Watering RocksHow to Fail and Succeed as a Leader

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Dave Maurer, PMPLieutenant Colonel, USA (Ret.)

2019 NCPMI Annual ConferenceRaleigh, NC

12 August 2019

Watering Rocks

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• What???

Watering Rocks??

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• Good leaders tend to want to “fix” processes and often intend to “fix” people

• We should try

• We may fail

• We cannot forget, ignore, or dismiss the rest of our employees

• Identify the “rocks” and know when more water won’t make them grow.

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20points20

For Success in the Workplace

Always Act with Integrity and Honesty

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• 100% integrity and honesty at all times

Respond

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• “Respondibility”

• Value-add – available with little/no notice while being positive and professional

• People notice when we are not responsive

Anticipate

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Follow-up

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• The action is yours until it is completed

Identify Problems and Solutions

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• Problem Solver – your mission is to shorten the time between problem identification and solution

Demonstrate Personal Accountability

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• Take ownership even when you need to rely on others to complete a task

Work Hard

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• Sometimes work is fun and energizing and sometimes it is just hard – always give it 100% effort

Show a Sense of Urgency

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Foster Personal Discipline

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• Be professional – on time, dress properly, represent yourself and your company well

• Set the bar high and be an influence on others

Lead By Example &Follow Well and Faithfully

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• You don’t need to be in a leadership position to lead – be confident and take charge

• Always “on parade”

Be Loyal in All Directions

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• Do what is right, but be loyal to those around you – employer, supervisor, co-workers, subordinates

Be Consistent and Clear

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Show Gratitude and Respect for Others

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Build Teamwork and Collaboration

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Promote a Common Purpose

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• Leaders provide a goal and the means of getting there

Infuse Passion

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Cultivate Your Reputation

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• You are your reputation – what does it say about you?

Display a Seriousness of Purpose and a Sense of Humor

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• Work hard at being proficient and competent – others will be relying on you

• But you can and should also maintain a sense of humor

Continue to Grow

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• You are responsible for your development and growth as a professional

• Success is where preparation meets opportunity

Care for Those in Your Charge

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• People depend on leaders to set and enforce standards, lead by example, and help them succeed

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• Opportunities, Choices, and Consequences

• “Obstacle” Illusions

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• A Little Bit About Baseball and 60/42/60

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• “Staff” Infections (Bucket Rule)

• The Sponge Theory

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• Leave the Gun…

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• Point Your Thumb

• Quiet Leadership

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• Maya Angelou

• Smooth Mountains

• Take the STARES

What is this Man Doing?

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A Softball Game in Washington State

Red Zone Moments and Sarah Tucholsky

of Western Oregon University

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Red Zone Moments and Liz Wallace, Sarah Tucholsky and Mallory Holtman

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• The Fork Lift

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www.davemaurerconsulting.comdmaurer@davemaurerconsulting.com