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Tom Peters' 18 Number Ones!
There is no higher calling than to lead people. Embrace the opportunity and thank people for allowing you to lead.
At age 77, author and business management guru Tom Peters is not slowing down. And why should he? He has a powerful, timeless message for anyone who wants to improve his or her skills in business, leadership, and life. Peters doesn’t preach the same-old cliches. Instead, he continually reinvents himself with fresh approaches. Peters has also been a trailblazer for promoting women in the workplace, largely because his research has indicated that females are more effective leaders than men.
One of his best declarations, which he wrote last year, is titled The Eighteen Number Ones, in which he lays out 18 habits one should practice daily. While not every principle may apply to you, each forces us to think of ways we can improve, even if only slightly.
The following are 5 of The Eighteen Number Ones that are vital to our daily flow and productivity:
TRAINING. We all need to spend more time training our staff, teaching our teachers, to improve their craft. This notion of letting the coaches coach sounds excellent. However, if the message or the delivery does not echo the philosophy set forth, what benefit do the students, players, and team members receive?
WTTMSW. The initials stand for Peters’s belief, “Whoever Tries The Most Stuff Wins.” Trying new ideas is not harmful as long as they fit within the framework or boundaries of the overall philosophy. Trying is just the first stage — implementation can only occur after a complete understanding.
SLOW DOWN. Listen more, take time to learn about the people that you work with, understand their strengths and weaknesses. Building relationships helps spread the culture.
EXCELLENCE IS THE NEXT FIVE MINUTES. Whatever you do, whether it’s a simple email or a lengthy project, make sure it’s your best work. Short-term behavior allows long-term habits to form.
LEADING IS A HUMAN MAXIMIZATION ACTIVITY. Peters believes there is no higher calling than to lead people. Embrace the opportunity and thank people for allowing you to lead by sending them notes of praise. Hand-written thank you notes matter.
You are never too old to change your habits. Remember, leadership begins with empathy. Make sure you are taking time to show the ones you lead how much you care about them.
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