The Team Leadership Report

Philip II transformed Macedon from a struggling state with a weak military into one of the strongest kingdoms in Europe. He had planned to expand into Persia by the time of his death in 336 BC but his son, Alexander the Great, took up the mantle and produced the single greatest set of conquests the world had yet seen. Here are three terrific quotes from Philip of Macedonia. There is no wall that is high enough to stop a horse with a cart filled with gold. My boy, you must find a kingdom big enough for your ambitions.  An army of deer led by a lion is more to be feared than an army of lions led by a deer. While it may be true about a lion leading deer is to be feared, the most feared is a lion leading lions, something all great leaders aspire for.   Philip II of Macedonia: Greater than Alexander

To be effective, praise must be specific. No more,“GOOD JOBS”. AT one of California’s largest theme parks – run by a man-sized rodent—managers are told to avoid generic praise like “Good job.” Officials there have discovered that general praise can actually have a negative impact on employees. It’s true. Just imagine that you’ve been working hard all day, making sure rides are running smoothly, that guests are safe, that people are happy. You are hot. You’re hungry. And about fifteen kids in a row have rubbed cotton candy on your uniform. But , hey, you’re still smiling. Then your manager wanders by for the first time that day and fires off a glib, “Hey, Stevie. Good job, keep up the good work.” Your response: “That bozo has no idea what I’ve been doing.” Compare that with a manager who is watching your good work. Perhaps she comments, “Steve, I was really impressed with how you handled the guest at your ride during that break for maintenance. The folks seemed a little put o

The following is adapted from A Carrot a Day: A Daily Dose of Recognition for Your Employees by Adrian Gostick (Author), Chester E "Stop! Huddle up!" At one great grocery store chain in the heartland, employees and customers are encouraged to “huddle up” for recognition moments. Everything in the store stops for a few moments to recognize a great associate. What a great – and almost unheard of – idea. Simply stop. Stop chasing. Stop calling. Stop meeting. Stop worrying. Today, take a moment to stop what you are doing, call your people together, and give someone a much deserved pat on the back. It promises to be the start of something good. It is not how much we give but what we put into the giving.--Mother Teresa Put your heart into it. Sometimes it’s not so much what we say but how we say it. A sincere thank-you doesn’t come from a well-written script but from a sincere heart. Don’t worry that the words aren’t elegant; just make sure the feeling is right. You can hav

A parable I always use to make the point about the importance of discipline involves two young men, each of whom owned a new puppy. The first man showered his puppy with love and affection and allowed the dog to do whatever it wanted. No restrictions, only unconditional love and freedom. The other man loved his puppy as well but he also put a choke collar on the animal. Anytime the dog behaved improperly the young man would tug on the choke collar. It didn’t take long for that dog to realize there were limitations on his freedom. A year later, the second man was able to take the choke collar off the dog and the dog roamed the neighborhood. The owner didn’t worry, because he knew that the dog would obey his commands, that he wouldn’t bite anyone or destroy property and he wouldn’t abuse the freedoms his owner had given him. The dog understood this actions had consequences. The first man could not give his dog the same freedoms. If let loose, the first dog would have terrorized the