When I was visiting Law School’s this past fall during the midst of the economic meltdown, I saw how two Law School Dean’s reacted to their potential new law students firing questions at them. Both of the Dean’s leadership skills were evident from just 5 minutes of Q and A. These short 5 minutes showed the separation between a mediocre leader and an outstanding one.
The main question given to both Dean’s was, “What are you doing to combat the economy?”
One Dean used innovative leadership and listed several ways he was going to help his students find jobs. He continued to tell us how we would be affected and what he was going to do about it. He had lofty ambitions such as trying to implement a program where students straight out of law school began working for corporations and knocking out the part where students work for a firm then a corporation. He spelled out the vision he saw for the upcoming years using strategic leadership. He was quick to respond to everyone’s questions and seemed prepared for everyone one. He sold me on the spot.
Another Dean from a law school answered this question in a much different fashion. He said that the economy was hard on everyone, its a tough time and were just trying to get through it. Then he asked for the next question. I vividly remember looking at my parents thinking is that really all you are going to say about this? He gave his potential law students no vision, we had no idea of what this school had plans for in the future. Apparently, they didn’t have any plans for combating the economy and were not prepared. I left that open house early.
This lesson applies to much more than trying to recruit law students. In a team leadership position you are constantly trying to sell you team ideas just like these Deans were trying to recruit new students. You don’t want them to leave early, you need them to believe in your ideas.
Leaders of teams can take away two key concepts from these Deans:
1. Use your leadership communication, SHOW THEM THE VISION.
2. Be prepared!
Showing people your vision and integrating them into it will help you on your path to becoming a Remarkable Leader. This will separate you from the mediocre leaders. People will be more willing to follow you if you know where your going. So be prepared to show them how they can get on the path to where your leading them.
Guest post from Kim, Not Your Ordinary Intern
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