Pursuit of Excellence

www.inc.com/marcel-schwantes/5-signs-youre-going-to-fail-as-a-leader.html

The best leaders I have witnessed over the years are committed to understanding how to meet the needs of employees from every generation. Have you noticed how drastically different a Millennial needs to be led versus, say, a baby boomer? I have also noticed that the best leaders have a keen sense of the things they need to avoid doing to keep leading at a high level. This is the focus of my article today. There are five mistakes that leaders can hurt overall morale: squashing the talents and strengths of team members, hoarding information, micromanaging, getting the last word, and not making themselves available. It’s important for a leader to recognize the unique gifts of each employee and put them in position to not just succeed but lead as well. Bringing out the best in each employee will not only increase productivity, but efficiency as well. “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:13-14 NIV). Hoarding information can kill trust, but a leader who is willing to share and be transparent will create a more relaxed work environment. Micro-managing is about power and there are three ways to avoid this tendency. First is by being a part of the hiring process and making sure the person fits the culture. Second is by making sure the team is trained properly and ensuring there is a process in place that encourages a team environment. Finally listen to feedback and fulfilling staff needs as needed and making sure that the added staff is equipped and empowered. Getting the last word exhibits the possibility of low emotional intelligence. This type of leader doesn’t have a vision, and doesn’t listen to the collective voice of the team in pursuing the vision. By doing these things, the team will not feel respected or cared for. It’s important as a leader to make yourself available and to allow one on one time with team members to show you do care. The best way to do these meeting is by building a time margin of at least 15 minutes into your schedule.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/ceciliarodriguez/2016/08/20/at-1-1-billion-the-most-expensive-house-in-the-world-in-france-goes-to-market

What can justify a $1.1 billion price tag for a house? Before searching for the features behind the number, let’s clarify that in this case, “the house” is rather a large, opulent mansion on the French Côte d’Azur, set in a “small” privileged refuge between Nice and Monaco frequently described as the ‘billionaires’ playground.’ First, there’s the house itself, with the understated name Villa Les Cèdres—The Cedars—at the center of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, known in French as a “presqu’île,” or “almost island.” This magnificent property in the French press has 10 bedrooms, a ballroom, concierge, a chapel, 50-meter swimming pool dug into the rocks, a winter garden, and stables for 30 horses. One of its most valuable aspects is its botanical garden with 35 acres and 20 greenhouses, which is overseen by 15 gardeners and features 15,000 rare tropical species. Then there’s the location. Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat now has the most expensive price per square meter—more than €200,000 at the top end—in the world, according to le-gotha.com: “More than 50 of the most beautiful villas of the 600 on the presqu’île are worth their weight in gold. This property has been visited by various celebrities and has its own unique history. The fact that this property is listed at this price shows the value of real estate, and is a reminder that value is in the eye of the beholder.

If you have a prayer request, or if you’re in need of a financial checkup you can reach me in the contact me section.

For this week, I’ve included an animated book review of Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill from the FightMediocrity Youtube channel.

“But those who want the best for me, Let them have the last word—a glad shout!— and say, over and over and over, ” GOD is great—everything works together for good for his servant.” I’ll tell the world how great and good you are, I’ll shout Hallelujah all day, every day.”

Psalm 35:27-28 MSG