Step Up Your Own Game to Lead Others
Wednesday, November 7th, 2007Whenever they’re feeling stuck, unmotivativated or at a low-ebb they want, no, expect their instructors, trainers and coaches to say, do or be whatever is necessary to get them back on track and feeling great about themselves and their goals again.And generally, we accomplish exactly that. We say the things that need to be said, we do the things that need to be done and with a cheery smile and an ‘I know you can do this’, we help lift our clients out of the dip they’re in so that they can move onto bigger and better things.
So far, so good, right? After all, a happy, smiling client is what being in a service profession is all about… isn’t it? Well, not exactly.
I mean, yes, we want happy clients and we want definitely them to feel that the time, money and effort that they’re investing in us is being well spent, but measuring our success solely by the happiness and results of our clients is the quickest way to ensure that we’ll lose heart, burn out and, in all likelihood, end up quitting the profession altogether.
Just like the thousands upon thousands (more…)
Leadership Through Service
Friday, July 20th, 2007 As studio owners and managers, we understand that part of being a leader is knowing the system, following and enforcing the rules, and providing support and guidance for those we manage or supervise. If we’re good managers, we think incrementally; recognize that a faltering “cog in the wheel” will affect the system as a whole; and know how important it is to “fix” that one bit to keep the whole system running smoothly. In his popular book, The E-Myth
Although systematizing is an important part of running a business, there is an inherent risk associated with any “semiautomated system” that deals with and depends on human interaction (a main aspect of any mind-body facility). The risk is the potential loss of the human touch and spirit. If we lose sight of, or fail to recognize, what our primary role as wellness industry leaders should be in a people-oriented business, it may be the very systems we rely on that ultimately limit our success.
We know as business owners and managers that we must always keep one eye on the bottom line or we may not be here tomorrow. But a true visionary uses two eyes for full vision, and our desire and ability to serve others should be the focus of the other eye at all times. Serving others should and must be our primary role. Albert Schweitzer wrote, “One thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve.”
Service = Leadership = Success (more…)
