Gordon Ross: Leadership Lessons and Career Tips

re: Gordon Ross: Leadership Lessons and Career Tips

gord42 — Fri, 06 Oct 2006 22:37:58 GMT

I have many stories form my days in the military. One of the more important ones, I think, deals with leadership. We had a commanding officer who was misappropriating gov't property and soldiers for his own personal use and mistreating veteran non-commissioned soldiers. The outcome was a couple of us put our rear-ends on the line and decide enough was enough. We informed the Inspector General's office. When it came time to present material to them, the majority of the complainer's back off until we told them we were all part of this team and as such we need the show of force. Because we were right in what we did the team rose and backed us on our position. We were "whistleblowers" before the term was ever used. Needless to say there was an investigation and the officer was finally relieved of his post. The lesson learned was sometimes you have to put you own life and career on the line for the betterment of the masses. The morale in the unit was so bad that no one ever wanted to go into battle with this individual as the leader. It was generally felt he would be the first one to "buy it." He had lost all of the respect amongst those that were willing to be on the front line. His ultimate downfall was his ego and "lust" for power. He ultimately came up against a team he could not beat. As I have said in the past, it is important to treat your team (employees) well and respect them. Needless to say the Company moved on and a new leader was put in charge and the unit regained its respect.

re: Gordon Ross: Leadership Lessons and Career Tips

Stephen Ibaraki, FCIPS, ISP, sibaraki@cips.ca — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 02:34:01 GMT

Gordon, You have so many stories to tell, perhaps share one from your military days. Cheers, Stephen Ibaraki

re: Gordon Ross: Leadership Lessons and Career Tips

gord42 — Sun, 01 Oct 2006 22:44:26 GMT

Graham and Stephen:

Thanks for your comments.

Graham, your mention of “no room for ego” is an important one. At the recording studio that I was involved in there was a sign for all “Artists” that entered. The sign read “Check Your EGO at the Door”. It always worked and saved large amounts of time during recording sessions.

I learned many experiences from being in the military. One of the most memorable is the value of life and how short it can be.

I am a real believer this adventure we are on, called "life", is a short one and we should leave the world a better place. In doing so, we should have fun, learn, express our ideas, and share our knowledge. Never be afraid to express yourself. If you are in the position of being a Leader, lead. However, never forget that those that you may be leading may one day be your leader. So always show respect and gratitude.

I am always open to ideas and "spirited" conversation. If I can be of help to anyone, I can always be reached at "gordonrossA@yahoo.com".

Again, thank you for your comments.
Gordon.

re: Gordon Ross: Leadership Lessons and Career Tips

Stephen Ibaraki, FCIPS,I.S.P., sibaraki@cips.ca — Wed, 27 Sep 2006 23:18:11 GMT

Jason, Dan,

Gordon provides a valuable perspective that is worth sharing with others...a kind of affiliate network for knowledge distribution and career growth. By linking in, you are contributing to this ecosystem...

Thank you,
Stephen Ibaraki

re: Gordon Ross: Leadership Lessons and Career Tips

Stephen Ibaraki, FCIPS,I.S.P., sibaraki@cips.ca — Wed, 27 Sep 2006 23:15:52 GMT

Graham,

When I was working on a Masters, dynamic contribution was emphasized. That is, always look to add to any exchange by personal experience, references to other work/research, contributing new ideas, synthesizing or tying together related ideas, providing analysis with conclusions, giving application with examples, or evaluating to put into perspective. You always do this, which takes time however it provides value to others.

Thank you,
Stephen Ibaraki

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Jason Haley — Tue, 26 Sep 2006 06:21:06 GMT

re: Gordon Ross: Leadership Lessons and Career Tips

jointer — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 20:19:50 GMT

Gordon, your comments about leadership are 'spot on'. I could not have captured my own philosophy any better. Anyone aspiring to a leadership position would be well served to both commit them to memory and more importantly to heart.

There are some important implications behind your advice. If you want respect as a leader (absolutely essential) then you MUST respect those that you lead. You must be 'open' and approachable as a person; there is no room for ego. It takes experience and a special skill to get people to feel part of a team and yet at the same time respect your decisions when they may not be universally popular.

You must avoid the 'familiarity breeds contempt' situation at all costs. It is good to be seen as part of the team by those you lead but don't get too close. It will cloud your judgement and rebound on you very badly. Should you go to the pub with the 'team'? Sure why not but be very careful! Buy your round; show that you are interested in your team socially. However, you will likely be plied with questions that you wouldn't get at work. Don't ever fall into the trap of thinking that if you throw them a 'few scraps' to gain favour with them that it won't matter.

As much as people would love to find out what's 'going on', ultimately they will respect you more for showing the reponsibility of your position. Just tell them firmly but politely that you are not in a position to discuss certain things and move on. How's your wife? How's the new baby? How's your golf game? Who's round is it?

Gordon, I have enjoyed all of your input, and the knowledge and experience you bring. Thank you for taking the time to do this.

Cheers
Graham J.