Are You A V.I.P. Leader?
By Barbara Brown, Ph.D.

"The future belongs to those who see
possibilities before they become obvious."
-John Sculley, Apple Computer

Success in the workplace requires a "take charge" mentality. That is, you must manage your career, your relationships, and your performance. To do this, you need a vision of future possibilities, an ability to influence others, and the capacity to maximize contributions. These are the core skills of V.I.P. Leaders-Visioning, Influencing, and Performing.

All managers are not leaders. And all leaders are not V.I.P. Leaders. However, everyone-managers and non-managers-has the potential to become a V.I.P. Leader. How? Use the following four strategies:

(1) Model the Broad Behaviors of V.I.P. Leaders:
A V.I.P. Leader is any employee, managerial or non-managerial, who pursues workplace goals by embracing the contributions of others, by creating a link between individual and organizational goals, and by maximizing opportunities for optimal performance in others and themselves.

(2) Model the Specific V.I.P. Behavior of Visioning:
V.I.P. Leaders have a vision of their future as well as the future of their organization. They know where they are headed and can assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that impact their success. V.I.P. Leaders use this information to develop strategies to stay on the right track and ensure that the tactics they are using to achieve personal and professional goals are directly aligned with the needs of the organization. Their vision drives performance and focus. V.I.P. Leaders stay prepared to meet challenges and take advantage of opportunities.

(3) Model the Specific V.I.P. Behavior of Influencing:
V.I.P. Leaders establish and maintain collaborative relationships with all organization stakeholders and customers. They maintain professional working relationships with individuals and groups within and outside the organization. V.I.P. Leaders provide support to others and strive for win-win relationships. They recognize the value of others' contributions and find commonalities that will allow for successful outcomes.

(4) Model the Specific V.I.P. Behavior of Performing:
V.I.P. Leaders continually search for ways to enhance performance. They actively seek opportunities to learn and positively impact results. V.I.P. Leaders understand the value of goal setting, and consistently implement performance and developmental strategies that result in desired outcomes. They know what they want their organization, departments, divisions, or offices to look like in the future and understand what it takes to make that vision a reality. V.I.P. Leaders recognize that individual success is directly related to group and organizational success. Top

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PERMISSION TO REPRINT: Articles, Tips, and Tools can be reprinted in company newsletters or magazines. If placed electronically, a Live Link to Dr. Brown's website must be included. Please use the following credit for every item: Dr. Barbara Brown shows organizations how to use High-Performance Leadership to create the kind of links among people, goals & performance that produce positive results. For more tips, visit: www.DrBarbaraBrown.com or email: Barbara@DrBarbaraBrown.com.