Successful Business Leadership

Steve Davidson, PhD

Entry into business life can be something of a shock! Anyone who has come from school or college may be surprised at the intensity and discipline of the work environment. It’s a whole other world! Here are some points that may ease the transition.

1. Teamwork

Problem: People in school are used to working on their own. “Teamwork” in school is often called “plagiarism”, or, more rudely, “cheating”.

Solution: Whatever you can do as an individual, you can (usually) do better as a group. “Two heads are better than one”. The business world is an enterprise of joint effort – teamwork.

2. Competition

Problem: It’s easy to assume that if everyone is working together, then no one is being compared, or measured. But everyone is.

Solution: As Jack Welch said, it’s like a ball team – everyone knows exactly where everyone stands . . . and it’s OK! You work together, you play together, and you compete in a mutually helpful, positive atmosphere.

3. Hard Work

Problem: When you see business people on TV or in the movies it seems like they spend their entire working lives going to lunch, driving their Aston Martins, or drinking. It’s not really like that.

Solution: There’s a long tradition, from the Emperor Marcus Aurelius through the karate star Bruce Lee that focused, disciplined effort makes you a better, stronger person. Welcome to the world of work!

4. Confidence

Problem: If you are untested, it’s easy to believe that you can do anything. On the other hand, as you move about among people who are highly experienced, it’s easy to start worrying that that you can’t do anything! In other words, realistic confidence is an issue.

Solution: Look directly at your abilities. Be honest with yourself. How good are you? Then, add about 20% positive attitude over and above that. Don’t let a few failures or a little bad luck shake you too much. As the great UCLA coach John Wooden used to say, give it your “personal best”; that’s all anyone can ask, and that ought to be good enough to put you among the best, if you are consistent.

5. Difficult People

Problem: In school, if you don’t like someone, you just keep your distance. But at work, they might be right down the hall – every day. They might be on your team. You might work for them! You know the types – a little too suspicious, a little to irritable, a little too domineering, they take credit for what you do and want you to do what they plan to take credit for, they’re in your face and on your back, they want you to pick up the lunch check and then complain that you are cheap, and so forth!

Solution: People like this are the bane of the work world, and things can get a little complicated. But here are some basic principles: a) “Show your poise and show your class”, as Coach Bear Bryant used to say. Don’t let other people’s bad habits corrode your character. b) Maintain a professional relationship. You have to work with them, so try to figure out how you can be productive together. Adapt! Get creative! c) Always look for the best in others, and try to connect with that part of their emotions. Difficult people are often lonely, and you may be just the person to help them turn that corner from difficult to decent.

6. Politics

Problem: At orientation HR said everything is done according to the policy and procedure manual. And they seemed to believe it. And they made you believe it. Then you get out in the field, and everyone seems to be playing favorites! What gives?

Solution: Well, it’s reality. Consider yourself. You like things done a certain way, right? And you feel like certain types of people are more effective than others, right? Well, there you go. When you get into power, try to be as fair as you can, since you know how it feels! In the meantime, try to take account of the way things are done, and do your best to make it work for you.

7. Challenge

Problem: There’s a great old novel called “Northwest Passage”, set in the French and Indian War. In the book, someone asks what it’s like to be a Ranger; a Ranger answers something like this: “Oh, it’s not so bad. We get up before dawn. We carry the canoes a couple of miles to the lake. Then we paddle up the lake for a few hours. Then we stop and build a fort. Then we have breakfast. It’s a good life.” Business is a little like that - Daunting.

Solution: Let the challenges inspire you! Let the demands bring out your best! The rewards can be serious. And what were you going to do with your life anyway – sit on the front porch and watch everyone else drive by in their BMW’s? Go for it!

8. Competence

Problem: The business world can a fun and gratifying place in many ways – with substantial salaries, fast promotions, first rate colleagues and equipment, nice offices, retreats and teambuilding exercises, travel, and so on. But don’t get lulled into complacency!

Solution: Realize that everything is moving forward! Fast! The same skill set that was cutting edge last year is in everyone’s repertoire this year! Successful businesspeople are constantly upgrading their skill set – books, audio disks for the car, trainings, seminars, you name it. Always be checking your development. Are you acquiring the competencies you need for the next level? Ask what other people are doing. Share knowledge and ideas. Learn together. Always be growing!

9. Stress

Problem: All that having been said, take good care of you! Effort and risk can take their toll. Don’t let things get to you!

Solution: Get plenty of sleep (when you can) on a regular schedule. Stay in good physical shape. Eat right. Have good friends, and keep up strong relations with them, with regular, relaxing get-togethers. Organize your home so that it is calm and refreshing. If you have a spouse, try to maintain a relationship that is romantic and interesting. If you have children, keep up with their schooling and friendships. Pursue satisfying activities aside from business, like golf, photography, or special interest reading. Get out and about – the theater, music, dining out. Take the long view – events seem less stressful from a large perspective. This is your life – make sure you love it! It’s up to you, and you can do it. If you need to make some changes, go ahead. Nothing is perfect, but you always can make things better if you take the time. Enjoy!

Steve Davidson, PhD, is a licensed psychologist who is interested in the change process from the individual to the organizational levels, and in the ways that character and culture shape decisions and behavior. He is available for assessments, consultations, and trainings. Dr. Davidson has an office on Quail Street in Newport Beach. sdavidsonphd@aol.com; www.psychologisttesting.com; 949-233-0234