These bold leaders employed common-sense approaches, along with time-tested, ethical practices in their business dealings. Their word and handshake was all any-one needed in the way of a contract. However, with the inception of electronic communications such as voicemail and e-mail, an enormous impersonal cyber cur-tain was inadvertently created. That curtain was hurriedly transformed into a shield, behind which a new variety of managers — the dastardly communications cowards — learned to hide. When being disrespectful and deceitful or just ignoring questions and suggestions, this cyber curtain shelters them from real-life consequences of their behaviors. Corporate communications is the name; evading accountability is their game. Modern-day management has under-gone a transformation similar to that of var-ious delicious foods we used to enjoy — which regretfully have now had the flavor rendering “fat” removed. Now, we have a “lite” version of man-agers that canʼt even be trusted to honor notarized contracts, much less be counted on to tell the truth. Although they may look like the real thing, they have fewer ethics, less common sense and reduced courage and honor. Bosses Versus Leaders Bosses are never leaders; leaders are never bosses. It sounds confusing, but itʼs really not. Lacking the ability to inspire invention, bosses employ the evil twins of fear and greed to coerce compliance from employ-ees. Those tactics only serve to incite nega-tive emotions and are devastating to pro-duction. Like most of my learned colleagues in cleaning management, Iʼve obtained many an honorary Ph.D. from the “University of Hard Knocks” in the field of business. During my studies, I learned — albeit the hard way — that not all executives, direc-tors and managers are leaders. It would be a grievous faux pas to assume that just because someone obtained a position of authority within an organization they possess leadership abili-ty or integrity. Unfortunately, many of the people in todayʼs workforce have not had the opportunity to be inspired by an authentic leader. Common today are the self-serving boss-es that push employees to work harder, stay longer and do more for less — all so that bonuses can be paid exclusively to upper management and principals. A bossy mentality usually encourages employees to work just enough to not be fired. In such a world, where the meanings of words and actions are constantly being redefined in order to promote someoneʼs self-centered agenda, itʼs important for us to understand what a true leader is and isnʼt. about the size of your desk, your style or knowing the latest buzzwords. Leaders are listeners who donʼt talk just to hear the sound of their own voice. Leaders are generous and never operate on the premise of lack; they know thereʼs enough for everyone. Genuine leaders are courageous, never deciding an issue based on the popular point of view; rather, they take the fair, hon-est and equally equitable position. With Whom Are You Working? If your company uses e-mail and smart phones, are all levels of management expected to respond to calls and e-mails — regardless of the time of day or night — with an equal sense of urgency? Does any level of management in your company appear to have a sense of entitle-ment? If youʼve answered “yes” to those ques-tions, your company is most likely experi-encing a vacuum of leadership. Although the solution is not always sim-ple or obvious, the price of staying in a vac-uum is always costly, as it will suck out your energy and creativity. Do whatever you have to in order to advance a positive change towards authentic leadership. If youʼre the boss, get help and make the necessary changes to save yourself and your company. If the problem is someone else, try to inform them of the importance and rewards of leadership. When bosses canʼt be convinced to become leaders, moving on might be the only viable option remaining. What Is The Buzz About? Are you “in the loop” and “empowered,” or have you experienced a “disconnect?” Perhaps youʼre “moving forward,” “cir-cling back” or “reaching out.” Has “blue sky thinking” or “best prac-tices” produced “organic growth” for you? “At the end of the day,” “it is what it is” and no “contingency plan” or “exit strategy” will save you from the overused buzzwords and phrases employed in todayʼs work-place. Whether in person, on conference calls or in webinars, weʼre constantly bombard-ed with buzzwords. Extraordinarily, when used appropriately, buzzwords and phrases can be beneficial in conveying thoughts and ideas. However, in the majority of instances, buzzwords are tactically deployed by the generals of disingenuous dialect and become shields to deflect forthright inquiry and metaphors for misinformation. It Is Up To You Regardless of all the consequences, this vacuum of leadership was created one eth-ically deficient decision at a time over many years. With that in mind, itʼs understandable that we wonʼt resolve this challenge overnight. However, as responsible managers, we can begin to restore leadership to our industry with every fair, competent and principled choice we make. As for the future of the cleaning industry, itʼs up to you. CM True Leadership Leaders are inspirational visionaries that exemplify the pursuit of excellence. Living in their integrity, leaders consis-tently exhibit selfless courage, unquestion-able loyalty and the utmost respect for others. In contrast to rebelling against being pushed by bosses, employees gladly follow leaders and happily achieve the highest levels of productivity. Leadership is all about who you are, not www.cmmonline.com 35
CMM – Archives Apr 2010: 35
