Continually inspired by Tom Peters in many ways I ran into a post of his recently that I wanted to share with you. I am not sure that I could agree with him more on this issue.--------------------------------------- Before joining the ranks of the self-employed, I spent about 25 years working for only four "bosses." All four expected excellence (and a lot of it), and all four got what they wanted from me. Numbers 2 and 3 were always right, condescending and incapable of letting anyone else make decisions. I left each of them as soon as it was economically feasible to do so. Numbers 1 and 4 were respectful, appreciative and smart enough to know they didn't know everything. I would have worked forever for either of them, had they not moved on to other things.

Theodore Roosevelt summed it up nicely: The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men [or women] to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it.

Certainly, this is nothing new to Tom Peters readers, just a reminder that leadership by intimidation and micro-management may seem to get the results you're looking for, but in the long run, the best people will leave you and look for someone who leads by inspiration and empowerment. --------------------------------------- Don’t fall into this common leadership trap. Be a motivator, inspirer and empowerer, not a brow beating, fear laden leader. Don’t forget, leadership is not about the short term results, this is a marathon that we are running, lead accordingly.

Lead On!