The Team Member

As you have been reading through Jeff's daily blogs, I thought it would be interesting for you to hear from one of his team members. Working with Jeff and then directly for him for the past eight years in an administrative capacity, I feel I have a keen insight into what it really is like working for a true leader. First of all, there is the absolute joy of working in an environment that acknowledges extra efforts and new ideas. You relish new projects and always enjoy those "extra-mile" efforts because you know your endeavors are appreciated. Leaders know how to express what they want and then will get out of your way so you can do it; they greet you with a smile, lean forward when they’re having conversations with you as if your every word was important, frequently ask your opinion and often inquire as to how you’re doing, laugh with you, empathize with you, give you those friendly, all-knowing looks that affirm that you are in their inner circle, praise you first and then give you their constructive criticism, allow you to fly like an eagle while still being able to rein you in so that your project stays within feasible parameters, increase your self-confidence, and instill in you such a passion for what you do for a living that each day in their employment is received by you as a gift. Each senior manager in this company to whom I have given administrative support has been such a leader. Why, because leaders at the very top raise up others to have the same leadership skills. What is not naturally ingrained in the team member is taught and personified by the leader. Work becomes fun and the stress and timelines of large-scale projects are alleviated by a cohesive effort, an old-fashioned team spirit and a little humor.

"The great leaders are like the best conductors - they reach beyond the notes to reach the magic in the players." -Blaine Lee