Recently, Joseph DeMattos, Jr., MA president of the Health Facilities Association of Maryland (HFAM), interviewed Mike Gill, President and Chairman of Evergreen Advisors on leadership and how Mike stays sharp on a daily basis.
Here is an excerpt from the interview and some self-reflective thoughts as we all start to reflect on 2012 and look forward to 2013.
What are the three things or actions a person could take to launch their own individual “American Recovery” in 2013?
MG: Let me use three of the six of The Big Six, to answer this. Jack Welch introduced us to The Big Six over twenty-five years ago. They are ageless and timeless. I want you to look at them through the eyes of the individual and not an enterprise.
Number 1: Face Reality as it is not as it was or you wish it were.
There’s a reason why this one is listed first in the Big Six. Bad things happen, we understand that. But here’s what 8 out of 10 people do when the unexpected occurs-they spend the majority of their time either trying to figure out who to blame or determining “cause” rather than immediately thinking, “let’s fix it”-maybe make it better. You convert negative energy into positive energy and get better results faster. If you’re one of the 2 out of 10 that takes that approach, kudo’s.
Number 2: Control your own destiny or someone else will.
I’m amazed by how many people suffer from the dreaded disease of “victimitis” You need to take accountability for yourself and “Take Charge”. What I observe are people “trying” to control their destiny after an event has occurred that they had anticipated all along. The DNA of too many people is to be reactive. Tell yourself, now….Take Charge! It’s a healthy way to live and you’ll like the results much better
Number 3: Be candid with everyone.
Tell the truth and tell it now. People want to know what you really think and feel-if you have people that work for you, be candid. Offer honest feedback and help them be successful. Constructive comments are a good thing. If your team’s productivity is important-you’ll be amazed by the results you get when you layout the issues, refocus on the goals and then work diligently to achieve them
What are the three top attributes to successful leadership?
MG: I could name three other attributes and “argue” why they are the three most important-but these struck me first.
- Confidence
- Unselfishness
- Action
Confidence-no disagreement there. Generals, coaches, CEO’s, mothers and fathers…….
When leaders have confidence and competency, I like their chances to WIN. They will be obstacles along the way but confident leaders never take their eyes off the target
Unselfishness-in other words that I think of Humility, Accountability, Us not me, We not I. I love it, egoism is an illness. Great expression, “if you help others to get what they want you will get what you want as well-just make sure you get it in the right order
Action– I heard a great expression today, “don’t confusion motion with action” They say you can’t steal second base without taking your foot off first. When you take action-whatever the situation is, people follow.
How do you stay sharp?
MG: I answer questions like these that friends send me so I can remind myself what’s important…haha
On the taking care of my myself, 6-7 hours of sleep, workout 4X a week, watch the calories, moderate consumption of alcohol. But let me give you a some other thoughts; stay away from negative people, there are many out there, they’re the devil, going nowhere and want to take you with them.
Be positive…all the time! You’ll feel good, be productive and so will others around you.