Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/513891
May 18 - June 8, 2015 19 Working World l WorkingWorld.com CAREER TRAINING problem that has been improperly, inadequately, or incorrectly diagnosed. Before assistance is formally acquired, they should answer the question: "What do you want to accomplish?" With this simple question clarified, a decision can be made on what is the fastest and the most effective way to achieve the desired outcome. CRITICAL MISTAKE #4: WEARING THE WRONG HAT Vision caster. Trainer. Monitor. Cheerleader. Fixer. Disciplinarian. Which hat do you wear? All of them and more! This dilemma is further augmented by the maturity, or immaturity as the case may be, of your team. The challenge is not only in knowing what hat you are to wear, but it's also critical to wear the right hat at the right time. If your team is newly formed, it's important to be participatory in your leadership style regardless of the hat you are wearing. As your team develops and establishes appropriate parameters, your style shifts to a hands-on leader. You then can transition to a benevolent dictator as you ensure the appropriate focused action of your team. When your team matures and is highly functioning, your style shifts to free rein leadership as you equip the team to be self-sustaining. Your style shifts. Your hats change. Your leadership flexibility is regularly challenged. Change hats as often as the fluidity of circumstances dictates and be cognizant of the leadership style required based upon the developmental maturity of your team. CRITICAL MISTAKE #5: NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY There are things you cannot control. Stop wasting time and precious emotional energy on these things. There are things you can influence. Stop being passive on the things you can influence. There are things you can control. Stop making excuses for the things you can control. Get busy and act! Take responsibility for your own actions, attitudes and words. Leverage your influence as a leader. Lead by example. Avoid these five common critical mistakes and leverage your powerful positive influence as a leader. As you do, instead of people withdrawing, disengaging or leaving, they will passionately follow you. You are the most important element of the success of your team. Remember: your people want you to lead! ABOUT THE AUTHOR: David Waits, founder of Waits Consulting Group, Inc., is a highly sought after consultant, speaker and author. As a proven expert in developing powerful initiatives that revolutionize culture, Da- vid helps his clients create a thriving organizational environment that facilitates rapid growth, innovative development and on- going profitability. He has worked with clients in all 50 states, including Quest Diagnostics, General Dynamics, Major League Baseball, Walmart, Walt Disney World and numerous other world-class organizations. For more information, visit www.Da- vidWaits.com. The Paralegal Training Program will prepare you for success in this growing career fi eld. You'll learn about the American legal system, how to conduct legal research and legal interviews, how to perform legal analyses, and more. Your training will prepare you to become a fi rst rate paralegal. Only $294/mo. PROFESSIONAL PARALEGAL ACADEMY Classes start very soon and seating is extremely limited. Please Call Today. This is a 'Premier Program' Change your life in only 11 Months! Monday/Wednesday nights & most Saturday mornings. CLASSES START IN A FEW DAYS! CALL TODAY 310-434-3410 REGISTER ONLINE 24/7 legalfi eldcareers.com You can NOW transfer credits towards an Associate's or Bachelor's Degree at selected colleges STUDIES SHOW THAT WITH THIS TYPE OF PROGRAM STUDENTS WILL EARN MORE THAN COLLEGE GRADS! PARALEGAL TRAINING