connection is what will break you into what you want to do. The internet is a great tool for this, contact key figures in your field and try to build a relationship that way. Even more concrete is meeting them in person, shaking their hand and looking them in the eye and leaving a big impression. This will take you light years beyond just practicing in your bedroom. The rule of "6 Degrees of Separation" is much truer than you might imagine. Through developing these people skills, I communicate regularly with world class drummers and musicians, all because I pushed myself to just say hi!
-Business. Don't spend most of your money if you can help it. Save it now, invest in your future.
How do you feel about the idea of 'the day job'?
Asa: Bottom line is, you must support yourself financially eventually. If you can't make it playing music, you MUST attempt to get a day job. Play music hard when work is over. When the day comes that you can pay the bills with your music, smile, literally thank God, and DO NOT take it for granted.
How did you know you were good enough to pursue this as work, and not just a hobby?
Asa: I performed in a public talent show when I was in high school, and afterwards, this little girl named Kady (with a "D") came up to me with her grandmother and asked for a drumstick and for me to sign it. I did so and her grandma whispered in my ear, "You're going places kid." She actually said that, gave me chills. 
The nail in the coffin was when I auditioned to perform with a pool of world class musicians through a Metro-Detroit church and made it with flying colors. That is when I really knew.
What do you wish you knew more about as it relates to music?
Asa: - Obviously there are drummers out their who can run circles around me, so to learn their technique is something I'll always continue to want to learn more about and challenge myself with.
- Eventually, I'd like to learn to actually read music! I know very little about this and know it would further session work should I ever choose to pursue that in the future.
- I also have a banjo that I desperately want somebody to teach me how to play!
Is there anything else you'd want to tell my students?
Asa: - There are thousands of excuses for not pushing yourself out of your comfort zone for anything you'll attempt. Leaps of faith are what shape us, I highly, highly encourage you to do what you know if your heart is right for you. Rock and roll.
You can visit the Jason Eaton Band on their website, or on facebook. If you want to read my first formal interview with Asa Lane, check out http://www.myspace.com/annadellemusic/blog/501636856
This strategy came out of a very short preparation window: I didn't have a lot of time to read and research using traditional methods, but I do know some amazing people. I chased a couple of them around for an hour or two. I learned more from that conversation than I could've learned from reading an entire book. The students seemed to enjoy the real-world connection, so I've kept this interview portion of class as a weekly thing.
I've discovered that a couple of these students are musicians. They are thinking about their future; they're dreaming big. To give them some perspective on the music industry, I asked Asa Lane, all-around cool cat and drummer for the Jason Eaton Band, to be my first formal, in-writing, interviewee for my class. I've known Asa for a while, and have always been impressed by his intensity and discipline.
When asked to help my students, Asa said yes. I liked his answers so much that I wanted to publish them. He kindly agreed.
How have you approached your musical career?
Asa: I've approached it with the positive attitude that I will absolutely be making my livelyhood making and performing music. You must have that in your head no matter what "seems" "normal". Forget the traditions, the family job, the army, the desk job, etc. If you were born to play music, you must give it your best effort with the reinforcement that you WILL be successful in it. Many other things go into that though besides thinking it (practice, connections, etc.)
Describe your training in music.
Asa: My "official" training included my last 2 years of marching/concert/jazz band in high school. I started playing drums when I was 11, and have had 2 unofficial drum lessons from insane pros in my life totaling about 45 minutes worth of lesson time. I still use things learned from them to this day, and will continue to use and teach them!
What kind of schedule do you follow for personal growth? How disciplined do you have to be?
Asa: PRACTICE. PRACTICE. PRACTICE. Seriously, practice as often and as hard as possible. If it's not music then STUDY or TRAIN or whatever it is you have to do to set yourself far above the rest. Great lawyers wouldn't cut making the OJ trial, the exceptional lawyers who have true passion for their art do. You can accomplish this by finding out what the status quo is, and then multiplying that by 10, 100, or 1000. It's up to you. An exceptional drummer once stated that it's better to practice 20 minutes a day, rather than 4 hours once a week. It'll keep you fluid in both physical and mental memory with what you're rehearsing/building upon. Remember that in all things.
You have to be as disciplined as far as you want to take your career. Pushing yourself far beyond your comfort level is key, as well as knowing the profession like the back of your hand.
What non-music skills have you sought to gain and why?
Asa: -People skills. I cannot stress enough how important it is to go up to random strangers you respect in your profession and just introduce yourself, get them to come see you play, etc. More often than naught, having the right connection is what will break you into what you want to do. The internet is a great tool for this, contact key figures in your field and try to build a relationship that way. Even more concrete is meeting them in person, shaking their hand and looking them in the eye and leaving a big impression. This will take you light years beyond just practicing in your bedroom. The rule of "6 Degrees of Separation" is much truer than you might imagine. Through developing these people skills, I communicate regularly with world class drummers and musicians, all because I pushed myself to just say hi!
-Business. Don't spend most of your money if you can help it. Save it now, invest in your future.
How do you feel about the idea of 'the day job'?
Asa: Bottom line is, you must support yourself financially eventually. If you can't make it playing music, you MUST attempt to get a day job. Play music hard when work is over. When the day comes that you can pay the bills with your music, smile, literally thank God, and DO NOT take it for granted.
How did you know you were good enough to pursue this as work, and not just a hobby?
Asa: I performed in a public talent show when I was in high school, and afterwards, this little girl named Kady (with a "D") came up to me with her grandmother and asked for a drumstick and for me to sign it. I did so and her grandma whispered in my ear, "You're going places kid." She actually said that, gave me chills. 
The nail in the coffin was when I auditioned to perform with a pool of world class musicians through a Metro-Detroit church and made it with flying colors. That is when I really knew.
What do you wish you knew more about as it relates to music?
Asa: - Obviously there are drummers out their who can run circles around me, so to learn their technique is something I'll always continue to want to learn more about and challenge myself with.
- Eventually, I'd like to learn to actually read music! I know very little about this and know it would further session work should I ever choose to pursue that in the future.
- I also have a banjo that I desperately want somebody to teach me how to play!
Is there anything else you'd want to tell my students?
Asa: - There are thousands of excuses for not pushing yourself out of your comfort zone for anything you'll attempt. Leaps of faith are what shape us, I highly, highly encourage you to do what you know if your heart is right for you. Rock and roll.
You can visit the Jason Eaton Band on their website, or on facebook. If you want to read my first formal interview with Asa Lane, check out http://www.myspace.com/annadellemusic/blog/501636856
Monday, May 2, 2011
Rediscovery through teaching
Teaching is an act of rediscovery.
 |
| Land ho ... that's one skinny mitten |
Over the past two weeks, I've had the privilege of teaching on leadership, interviewing skills, and writing powerful paragraphs. Each class has reminded and encourage me to renew my commitments to basic things.
A class on leadership stirs me to consider vision and values. How can I help students see who they want to be? How can I help them figure out what's important? In crafting their lessons, I'm reminded of my own vision, values, and goals. I'm challenged to be a better steward of everything in my care.
Teaching interviewing skills keeps me sharp. I sit a little straighter; I speak a little more clearly; I strive to not just 'come across' as humble and confident, but to be truly 'be' both these things. I see the students battle through their nerves during a mock interview and am encouraged to push myself a little further.
Finally, what could be more refreshing than explaining how to write a basic paragraph? I find myself considering each simple form I present, wondering how I might be able to use it in my work.
It's been two weeks. I've got two weeks to go. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to influence young lives, of course, but it is not simply altruistic: I'm gaining.
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