Bringing out the best in people, uncovering that hidden potential

Whatever your business, it’s PEOPLE. Whether designing new software, a bridge, running a store, running a power plant, it’s PEOPLE … and, too often, well meaning executives, managers, and supervisors fall short in bringing out the best in those around them. We can look to great leaders and learn a many lessons. For example, more books have been written about Abraham Lincoln than just about any leader for just this reason … he knew how to bring out the best in people and he achieved results. He was a master at inspiring and focusing their energy toward key goals and objectives. If you have a two month vacation to devote to a very large book, I recommend you read “Abraham Lincoln: A Life” by Michael Burlingame. This two volume set of almost 2000 pages is one of the best in-depth biographies you can find on Mr. Lincoln and how he was able to bring out the best in others. Remember Mr. Lincoln’s second inaugural address and “the better angels of our nature”?

Another source of valuable insights is an excellent book (one I keep on my desk), is “Bringing out the Best in People” by Aubrey Daniels. Mr. Daniels’ research pinpoints leadership behaviors that are effective and those that are not when motivating your team. For a quick insight, the second part of Mr. Daniels’ book is “The Astonishing Power of Positive Reinforcement.”

Our webinar will consist of four parts:

• YOUR behavior as a necessary (though not sufficient) enabler to bring out the best in others.
• “TRADITIONAL” management … a short critique.
• Some key FUNDAMENTALS of performance management.
• Being a FORCE for energy and enthusiasm that brings out the best in others (and yourself).