We all come out of our schooling to progress in the work place. So, what do we do…well, we follow the lead of a so called “leader”. We are taught at an early age that we just need to listen and follow. However, we get older and it becomes clear the game changes. You may realize that your leaders were incompetent and led by intimidation.  There are elements to life after college that are not taught through-out the college years, like leading in the workplace and with a family. Many people who get married and start families or who are thrust into leadership positions in business, do not have that training. Leaders in sports or other organizations usually continue as leaders and followers usually continue to follow.

You cannot lead your family or your office like you led your basketball or football team. Without being able to adjust, at home you will have hen-pecked, miserable spouses and children. At work, you will have miserable workers who will screw you at any turn or who will take advantage of you.

This is not to say that by being a team captain or whatever , you have not learned anything. However, barking at your spouse to cover you while you go for the touchdown may require a different approach. You can change. It maybe hard for you to believe that you can see the office or your family as being different than your first forays into leadership but you can grow, you can improve.

Yes, you can…..and you can lead with respect and dignity.

Teach your children and the people who work for you the ropes so they can have a brain. Show them in the nicest way possible they lack social couth. Let them know they are making others sickly yellow and are a cancer to the room. However, do it with respect.  You are of much greater value when you contribute with respect vs when you take the safe road. Be bold with integrity and respect. It can be done. I do it all day. And yes….it has gotten me in trouble. I have made mistakes. However, if integrity makes me a menace then I am glad to carry on that very deadly trait. However, there are good leaders in companies and you can’t throw them all under the bus. However, it is interesting to see people rise up in an organization that provide little to no direction. It is so important to operate like a leader both at home and at the work place while respecting people.

Please note: That any suggestions are based on personal experiences and knowledge garnered from self-education. Neither Menofvalue.com or Brad Weisman offer any guarantees or are responsible for the consequences for any advice taken.