10 secrets of well-loved leaders
by ROC-NH staff
on July 8, 2015
If you're on a board of directors, it's more important to be respected than to be loved. But here's a secret: You can be both.
The secret to being a well-loved leader is connecting with people you live and work with. Know what they want, their challenges and stressors, and notice, acknowledge and listen to them.
The list below was adapted from the online article, Being a Well-Loved Boss. The author, Paul Facella, is CEO of Inside Management, a former McDonald's executive, and author of Everything I Know about Business I Learned at McDonald's. His advice is applicable to co-op boards.
1. Be on the other end of the phone.
Set specific days and times in which a resident can call a board member or park phone and get a call back within 24 hours. That kind of access lets members know the board cares.
2. Keep the door open
Making yourself available during specific hours says "let's work together."
3. Start an ombudsman program
Set up a process by which members can air complaints to an unbiased party.
4. Make friends
In the book, First, Break all the Rules, the authors interviewed more than 80,000 managers. The most effective were those who built relationships with others.
5. Work alongside your neighbors
Spend quality time with other co-op members.
6. Don't get too big for your britches
Develop a network of people you can rely on for honest feedback.
7. Stay conscious of your image
The essence of a good relationship is enjoying being around a person. Now ask yourself, "Do I make it enjoyable for this person to be around me?"
8. Be in the thick of things
Stay involved and be visible, especially during stressful times. It's a huge morale booster for the community and you may learn a thing or two.
9. Set an example
Board members are held to higher standards. Rise to that challenge. Whether it's knowing people's first names or talking with people at the mail boxes, your behavior is watched and you are viewed as a role model. Being an inspiring and positive role model will win you friends, supporters, and maybe new volunteers.
10. Be consistent
A true leader is honest with others and holds everyone to the same standard. If you don't deal with rule breakers or poor behavior, you will lose the respect of members.
Now, use these 10 points to develop your leadership style from competent to well-loved!
By ROC-NH™staff
ROC-NH™ is a program of the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund, Inc. and a ROC USA® Certified Technical Assistance Provider.
ROC-NH is a registered service mark of ROC USA, LLC.