########################################## VISIONARY LEADER Volume 1, Issue 1 - December 2002 Publisher: Todd Brockdorf Todd@leadwithvision.com http://www.leadwithvision.com (C) Brockdorf & Associates 2002 ########################################## Why just lead, when you can lead with vision? ========================================== Please recommend this E-Zine to anyone you know that is interested in being a better leader. (It's also a good way to develop leaders for your organization. Send this e-zine and tell them that they have the potential.) If you are receiving this issue as a forward, and would like to get your own free subscription, visit http://www.leadwithvision.com/ezinesubscribe.html To remove yourself from this list see bottom of this email. PRIVACY STATEMENT: We will not share, sell, or rent your address to anyone. Period. ============================================= IN THIS ISSUE ============================================= 1. Extroverted Introvert 2, Leadership Skills - Communication 3. Moral Compass ************************************ ===================================================== 1. Extroverted Introvert ===================================================== EXTROVERTED INTROVERT by Todd Brockdorf I often describe myself as an "extroverted introvert." But, what exactly is an extroverted introvert? An extrovert is defined as someone who likes to deal with people, to interact with those around him - a "people person." An introvert is someone who is content to staying within himself, preferring to be alone, rather than interact with others, especially those that he does not know. I define the term "extroverted introvert" as someone who is perfectly content to be by himself (introvert), but has learned over time to be comfortable among other people (extrovert). Leaders tend to be extroverted. Not everyone is naturally extroverted, however. Not everyone is a leader, as well. But, you can develop those skills to become more extroverted and build those qualities common among leaders into your character. How? The key is to start small. Begin by smiling and saying hello to a stranger. It is a friendly, harmless gesture and most people will respond in kind. Once you are comfortable with that step, try to hold conversations with people that you encounter throughout the day. When you are at the grocery store, talk to the checkout clerk. When a telemarketer calls, have a brief chat with her, after all, she called you. Talk to the waitress that serves you when you eat out. As you begin to open up to strangers, you will begin to break down those barriers to help you too become an extroverted introvert. ************************************ ===================================================== 2. Leadership Skills - Communication ===================================================== LEADERSHIP SKILLS - COMMUNICATION by Todd Brockdorf I was recently asked, "What is the most important skill in a leader?" I answered, "Communication. Leaders need to have communication skills to communicate their vision and goals to their constituents." If you want to improve your leadership skills, effective communication is a critical to your success. But how can I improve my communication skills? There are tons of books on the subject ranging from how to prepare a presentation overnight, to presentations specifically for management personnel, to business presentations that do not bore. But many of these resources simply offer presentation tips, without any personal evaluation of your speaking style, or offer ways to improve communication skills when you’re faced with a situation where someone wants answers and they want them now. Effective communication is a continuous process. It cannot happen by reading a book just once. Read that book over and over. It cannot happen by giving only one presentation. Give more and more presenations. It cannot happen by simply wishing for it to happen. Improving speaking skills, like most other skills, requires practice, practice, and more practice. In order to improve my communication skills, I joined an organization called Toastmasters International (www.toastmasters.org). I knew I had some communication skills when I joined, but I knew that I could always improve. I joined because I wanted an audience; I wanted 20 people to have to sit there and listen to me and have to give me feedback. It is that feedback that has helped me to improve my communication skills and therefore, my leadership skills. Leadership and communication skills are complementary. ************************************ ===================================================== 3. Moral Compass ===================================================== MORAL COMPASS by Todd Brockdorf In today’s society of corporate scandals, corrupt politicians, and skepticism towards some religious leaders, it is imperative that true leaders take responsibility and be held accountable for their actions. When making decisions, do you think through your actions, taking into account possible outcomes or do you simply react? Have your actions caused hurt to others? Have you taken responsibility for your actions, or maybe, inactions? Visionary leaders measure their decisions against a set of principles, or ethics, that they have established. They have determined what principles they want to live by and lead by. Their organizations have established principles in how they should be run. When a tough decision needs to be made, these leaders turn to their Moral Compass to tell them if it is a good decision. The Moral Compass provides direction in difficult times. It is a guide that outlines a set of principles and beliefs for the leader or for an organization. Write down your beliefs. By what principles do you want to live your life? What values do you hold? If you are not happy with some of the past choices that you have made, today is a day that you can change it. It is evident that some of our leaders have lost their Moral Compass along their journey. You are stronger than that. I know that you can lead with integrity and hold your Moral Compass close to your chest. ************************************ ****** EARN BIG REFERRAL COMMISSIONS ********* You can earn a 10 - 25 percent commission for referring Todd for speaking engagements. Commissions normally start between $200.00 and $500.00 depending on your level of involvement. For complete details email Todd at todd@leadwithvision.com *********************************************** ===================================================== F^R^E^E ARTICLES FOR YOUR PUBLICATIONS ===================================================== All of my articles are available for reprint in your publication, company newsletter, etc. You may use articles written by me that you see in VISIONARY LEADER. Back issues can be viewed at: http://www.leadwithvision.com/Ezine/backissues.html OR mailto:freearticles@leadwithvision.com for an automated list of additional articles. All you have to do is print the article in its entirety along with the by line at top and the credits, and complete contact information at the end of each article. I would also appreciate a tear sheet or electronic copy. 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