GPP/PLF Leadership Observations from 2009 by Ryan Walters
6 KEY Leadership Observations in 2009 to power your SUCCESS in 2010! Ryan Walter
Good Leadership is the unseen key behind all success. Poor leadership or lack of leadership is evident to
everyone in the midst of failure. We readily sense when leadership is missing but hardly notice it when all is
flowing well. Here are some random observations and ideas to help you take notice of your leadership and
ramp up your success in 2010:
1-“Rules without Relationship Leads to Rebellion” - Andy Stanley
I like the way Andy Stanley phrases that. Civil, corporate or family order is important but relationships are
KING. John Maxwell says, “People don’t care what you say until they know that you care.”
Performance is often dependent on how people “feel” at any given time. When relationships are “ON” people
feel better about themselves and their environment and stay on top of their game longer.
2-"Most anyone can stand adversity, but to test a man's character give him power." Abraham Lincoln
Power is the great leadership differentiator. Some people use power for personal gain, others use their power
for the good of the whole. Power is part of leadership and the way we use or abuse the power we are given
defines our leadership.
3-Leaders facilitate their team’s Energy-Generation Station
I believe that all people who are directly connected to team (which is all people!) either supply energy or suck
energy. Leaders influence both inwardly and outwardly-directed team energy. Leaders must therefore
constantly observe the team energy flow and influence the direction in which it is coming or going. I have
heard it said that there are two types of people on every team: thermostats or thermometers; one measures the
temperature and the other influences it. I disagree. We all do both. Players know the temperature of the team
and actively or passively influence its fluctuation.
4-Great Leaders know they don't have all the answers
Influence comes from not trying to have all the answers because, realistically, no one leader can. Today’s
world is too complex for one person to rule. Have the “MEETING” before you have the “MEETING!”
In other words, what I now do is first have the influencing group in to discuss their ideas around the subject
that I need to meet on. I develop a consensus or direction with this group, and then meet with the larger group.
Having participated in creating the answers, these influencers will now help send and support the message.
NHL Coach Dave King calls this technique “developing Carriers” and it works!
5-Leaders inspire their people to focus on solutions rather than complaints
People focus on what is wrong in their environment unless they are constantly reminded of where the group is
heading and are invited to be part of the solution. Solutions come from input. If leaders rule with a
my-way-or-the-highway approach they receive NO input and little focus on solution.
6-Great leaders know that success is a process, not a destination
John Wooden, the legendary UCLA basketball coach, never focused on winning. He said, “I don’t worry too
much about winning or losing. I worry (or focus) a lot on practicing the details that give us the win.” This is a
leadership GIFT from the world of sport. As soon as athletes focus on the prize they take their eyes off the
process that gets them the prize.
Some leaders categorize people as “winners or losers,” and this disappoints me. All of us are in the process of
winning or losing throughout our lifetime. Pat Quinn mounted this great quote on the wall of his coach’s
office: “A failed project is not a failed person.”Each of us is on the process road… Great Leaders help keep
people focused on the “details” that give them the win!
I have closely watched these 6 leadership characteristics play out over the past 12 months across different
teams in the NHL. Your team is no different than my team. These concepts create same or similar outcomes
because of the “human factor.” We are all, at any moment, leading or being led.
If truth be told… every hour, every day, every season, every year… we are doing both!
"Nothing is more powerful for your future than being a gatherer of good ideas and information. That's called
doing your homework."
- Jim Rohn
1. Describe a specific example of a relationship from your experience where a leader has “Rules without
relationships” and has created a negative tone on a team, in a class, or in a relationship.
2. Describe a specific example of a relationship from your experience where a person’s character was tested by
giving them power and that has created a positive tone on a team, in a class, or in a relationship.
3. Describe a specific example of how a good leader can encourage members of a team or class to generate
energy rather than to “suck energy” from the relationship.
4. Describe a specific example of a relationship from your experience where a leader realizes that they do not
have all of the answers and welcomes input from members on a team, in a class, or in a relationship.
5. Describe a specific example of a relationship from your experience where a leader allows people to focus on
complaints rather than solutions.
6. Describe a specific example of how a leader can encourage members of a group to focus on the details and the
process that will lead to success even if you don’t “win” in every situation.
GPP/PLF Leadership Observations from 2009 by Ryan Walters
Answer Section
SHORT ANSWER
1. ANS:
Specific information about negative, autocratic relationships are required.
PTS: 1
2. ANS:
Specific information about someone using power for the good of the whole are required.
PTS: 1
3. ANS:
Specific information about how a leader monitors energy flow and encourages energy “suppliers” on a team
are required.
PTS: 1
4. ANS:
Specific information about someone who is receptive to input from the team and reaches consensus are
required.
PTS: 1
5. ANS:
Specific information about someone who allows complaints and negativism to develop in a group are
required.
PTS: 1
6. ANS:
Specific details about how a leader encourages people to focus on the process and the details that will
improve performance and lead to success rather than strictly winning or losing.
PTS: 1