Tim McDermott “Leadership Proverbs”

Being a leader requires wisdom.  The good news as Christ-followers is that we can ask God for wisdom and He will give it to us.  (James 1:5 and Proverbs 2:6).  I am no Solomon, but I have learned some things over the years that I believe can help you as a leader.   Some of these I learned the hard way through mistakes – which I hope you will never make.  So here you go – in no particular order – a little original leadership wisdom – on a lot of topics. 

1. Every question from your staff doesn’t demand an immediate answer. You have the right to think about it and get back to them on your timetable. 

2. It’s more time efficient to go to an employee’s office for a discussion. If you go to them in their office, you have the power to leave when you want to.

3. If someone comes to visit you in your office, then the way to get them to leave is to stand up.

4. It doesn’t matter how many billboards or social media posts you have – it matters what they say.   Just as in programming, content is king so your marketing message has to sing.  

5. As a leader, don’t be the first person to answer a staff question in a group setting. No one else will offer anything after you spoke on the issue. 

6. Your most important leadership is spiritual leadership – never delegate it.

7. Return emails, texts and phone calls within 24 hours. Even if it’s to let them know you will get back to them later.  

8. Keep employee problems to yourself. They shouldn’t be shared with other employees. Otherwise, they will know that if you talk about another employee, you will talk about them.

9. Refrain from putting down your board in front of your staff. You’re setting an example to your staff letting them know it’s okay to put down authority – so they are free to put you down. 

10. Your closest friends can’t be your employees.

11. Don’t start a meeting by saying – “this meeting will be short”. Those tend to go the longest.

12. Never answer a question people aren’t asking.

With over 40 years of leadership experience in the broadcasting industry, Tim loves helping CEO’s grow their organization.  He can be reached at Tim@TMcDermottCPA.com