Leadership Secrets

"Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Clause". At least there is a Santa Claus in the business world. Today I have just finished reading The Leadership Secrets of Santa Claus which effectively describes eight strategies for leading your team. Although I agree with all of the eight secrets that the book effectively points out, I felt strongly with three of them, Listen to the Elves, and Share the Milk and Cookies, and lastly, the secret that I personally strive to achieve as a Clinical Nurse Manager, is Be Good for Goodness Sake.

Of the eight secrets that are described in the book, the secret of "Listen to the Elves", best describes how I am going to strive to be an effective leader. I believe involving the team in decision making and actively listening to what they have to say can build a better work environment. I also see this being practiced in my workplace by our weekly homeroom meetings. This is not just an avenue to put out information, the homeroom meetings also facilitate and encourages the team to voice any concerns or ideas they may have.

Another of the eight secrets that are described in the book, the secret of "Share the milk and cookies" I feel motivates the team by showing how each of them can make a difference. It's about rewarding and recognizing those team mates that go above and beyond what is expected of them during their normal duties. I see this also being practiced at our facility. There is a monetary reward at the end of the year that recognizes those team mates.

Lastly, the secret that I strive to achieve everyday is "Be Good for Goodness Sake". The author discusses the importance that the manager should be setting the example of doing everything well. Set guidelines for everyone to follow and be accountable for yourself before you expect accountability from the staff. 'Striving for perfection and settling for excellence' attitudes are the types of attributes I wish to emulate.