Salespeople go to sales schools and learn about the sales cycle; technologists study technology and continue updating their knowledge. Leadership, on the other hand, seems to be regarded as a talent. For most people, leadership can be a learned skill and perfected through practice, Bozeman said. But most people do not practice leadership. In the security industry, system integrators understand technology like access control and video analytics, but there was no program that trained them for leadership. So, PSA Security Network started one.
Salespeople go to sales schools and learn about the sales cycle; technologists study technology and continue updating their knowledge. Leadership, on the other hand, seems to be regarded as a talent. For most people, leadership can be a learned skill and perfected through practice, Bozeman said.
But most people do not practice leadership. In the security industry, system integrators understand technology like access control and video analytics, but there was no program that trained them for leadership. So, PSA Security Network started one.
During the presentation, Bozeman shared his experience in leadership and observations of leaders he had met.
1. DILIGENTLY CHOOSE WHO YOU FOLLOW
Bozeman asked, "Who do you follow?" He pointed out that research has shown that the average income of your Top-5 friends is roughly your income.
Great minds think alike, and so do stupid ones. Since people are highly influenced by the people around them, one would be wise to choose which people to hang around.
2. BE SELF-AWARE
Perception is reality, Bozeman said. A good leader should be constantly self-aware of how s/he is portrayed to others. He mentioned tone of voice, eye contact, productivity, body language and punctuality are all factors that affect others' opinion toward you.
3. NOT JUST TALK
Walking the walk may not guarantee that people will follow, but it is possibly the best bet to achieve such a result.
4. SEE THE BIG PICTURE
A leader should study industry trends and identify changes in customer expectations to generate new business opportunities.
5. ANTICIPATE CHALLENGES
Prepare yourself and your team for challenging work by providing training, resources and communicating expectations. Analyze the strengths and weaknesses in the team and offset the weaknesses by emphasizing the strengths.
6. SEIZE OPPORTUNITIES
Increase efficiency, explore new vertical markets and explore new offerings. One thing Bozeman placed emphasis on was to take the initiative to change things that bug you. "If you don't have the guts to ask respectfully and professionally, don't complain."
7. DEMONSTRATE CONCERN
Listen, ask questions, encourage and show gratitude.
8. ESTABLISH DIRECTION
A leader should be able to set a smart goal, chart the course and, most importantly, take the first step. A smart goal is a goal that is specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and timely.
9. COLLABORATE
Being a leader is about, well, leading. Present the current circumstance to your team and illustrate the opportunities. Present your smart goals, and ask how to achieve them. Be open-minded and foster creativity in the process, and do not fuss over mistakes.
10. REWARD
Leaders should acknowledge and reward their teams for good decisions, honesty, efforts, results and teamwork. Bozeman ended the session with an inspiring quote from Martin Luther King Jr.: "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."