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We have all heard the phrase and have used it often – “When the Rubber Meets the Road.”
Simply put, where the rubber meets the road is the most critical point for something, the moment of truth. An athlete can train all day, but the race is where the rubber meets the road, and they’ll know how good they really are. It is the execution of the plan.
Think about the moment you realized you were the rubber, and “meeting the road” was the accountability for the results you had signed on for. The moment of truth! If it is your first time, it can be a little scary.
My recommendation is to embrace and accept your leadership responsibility and all that comes with being “the rubber that meets the road.” How do you do it?
First, accept and embrace this opportunity, and all that comes with it. Set clear boundaries for all to follow and make sure there is a clear understanding of what you are trying to accomplish and everyone’s roles and responsibilities. Your ability to communicate effectively with everyone in your care will be the hallmark of your success.
You are the role model – the leader who will model what good looks like and the behaviors you are willing to accept. You do this through your attitude and your approach. Everything you do
speaks! To successfully manage the road ahead, consider the following:
• You are the Brand Ambassador for success
• You will get your results through others
• You confer with your partners in other functions to create a collaborative climate within the
organization
• You understand organizational policies, procedures, and regulations to protect your
organization and your people.
• You are a learning machine, and you lead by example through your desire to learn your job
and then learn some more.
• You do not shift blame. When in doubt, you ask
As the Brand Ambassador, you welcome all people onto your team. You sit with each of them and welcome them into your organization. You take the time to review with them the mission, your values and the goals. This will set the tone from the top.
1. Without the “Rules of the Road” it will be much harder for your people get to where they need to be – where you need them to go.
2. There should be no confusion on what you and the organization expect of them and what they can expect from us.
• Policies and Procedures
• Behaviors and Actions
3. The art of communication is the language of leadership.
• It is our responsibility to inform people of the things they need to do and the skills necessary to achieve them.
• Instruct on “what” and “how”
• Clarify expectations, roles, and responsibilities
• Coach to develop, learn, improve, and grow
• Motivate for higher levels of performance and satisfaction
• Receive and understand input, feedback, questions, and concerns
• Correct performance and behavior problems
• Commend and reinforce successful outcomes and people
4. Act. Begin somewhere. You cannot build a reputation on what you intend to do.
• Analyze the issue or situation and collect and consider facts
• Consult with others. Collect input from all effected
• Tailor a strategy by developing a written, thoughtful plan with timelines, specific activities and roles and responsibilities
• Implement the plan, put the rubber on the road. Initiate the actions you have identified. Coordinate and oversee the plans
• Observe what happens. Closely monitor the activities and outcomes. Request progress reports
• Navigate your way thru necessary adjustments, address obstacles and seize opportunities that surface
I know this can be an unsettling and scary time, but it is also an opportunity to seize the day. Remember – never allow anyone to affect you more than you can affect yourself. You are the architect of your own destiny.
With this as our mantra, let’s put the pedal to the metal and the rubber to the road! (and don’t forget to Tighten The Lug Nuts).
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Remember, People don’t quit on their jobs, they quit on their bosses.
