Page 16 - How To Get Rich
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function in a way that will allow them to shine. Most people would rather
succeed than fail, but sometimes the leader has to be the catalyst for
putting success into their personal vocabulary.
In other words, try to see beyond a person’s title. You can find talent in
unlikely places.
Meredith McIver, Rhona Graff, and Norma Foerderer of The Trump
Organization.
Manage the Person, Not the Job
I once heard a story about a guy who owned an advertising agency.
There was one writer who drove the other writers crazy because he would
appear to be doing nothing in his office. He made no attempt to look busy.
Finally, his colleagues complained to his boss about his laziness. The
boss suddenly perked up and asked, How long has he been this way?
One of the other writers answered, For weeks and weeks! He sits there
and does zip. It’s like he’s in a coma.
The boss said, I want all of you to be quiet and not to disturb him, and
every now and then ask if you can get him some coffee or some lunch or
run some errands for him.
Needless to say, the employees were deflated and started grumbling.
Then the boss explained his rationale: Listen, the last time he was acting
this way, and the time before that, he came up with ideas worth many
millions of dollars. So when I tell you not to disturb him, I have a reason
for it.
People have different ways of achieving results. I enjoy figuring out
how each of my key employees excels. If people are your resource, you’d
better try to learn something useful about them. Being able to do so is
what makes a good manager a great one.
Some people respond well to the fear factor. Ever hear this ex-change?
Question:How long have you been working here?
Answer:Ever since they threatened to fire me.
Well, it applies to some employees. Fortunately, I seem to attract
people who enjoy working, but now and then a few slugs will show up, and
the loss of face (or job) can be a good motivator for many.
That said, it will always work against you to demoralize your
employees in any way. I can be tough, but most people will admit I’m fair.
You can crush people if you don’t weigh your words carefully. Your power