Lean Quote: Influence Other People to Do a Better Job, Share Best Practices

On Fridays I will post a Lean related Quote. Throughout our lifetimes many people touch our lives and leave us with words of wisdom. These can both be a source of new learning and also a point to pause and reflect upon lessons we have learned. Within Lean active learning is an important aspect on this journey because without learning we can not improve.

"Every time you influence other people to do a better job, you increase your value; Don’t be afraid to share best practices."   —  Amy Sommerville   

Amy Somerville, a professional development executive and seasoned leader (and current CEO of Success Enterprises) shares what LIVE means to her:

LIVE = Lead, Inspire, provide Value, and Empathize

Lead – When leading, or being effectively led, a vision will be realized along with a sense of satisfaction

Inspire – When inspiring others, or being inspired, there’s a feeling of wholeness

Value – There’s a sense of fulfillment when one feels valued

Empathy – Provides a sense of purpose to both the giver and receiver

She keeps this acronym posted in her office (and has for years) and uses it to help maintain her focus. Ms. Somerville regularly assesses whether she is adhering to what the acronym stands for, and if she goes off course, she makes the time to adjust to whatever challenge she may be facing.

Being a leader means helping those you are leading achieve more than you, caring about their aspirations more than your own. She says her job today is not about her career, it’s about making sure her team has everything they need to be successful. 

She also shares that leaders must:

• Help those they are leading achieve more than themself

• Care about the aspirations of all team members

• Provide team members with everything they need to be successful

• Commit to developing others

• Promote their people

• Be authentic

When you become a manager or team leader, your job is to develop those you are bringing up. You may no longer get to do the tasks you once loved, and that is okay. Your responsibilities are much bigger and more rewarding.