G.M. Tate, LLC

Leadership Lessons Learned: Be careful how you treat your older work force members. Many people are willing to pay lots of money for valuable antiques. Are you willing to let all that experience just walk out your door?

Remember the days of door to door sales? Companies like Fuller Brush? Well, it still exists today. It just comes in the form of various media - - social media, tv, radio, internet, print, etc. etc. etc. But, instead of Fuller Brush….. …..it should be called…. Fulla-Bull.

One in three, at any level, can be the cause of a toxic work environment. Take a look at the one on your right. Take a look at the one on your left. If it’s neither of them….. ….guess whom you need to examine next?

Education is the process of acquiring knowledge….. ….in order to make INTELLIGENT DECISIONS. Don’t forget that second part!!!!! A bunch of letters after your name is just a bunch of letters, if you don’t apply your learning.

Today’s Leadership Lesson Learned …. From Music ….. comes from the Zac Brown Band, and the song SAME BOAT. We're all in the same boat Fishing in the same hole Wondering where the same time goes We could all believe what we believe And peacefully agree to disagree We’re all in the same boat. Remember, our competitors are not inside our own companies/organization. We’re all on the same team…. …..wearing the same jersey….. …..in the same boat. We need to quell the in-fighting and focus upon winning for our team, against the competition. Allowing, sometimes even staging or promoting in-fighting, is one of the most toxic traits to any organization…… ……and a flashing red neon sign of POOR LEADERSHIP!!!!

Don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know.” Then add, “I’ll find out.” But, then don’t stop there. GO and FIND the ANSWER!!!

If it’s worthy to do, It’s up to YOU!!!

Staying with music for our Leadership Lessons Learned. Today’s guidance comes from the country music world, Tim McGraw’s Humble & Kind. The title pretty much tells the story. Regardless if we’re the Intern, Trainee, Custodian, Receptionist, Machinist, Driver, Operator, Supervisor, Manager, Director, VP or C-Suite Exec… …we can, and should, always STAY HUMBLE and BE KIND!!! Full stop!!! ‘nuff said!!!

Leadership Lessons Learned …. From music: Today, it’s two classics, one from Journey and one from REO Speedwagon. From Journey, we learn: Don’t stop believin’ Hold on to that feeling. And, from REO, “Keep pushin’ on.” You didn’t come this far, just to get this far. You’ll never move forward unless you put one foot ahead of the other and take the next step. So, don’t sit idle. Get into gear and move ahead. It, whatever it is, won’t happen unless you make it happen. Don’t stop believin’- Hold on to that feeling. And, keep pushing’ on.

As leaders, our job is to guide, direct and show the way…. ….sometimes, it’s even necessary to use words in doing so. As John Maxwell says, “A leader knows the way, shows the way and goes the way.” It isn’t enough to just talk a good game. We must also play a good game… …practice what we preach… …set the example. After all, actions do speak louder than words.