October 13, 2007
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LEADERSHIP 
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It's tough to be a leader. Even tougher in the corporate/business world. There's tons of books out there about leadership skills...some good (or decent), some bad. I've read my share, as they are a requirement in the job that I have. In fact, we review these books on a weekly basis. It really irritates me, but I play the game. The biggest problem I have with these books is that it seems that nobody has anything original to say. All these books follow this format:
"In his book, Good To Great, so and so says..."
"Dr So And So, explains it like this in his book Talkin' Out Of My Ass, blah, blah, blah..."
"In his book, Bland Shit I Heard From Someone Once, he states that..."
And this is what they are all about. Everyone requoting each other and selling book after book, about the same, rehashed, tired, and boring shit. But I guess that I should glad that at least they are trying to help us become good "leaders."
I have to tell you, no matter how many books I read, I stick to my own ideas. Yeah, they're modified versions of what I learned in a past life of wickedness...but effective, none the less. Maybe I should write a book..."Everything I Learned About Leadership, I Learned In A Gang." But really, who would buy a book like that, especially from someone named Miguel? I'd have to use a fake name like Michael Anderson, or John Smith...to fool people into thinking I was something other than one of those Mexican hooligans. I'd also have to change the title. Oh well. Will you please just get on with what you're saying Miguel? Yes, hold on...I do have a point. I just had to give you a little intro.
I define leadership or a leader as someone who inspires and has the ability to make others follow them. Someone who instills a vision that people want to achieve. The problem is that this is no easy task when one removes fear from the equation. Because fear is one hellava (yes that's a word) motivator. People must also respect and trust you in order for you to be a good leader. We're in for a long post aren't we Miguel? Yes, you are. Okay, not really.
This is easily (relatively speaking) achieved with violence and an intemperate disposition. It doesn't take long. But earning that same amount of respect and admiration in the corporate/business world is not so easily achieved. But here is a quick list of things that both worlds share:
* Never ask anyone to do something you wouldn't be willing to do yourself. Prove it.
* Keep your word, no matter what. If you say you're going to do something DO IT.
* Realize that everyone has potential and is important in some way. Make sure they know it.
* Publicly recognize accomplishments
* Don't ever become complacent.
It would take me forever (to write) to give you examples of all of these things...and it would take you forever to read it. So, just take my word for it, or don't. Just a tip from your uncle Miguel.
***EDIT 1**************
I was asked a question via private messages. I was wondering when or if someone would ask about the milk carton and jail cell picture. I think very few people would've ever got that. Let me explain. Prison is a testing ground. It's bad for people with gang affiliations, but even worse for those who are just individuals. Among other things, people will test you by extortion, taxing, or just plain stealing. Cells are unlocked during certain hours and therefore, any possessions that you have will get stolen. It's almost a guarantee. In fact, some inmates will steal anything from new inmates without worry. They casually stroll into the cells and help themselves to anything they want. They are usually connected and therefore considered untouchable. That is a problem. However, some people simply will not accept the inevitable. They bow to no man. So they usually take a milk carton and cut off the top. They then tie it to the outside of the cell bars using a small to towel or string. They then place a personal belonging in it (usually something they could live without in case it was stolen) and wait for it to get stolen. This is a challenge to everyone of these prison thieves. It sends a message...which more often than not, is seen as a bluff. It tells them that there will be serious repercussions for anyone who steals from that person. By placing an item outside like that, he's saying that he's not the one to steal from. Kind of like saying, I dare you to steal from me. If the item/items get stolen, then the person has now earned the right to get his property back by any means necessary. He will still have to follow etiquette, and get permission to assault the protected inmate from the ones running the area...which he will no doubt receive. Now the person has the right to get his property back by any means necessary. More often than not, someone will die in the process. If he is successful though, he will have earned a reputation and get respect. He will not be bothered or have anything stolen from him again because others will know that there will be serious consequences if they steal from that man. They will move on to other people instead. This is one of the ways of earning people's respect and essential in the path to becoming a leader. Speaking in terms of street...not corporate of course.
Comments (28)
I would totally buy your book.
I'd read it, I want a signed copy
The one I have the biggest prob with is the complacent thing
Your rules are of the obvious but not commonly used sort. Would someone want to pay money to read in a book that there is no secret behind being a leader, it is all basic stuff? You must be a good leader Miguel
I wouldn't mind if you wrote a long post. As for you writing a book, you should. I'd read it. You're honest, and people really respond to that. You're also very down to earth, another quality which people respond to. Oh and funny, probably the most important trait to have in life.
Miguel, I would most certainly buy a book from a former gang member named Miguel...without a doubt and no question.....
Reality....realness.....and how things really are....
many people can relate to that......and honestly, I respect you MORE for what you've gone through, and overcome. That is life....and how it is....
perhaps some people couldn't-can't-get it....but, many of us can....
and you'd do real well with it....because it's REAL...and how life REALLY is....all the rest...those that can't relate.....are just living in a bunch of fluff.
Much of life is fluff.....people balk at realness....content to pretend that it isn't. I like your realness. And I get it.
Go forth and write the book. I will buy multiple copies and mail them to every (almost) boss I have ever had, yes I did have a couple good ones. You have made more sense in several simple sentences than all the classes, lectures, seminars or in-house-training I have ever sat in on or had. Yay for common sense and K.I.S.S.
^^^ Is my mom, which is why both of us were in Gatlinburg and taking pictures.
"Keep your word". That is so key. Obvious? Yes, it sure is. Commonly done? Not at all. In terms of leadership it's also in how you deliver... a little bit of charisma helps when asking someone to complete a task. When people like you, they work harder for you. At least in my experiences, it's always worked for me. Not as effective as fear, but probably more appropriate for business.
And as a side note, Miguel I'd take you any day.
Okay, now that I managed to get that comment up before someone slipped in between mom and I... I am constantly amazed with other sense of superiority with regards to such, and the redundancy that the majority of them go to with the perceived obligation that theirs is the right and only way and as such quote this one, who then quotes another etc, etc as you have pointed out. What happened to originality and recognizing a jack ass when you see one? I think you recognize them and I'm pretty sure I do too.
Hugs'n'Smooches!
I'd read your book, no matter what name you used. Your points are very sound. In the workplace, I think the biggest problem is "toxic" bosses. I was just reading something the other day, saying that people with overly-critical and demanding bosses were much more likely to "get back" at their bosses (whether intentionally or sub-consciously) by goofing off.
Great post and thoughts.
Kathi
Maybe I will find that psychic, you know the one who is friends with Tupac, and she will help me talk to Ross, ha. He was a cutie. I ended up painting a card, which I left it at the tree where the accident happened. It was a dove, on the inside I put in a poem; Nothing Gold Can Stay.
A few other people were there, it was sad, but not as bad as I expected.
Keeping your word - you'd think it were blatantly obvious but it's so rarely practiced that it needs repeating.
Thank you for sharing.
dude, i would totally buy a book like that. and i don't think you should change your name to John Smith. It should be something that blatantly belongs to a Mexican hooligan.
anyway, how is leadership like milk and jail?
I'd read your book Miguel.. It's bound to be better than "Good to Great". I hated that book. Thought it was the most poorly written piece of trash I've ever struggled to read. Whew, I feel better now...
funny, but when i was interviewed for a promotion, i said all the points you listed, and they told me that that's why i didn't get the job.
but then, my managers are a bit sketch anyway.
good stuff................................. your book would undoubtely have a different take on it all
the one bit that I have found helpful in my years is that ........ "reprimands, ass chewing, or whatever you want to call it is not a spectator sport.................."
I have a question which may seem dumb. If I was in a prison system and say got out and went to prison in another state, would my reputation go with me, or would I have to start over from the bottom. Let me know when the book is for sale. You tell it like it is, not what we always want to hear.
Hmm... this kind of explains why the club I tried to run back in university went under, I worked hard for the club but my leadership skills were somewhere around 0, according to your list. Anyways I agree with everyone else here, I'd totally buy a book you wrote. But I have a question about the milk carton thing, how would the guy know who stole his possessions if they were put on the outside of his cell? Would he still see it get stolen?
ryc: Umm... poutine is fries with cheese & gravy, it's pretty much a national dish in Quebec. ^^; It's pretty tasty but extremely greasy so I can only eat it about once a year or so... but we went to the resto not because we were crazy for fries, but for the principle of the thing. We paid for that dish and never got it after a 2-hour wait, so we were pretty annoyed.
ryc- been meaning to forever.... guess you have a few subscribers, eh. lol.
I would certainly read the book.
Over the years I have learned that leadership through respect is a skill that takes time to learn and refine. I spend a lot of time on that with my young managers, who always wonder why I don't have to yell and scream to get my goals accomplished. lol. Although there have been times where I would have loved just to smack someone down to accomplish my end.
It would be a bestseller.
I'm a sucker for those kinds of books. I think they are helpful even if they are repetitive. It helps remind you what to stay focused on and occasionally there is a new idea hidden in there.
Is prison really bad for people who are just individuals? Damn. I better not go to jail, then.
I'd totally buy your book. Michael Anderson and John Smith are just some cliche Caucasian names. Perhaps you should go for something more subtle? Maybe Bernard Gaines or something. It sounds British. We all know them Britons are a whole lot cooler than American rednecks.
I don't know what is worse... prison or the real world. At least in prison the game is clear, and the consequences favorable..., well what would I know, I haven't been successful at either.
Hugs, Tricia
Okay, it is still not working for me--BUT, clicking on "comment box not working" seems to work.
Dan (theologian) told me it works this way....
lets see.....
Yes! ^^^^^
"Everything I Learned About Leadership, I Learned In A Gang." It amazes me, Miguel, that you don't seem to know what a commercial success such a book would be. Your leadership principles are absolutely spot-on. Your challenge would lie in finding examples and drawing parallels between gang/prison life and the corporate world, or at least to the world outside prison. But you've lived in both worlds, and if anyone could it would be you. I sincerely hope you'll consider it. You have an extremely unique perspective. You always keep your readers here spellbound. Why not other, non-Xanga readers?
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