How can leaders positively influence others in the workplace?

Etech’s 12 Character Commitments: Part – 1

Over 12 years ago we made the decision to implement a new philosophy on leadership supporting our vision to make a remarkable difference for each other, our customers, and within our communities. Our goal was to inspire Etech’s leadership team to embrace the challenge to conform our company to a servant-led organization. The pillars of Etech’s servant leadership culture are our 12 leadership commitments.

Those commitments are:

• Being a positive influence
• Valuing others
• Leading with integrity
• Leading with humility
• Leading with courage
• Being a team player
• Communicate well
• Hold yourself and others accountable
• Adapt to change
• Be a lifelong learner
• Be creative
• Embrace, live, and cast our vision

Over the next 12 weeks, I will address each of the pillars and provide some examples of what that means at Etech. I encourage each of you to read, embrace, and self-evaluate. I would be honored to hear your thoughts or feedback.

What is Positive Influence?

We will start with being a positive influence at work. When I visit centers and ask, “which pillar is most important to you?”, being a positive influence is the one mentioned most frequently. So why not start here?

Being positive is more than being a cheerleader or an encourager. While those things are important, there is much more to consider. Here are some examples of what it means to be a positive influence at Etech.

1. Act as a role model: Set a positive example by adhering to company core values, demonstrating a strong work ethic, not engaging in or tolerating gossip, and going the extra mile to help others.
2. Maintain a positive attitude: Always look for the good in any situation or individual. Be an optimistic realist no matter how challenging the task is ahead.
3. Give specific compliments often, openly, and authentically to others.
4. Listen to your team member’s ideas and feedback and be open to new approaches.
5. Foster a collaborative environment by encouraging and empowering team members to work together.
6. Provide constructive feedback in a timely, caring, and private manner. The more your team knows you care, the more willing they will be to embrace your feedback. Praise and teach publicly, construct individuals privately.
7. Show appreciation often for hard work and efforts.
8. Celebrate successes publicly and frequently. Recognize individual accomplishments.

I hope this gives you some ideas to contemplate as we head full steam ahead into 2023.

Until next time, may you continue to make a difference in the lives of the people you touch each day.