Today, I had the privilege of meeting and being interviewed by Dr. John E. Harmon, Sr. IOM of the African American Chamber of Commerce of NJ. On a leadership Monday, I wanted to reflect on Dr. Harmon's warm greeting, witty sense of humor, presence, and ability to make a new business owner feel at home.
Dr. John E. Harmon, Sr. IOM, is the Founder, President, and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ). In this role, Dr. Harmon is responsible for establishing, implementing, and executing the mission of AACCNJ, amongst other duties. Dr. Harmon remains diligent in constructing strategic partnerships in the public and private sectors to connect AACCNJ members and supporters to resources and opportunities to grow and sustain their goals and objectives. In addition, Dr. Harmon serves as an advocate on behalf of 1.1 million African American residents who call NJ home and represents the interests of over 70,000 black-owned businesses statewide to ensure that policy at the municipal county. County and federal levels provide fairness, equity, and access to a level playing field in the marketplace.
Today, I had the opportunity to witness Dr. Harmon's leadership style in action. My interaction with Dr. Harmon today is incorporated into this reflection. With more than 40 years in various leadership positions, Dr. Harmon displayed a leader who is charismatic, confident, candid, and conscious of the lives that he impacts daily through his decisions. This brings me to CPR's Leadership Monday, where we continue to consider evolving into Moral and Ethical leaders by simply doing the work daily. CPR's lenses are on Siteware's (2019) online publication on 25 techniques a leader may apply daily to enhance one's leadership style.
1- Don’t try to impose yourself
It would be best if you didn’t think that leading through the power of a position is a suitable method. An authoritarian manager ends up discouraging and undermining their team’s innovation potential.
2. Increase your knowledge (always)
A leader must seek ways to improve their leadership skills.
3- Know your team
To lead, it is imperative to know whom you are leading. Therefore, seek to understand the particularities and needs of each person in your team.
4- Flexibility
Don’t try to limit yourself to stringent rules. Understand that changes are common and that maintaining a conservative stance may slow progress.
5- Admit your own mistakes
Did you make a mistake? Admit it and correct it.
6- Know how to listen
Understanding that a leadership position does not mean that subordinate opinions should not be heard.
7- Focus on people
In addition to knowing details and listening to their team, a leader must consistently maintain contact with their collaborators.
8- Lead by the example
Do you require punctuality? Be on time, inspire those you lead, and gain their trust.
9- Act with balance
Try always to maintain balance and emotional intelligence and not exaggerate concerning the people you lead.
10- Know how to set goals
It is no use stipulating goals that cannot be achieved. Know your business and your team and know how to set achievable goals.
11- Do not make public criticisms
Avoid criticism in public. Talk directly to the employee and make the necessary assessments and criticisms privately.
12- Understand the market
Always stay current with information about socioeconomic factors, competitors, and customers.
13- Encourage participation and teamwork
By encouraging the participation of your employees, you create a more active, engaged, and motivated team.
14- Delegate responsibilities
Delegating responsibilities is one of the most expressive leadership techniques, as it assists in your employees' development and professional maturation.
15- Attention to feedback
Feedback is essential to maintaining good people management: Give feedback through individual conversations and always take into account factual data to prove your assessment.
16- Recognize your employees
Recognize your employees! Follow the internal rules established by the company and put into practice incentive campaigns for good results.
17- Organizational Climate Surveys
To know how to lead is to know how to analyze the climate of your team.
18- Know how to communicate
Knowing how to communicate is essential.
19- Do not postpone decision making
Do not put off making decisions – even if the issues involve some complexity.
20- Take care of strategic planning
To make sound decisions and build goals that guide the activities of your employees, it is imperative to know how to plan them.
21- Understand group expectations of you
Understand the expectations your team has about your leadership.
22- Do not assume responsibilities that have been delegated to someone else
Avoid taking on assignments that you have delegated to someone else. Learn how to manage the situation even when the results are not coming off as expected.
23- Have a sense of priority
What is the most urgent task? Learn how to classify activities concerning priority.
24- Learn how to plan in advance
Do not delegate tasks right before they’re due. Instead, delegate them in advance.
25- Train the team and identify talent
A good leader is a professional who seeks to train their employees.
Thank you, Dr. Harmon and AACCNJ family, for welcoming CPR LLC to the family of business leaders in the Northeast.
Warm Regards,