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Motivation

Why a Compassionate Leader Gets Results

written by AQMBlog Staff

By Success

If compassion is the first step, how do you develop it? If you’re a driver, what I’m about to advise might be outside of your comfort zone. But it’s worth the investment of time and energy because of the enormous long-term return. Before people will cooperate with their leader, they are looking for these questions to be answered: Do you care for me? Can you help me? Can I trust you?

1. Do you care for me?
An organization is composed of individual human beings with needs, hopes and desires. To answer this question correctly, a leader must value people more than projects. Choose to see them as humans rather than resources. This involves getting to know your team members, learning as much as you can about them and seeking to understand what motivates them.

Express the value they bring. Ask how their kids are. Be interested in their answers. Tell them why you believe in them. When you make it your goal to value people for who they are—not for what they can do for you—that will show in your actions.

2. Can you help me?
This might seem counterintuitive. After all, you need your followers to help you in order to achieve the mission of the team.  Quite simply, people won’t cooperate for long in a one-way relationship. Help them to help yourself.

After valuing your team members, your next task is to figure out how you can add value to them. What does each person need or want that you have the capacity to provide? How can you make a positive difference in his or her life today? When you unselfishly give to someone, you receive their loyalty and support in return.

3. Can I trust you?
Compassion is recognized by followers when the leader is consistent in showing it. This question is answered through the actions you take on a regular basis. It takes time to build trust—time spent keeping your promises, matching your actions to your words, and consistently valuing and adding value to your team.

Growing and maintaining trust takes intentionality and commitment. And although building trust takes time, it can be torn down in an instant. To continue answering yes to this question, consistency is key.

Results are important for a leader. It’s natural to look at the faraway destination and believe the journey toward it is a straight line. The best path to results begins with compassion, leading to cooperation and fostering strong working relationships, after which you arrive at the best results.

March 27, 2017
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Motivation

9 Ways to Recognize a Real Leader

written by AQMBlog Staff

Leadership is a trait many are quick to claim but few truly deserve.

To be a leader does not mean wearing the title of “leader.” It’s not something you choose to be one minute and then choose not to be the next. A leader is not a leader simply because he or she has been promoted. And a leader is not someone who sits in a position of management.

None of those things are what truly make a real leader. Here are the things that do:

1. A real leader listens firsts and acts second.
Someone who jumps to conclusions without first seeking to understand has made a fatal error—for themselves and their team. In order to lead people effectively, you have to take the time to listen and see things from their perspective. You have to put yourself in their shoes and fully understand the situation.

2. A real leader doesn’t make decisions in the heat of the moment.
You know those bosses that get all riled up and then start rapid-firing people? That’s not a leader. That’s a trigger-happy manager on a power trip—and there’s a difference. A leader waits until the heat of the moment has passed so that he or she can give solid thought to the situation before coming to a conclusion.

3. A real leader knows what they don’t know.
It’s dangerous when someone claims to “know everything.” A good leader is ok with not having all the answers, and knowing that they will find the people who do. They don’t see it as a weakness—because it’s not. It’s merely part of the process.

4. A real leader never wants to be the smartest person in the room.
If someone hires people or surrounds themselves with people less qualified than themselves simply to remain in a position of power, then they feel threatened. You never want to be the smartest person in the room—and if you are, you’re in the wrong room. Great leaders know this and seek to surround themselves with masters of their crafts. The leader’s job, then, is to “play the orchestra.”

5. A real leader celebrates the process as much as the rewards.
True leaders know that greatness is not something that happens immediately. Greatness is the result of hours, days, weeks of diligent practice and effort. They celebrate the process and the day-to-day hustle as much as they do the big grand finale.

6. A real leader gives constructive, not negative, feedback.
There is a difference between “constructive criticism” and plain negativity. People who spew negativity aren’t doing anything to help anyone. A great leader looks for ways they can help, not ways they can tear others down in the process.

7. A real leader does what has to be done.
Anyone who says, “That’s not my job,” isn’t leading by example. Yes, people need to stay their lane and be responsible for their own work, but when there’s a fire and it’s all hands on deck, a leader doesn’t step back and say, “All right everyone, go figure it out.” They get right to work with them.

8. A real leader cultivates a positive culture.
Being results-driven is great, but a culture that produces results has to be healthy in some way, shape, or form. And creating that culture takes hard work. A great leader knows that they are not the center of attention, and what’s more important is creating an environment where others feel empowered to succeed, bring ideas to the table, and think for themselves.

9. A real leader always finds a way.
Anyone that says, “It’s impossible. We can’t,” isn’t fit to lead. A true leader knows that there is always a way. It might not be the way anyone had originally planned for, but it’s a way nonetheless. Great leaders find the roads less traveled, and do whatever needs to be done in order to get the collective over the obstacle ahead.

via Entrepreneur.com

March 20, 2017
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Divine GrindMotivation

Minister Louis Farrakhan: “You can’t lead properly what you don’t love.”

written by AQM Blog Staff

The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan preached on leadership at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Winston-Salem on May 22. His message was inspired by this young man who read a poem in honor of The Minister titled “What is a Leader?” Minister Farrakhan embraced him and told him he prays that the young man grows up to be the leader that he described in the poem.

The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan with Pastor Mendez of Emmanuel Baptist Church

The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan with Pastor Mendez of Emmanuel Baptist Church (Photo by Jesse Muhammad)

May 27, 2016
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The Upper Situation Room

The gifted person who lacks character. What happens?

written by AQM Blog Staff

 

Originally published 4.27.11

Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick is still presently doing jail time. I’m not blogging about him to bring up old news but rather to mention that he actually crosses my mind pretty often. I have never spoken to him personally nor shook his hand when he was at the height of his political career. My connection to him came via a November 2009 exclusive interview he did with Ashahed M. Muhammad, Assistant Editor of The Final Call Newspaper.

At that time, it was his first interview since he had left office and a lot was shared. Some chose to outright attack but I was reading with an open mind because you never know where wisdom and guidance for your own life may come from.

In the course of the interview, these words by Kilpatrick struck me: “I learned several things. One is that sometimes your gift takes you to a place that your character is not prepared to handle. I can be the mayor; I can do it right now. I can go in there right now and put things together. I was truly anointed for that position and I wasn’t mature enough in my spirit, in my manhood to handle that responsibility at the time it was given to me. The significant character flaw that I had, it rose up and bit me. I learned that you can go after things before you are ready and so if you are going after it, you need to make sure that your spirit is ready. I learned also how to surrender to His will and not mine.”

Phenomenal words of wisdom! I reflect on these words a lot because I, like many of you reading this post, have many gifts and talents. Sometimes that talent may gain us nearness to a high profile person we admire, a higher level position at a job or in an organization, the endorsement of many, invitations to “exalted” and “private” meetings, popularity beyond our wildest dreams, thousands of fans online and offline, and more money flowing out our ears. What happens when our character is not prepared to handle it all? What happens when our ill-motivations become exposed? What happens when we’re surrounded by people who tell us what we want to hear versus what we need to hear? What happens?

I am presently re-reading the book “Closing The Gap: Inner Views of the Heart, Mind & Soul of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan” by Jabril Muhammad. It’s a collection of question and answers between these two giants whom the world should continue to get acquainted with. In a response on page 303, Minister Farrakhan says “The gifted person, who has the gift but has not the character to go along with the gift, must be careful, because the gift can become the means of the student’s destruction.”

Without character our “little world” may soon come tumbling down right before our eyes. Let’s focus on placing Allah (God) at the center and strive for moral excellence so it can buttress our gifts and talents. This will help to ensure we have the proper character to handle the inevitable blessings that Allah (God) has in store for us. I’m going to keep striving to work on Brother Jesse. I’m heavily “Under Construction” but He is not finished with me yet. Let the church say A-MEN!

(You’re welcome to follow Brother Jesse’s tweets on Twitter @BrotherJesse or his posts on Facebook)

July 22, 2015
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Motivation

Procrastination: “The Thief of Time”

written by AQM Blog Staff

Originally published 11.21.09

Leadership is a lot like waking up in the morning; the earlier you get started, the more you are likely to get accomplished.

Did you know that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was only 26 years old when he led the Montgomery Bus Boycott in Alabama? He had been studying for his mission since he was 15 years old. Too often we look at accomplished leaders in our society and are amazed by their abilities, but we have no idea how early they got started.

Nelson Mandela was expelled from a South African college at the age of 22 for participating in a protest. Huey P. Newton was only 23 when he co-founded the legendary Black Panther Party. Tiger Woods appeared on television in a golf putting competition against talk show host Bob Hope when he was only two years old. Venus and Serena Williams started playing tennis so early that they turned pro at the age of 14. Entertainers like Michael Jackson, Beyonce’ Knowles and even Lil’ Wayne started working on their crafts as children. These individuals are not all considered “leaders” in the traditional sense, but they all lead in their respective fields and they all proclaim that they did not become great overnight. True greatness takes time and the longer it takes for you to get started the longer it will take for you to start shining.

I am merely trying to highlight a principle and encourage young people to stop associating being young with “playtime” and leaving leadership to the older generation. Most real revolutionary changes that have taken place around the globe have been spearheaded by young people. Che Guevara and Fidel Castro led the Cuban revolution while in their twenties.

One of the greatest educational crimes committed against young people in America is that leadership (and personal finance) is not taught in public schools. Leadership development must become a priority in our communities if we truly want to invest in the future of this country. Here are a few leadership tips that, as a young person, have helped me to be effective.

Vision- This is first element of leadership. You must know where you want to go, what you want to accomplish and who you want to become. The sooner you figure it out the faster you will get there. Too many young people enter college without knowing what discipline they want to master. Living without a vision can be compared to driving blindfolded. You’ll end up wherever the vehicle takes you. Life is your vehicle. Take of the blindfolds and get where you are going. A.S.A.P.

Purpose- Find your purpose in life. Nobody was put here on Earth without a purpose and true happiness comes from fulfillment of that purpose. If you are not afraid to pursue what you love and do well you will become successful and fulfilled. Set trends, don’t follow them- There is entirely too much “swagger jacking” among the youth of today.

Start Now!- In Japan, when a mother wants her child to be a mathematician she starts reading Math books aloud to her baby while it is still in her stomach. That makes all of us late starters. You are never too young to get started on the road to greatness.

The “And What?” Factor- You must be courageous. Too many human beings are absolutely paralyzed with fear of what others will think of them. You can never become a leader by listening to and following the crowd. Figure out what is right then do it. Find out the truth and then tell it. Be bold about your vision and take charge. Work hard until you succeed and then look back at your critics and say, “and what”!

Read or Do Not Lead- All great men and women are avid readers. Physical size and strength no longer represents the ultimate power. There are leaders who rule the world from wheelchairs, because they have developed mind over matter. In sports it is the huge guys who make the plays on the field and the court, but it is often the puny guys who write the checks. Which would you rather be?

EAVESDROP- Find someone who is successful at what you want to do and study them closely. Don’t be afraid to ask them to mentor you and go to work for them for free if you need too. Knowledge is priceless. Study them intensely, but always keep in mind the question “how can I do this better”.

July 20, 2015
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Motivation

10 Tips to Become a Better Leader and Servant of the people

written by AQM Blog Staff

Originally published 5.18.09

by Jesse Muhammad

It has been stated by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan that the best leaders are the best servants. Whether you are the head of a corporation or a community organization, it’s all about service. How do you measure up as a leader?


Here are a few tips:

Leadership Tip#1: Community service is not showing up for the cameras….but for the people.

Leadership Tip#2: You can’t be effective being intimidated by talented people around you.

Leadership Tip#3: Stop E.G.O. trippin….Excessively Getting Offended

Leadership Tip#4: Don’t confuse delegating with duty dodging. Be the example.

Leadership Tip#5: Be a catalyst not a catastrophe for your team.

Leadership Tip#6: Your lip service should not outweigh your actions.

Leadership Tip#7: Have solution-oriented meetings not boring self-boasting sessions.

Leadership Tip#8: Follow up on tasks given to people…start with yourself

Leadership Tip#9: Stay in the mode of a student daily to become a better leader. Soak up information!

Leadership Tip#10: Remember humility is not weakness but hidden power

July 8, 2015
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MotivationYouth

Inspiring Youth to Reclaim the Legacy

written by AQM Blog Staff

By Jesse Muhammad, Contributing Writer

Originally published 3/3/08

 

HOUSTON—“We are being asked to reclaim the rich legacy of our past ancestors. But I must say, how can we as young people reclaim something we have no knowledge of?”, said Keith J. Davis Jr., during his address to over 200 youth attendees at the first annual Reclaiming The Legacy Youth Symposium hosted by the Community of Faith Church.

 

“How much do we as young people read about our history? We have to become excited about knowing our history because it will serve as motivation for us to do great things in our life time”, added Keith Jr. aka K.Jer’Rod, who spoke on the legacy of entrepreneurship and ways to become successful in business at the February 29 gathering.

 

K. Jer’Rod was one of the four powerful speakers invited by lead Bishop James Dixon, II to share their knowledge, experience and methodologies in achieving success in entrepreneurship, scholarship, and leadership. Opening inspirational songs were led by Carlondria Dixon and the welcome given by Tanita Willey.

 

“When we were coming up through slavery, our people had to always be twice as good at everything they did to overcome the past”, said Bishop Dixon in his opening remarks. “I called for this event because there is a gap between our legacy and those young people who desire to achieve authentic greatness. We waste a lot of time. If your heroes are zeroes then your tomorrow won’t mean much.”

 

Ms. Carvana Hicks, a product of the host church, delivered a riveting message of inspiration in the area of scholarship. “Achieve your dreams. Education is available to you, so there is no excuse. I am an example that you can come from a poor family and accomplish what you will.”

 

Raised in the Acres Homes community, Ms. Hicks is an assistant district attorney in Harris County and offered that when “you have confidence you can take a stand and speak up. I have faced ridicule because there are not many people who look like me in my department. But I conduct myself like I belong there.”

 

Co-presenter in the area of scholarship was Ms. Jamale Kempt, an educator at Stafford Middle School. “It’s okay to be called a nerd, because just tell them you are in the A’s gang. Those who make straight A’s in class! You can achieve scholarship because God put it in you to do. It’s in you but it’s up to you.”

 

K. Jer’Rod was joined by Attorney Sean Roberts in the area of entrepreneurship. Attorney Roberts raised over $100,000 for the presidential campaign of Senator Barack Obama in the state of Texas and has been a part of several multi-million dollar lawsuits against major corporations.

 

“You must cast your vote because it is important. Barack is running to become the CEO of the largest corporation in the world, the United States of America”, said Roberts. “When you are an entrepreneur you have the power to hire people.”

 

Renowned poet Se7en brought the audience to their feet with two masterful pieces entitled “Black” and “I Will Do Me”. The church youth praise dancers performed musicals of old school church scenes while the audience clapped and danced along.

 

Bishop Dixon and Attorney Michael Harris were scheduled to speak on leadership but humbly gave way to the highlighted elder and pioneer of the night, Ms. Anna Barrett. In a moment of impartation, the decedent of the original Black settlers of Barrett County, Texas, spoke on why the legacy of Blacks must be reclaim by the youth.

 

“Land is wealth, wealth is power and power does not have any color. My great grandparents bought two thousand acres of land for fifty cents an acre. That’s where the wealth is”, she said. “When I grew up there were no divorces, the woman did not work and we as a people owned our own businesses. We didn’t depend on anyone.”

 

A group of young male mime dancers performed followed by a passionate prayer circle for all of the young people led by Bishop Dixon. High school student Jarrod Payne ended the event by saying “I challenge all of us as young people to take what we heard tonight and put it to use.”

June 22, 2015
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Motivation

The Characteristics of Leadership: How Do You Measure Up?

written by AQM Blog Staff

Throughout history there have been millions of people who have been called a leader to the point that the title has lost value. Why? Because when you take the time to read some of their biographies there is no sign of leadership qualities in their existence on the Earth.

 

Today, youth are confused over what makes a true leader versus a fraud because they believe that a person who can excite a crowd with eloquent words is a leader but they are gravely mistaken. External dress attire is not the key nor is it the amount of money in one’s pocket. Bookstores are filled to the roof with books on leadership, management and influence but one critical element excluded from most best-sellers is service.

 

Contrary to popular belief, the true measure of a leader is based upon how well that person serves other people and not themselves. Imagine going to a restaurant and you see spots on your fork, dirt in your water, soil on your napkin and the food taste horrible. Then politely you asked the waiter to correct your issues and he or she tells you “That’s not my problem!”. How would you feel? Would you go back to that restaurant? Would you recommend it to your friends? Of course not, because you have high expectations of service.

 

Let’s flip this scenario. What if you went into that same restaurant and were giving the waiter a hard time. You complain about any little thing but all the waiter kept replying was ‘Yes sir. I will handle that for you’. How would you feel then? You would probably feel awful because the pleasantness of that waiter over powered your arrogance. Service is the key element to be a leader.

 

Whether you are the high school football captain, the head cheerleader, the college student body president, or sitting at the helm of a major corporation, you can not call yourself a leader if it is not rooted in serving the people whom you claim to lead.

 

There are no born leaders but they are developed. The acquisition of knowledge is a never ending life journey so one great writer said “every time I meet someone he or she is my superior in some way”. Meaning there is always someone under you that can teach you something because we are all uniquely created. There are no two raindrops, snowflakes or blades of grace made alike hence all human beings have inner qualities that we can all absorb energy from like a covalent bond.

 

Service is defined as a contribution to the welfare of others, the work performed by one who serves and a helpful act. You can’t be a servant if you think you are better than the next man or judgmental towards people based upon their lack of material possessions. When was the last time you gave a person a compliment? How about a thank you card? Fed the homeless? Visited an elderly shelter? Inspired someone to be better? Mentored a youth? Or just said thank you?

 

Leaders of a business go into the trenches with their employees to make sure they are meeting their needs so they can produce for the company. A head coach knows how to bring out the best in his players to create championships teams. Are you a servant of the people? That’s the true measure of leadership and it takes time to qualify oneself to be declared one.

 

But if you have to say you are one, then more than likely you are probably not.

 

 

 

Take this Leadership Appraisal!
(Please rate the following questions with: 1-Always 2-Usually 3-Sometimes 4-Rarely)

1. Do you put the needs of your subordinates above your own?____

2. Do you visualize or identify what is necessary for the long-term success of your organization?___

3. Do you regularly involve those under you in planning for the future?___

4. Do you encourage and inspire everyone to give his or her best?

5. Do you assist others in satisfying their needs?____

6. Do you hold people accountable for their actions?____

7. Do you treat everyone in a fair but firm manner?____

8. Do you set realistic performance standards?____

9. Do you insist on excellence?____

10. Do you keep your word?____

11. Do you give credit to those who give great suggestions?____

12. Do you bring out the best in others around you?____

13. Do you award achievement of those under you?____

14. Are you humble when dealing with others?____

15. Do you keep subordinates informed?____

16. Do you listen carefully to others?____

17. Do you establish deadlines for yourself?____

18. Do you own up to your mistakes?____

19. Do you maintain an open mind to others ideas?____

20. Do you maintain a pleasant and cheerful attitude?____

June 18, 2015
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Activism

The Characteristic of Leadership: How Do You Measure Up?

written by AQM Blog Staff

Throughout history there have been millions of people who have been called a leader to the point that the title has lost value. Why? Because when you take the time to read some of their biographies there is no sign of leadership qualities in their existence on Earth. Today, youth are confused over what makes a true leader versus a fraud because they believe that a person who can excite a crowd with eloquent words is a leader but they are gravely mistaken. External dress attire is not the key nor is it the amount of money in one’s pocket.

Bookstores are filled to the roof with books on leadership, management and influence but one critical element excluded from most best-sellers is service.

Contrary to popular belief, the true measure of a leader is based upon how well that person serves other people and not themselves. Imagine going to a restaurant and you see spots on your fork, dirt in your water, soil on your napkin and the food taste horrible. Then you politely ask the waiter to correct your issues and he or she tells you “That’s not my problem!” How would you feel? Would you go back to that restaurant? Would you recommend it to your friends? Of course not, because you have high expectations of service.

Let’s flip this scenario.

What if you went into that same restaurant and started giving the waiter a hard time. You complain about any little thing but all the waiter kept replying was ‘Yes sir. I will handle that for you’. How would you feel then? You would probably feel awful because the pleasantness of that waiter overpowered your arrogance. Service is the key element to be a leader.

Whether you are the high school football captain, the head cheerleader, the college student body president, or sitting at the helm of a major corporation, you can not call yourself a leader if it is not rooted in serving the people whom you claim to lead.

There are no born leaders but they are developed. The acquisition of knowledge is a never ending life journey so one great writer said “every time I meet someone he or she is my superior in some way,” meaning there is always someone under you that can teach you something because we are all uniquely created. There are no two raindrops, snowflakes or blades of grace made alike hence all human beings have inner qualities that we can all absorb energy from like a covalent bond.

Service is defined as a contribution to the welfare of others, the work performed by one who serves and a helpful act. You can’t be a servant if you think you are better than the next man or judgmental toward people based upon their lack of material possessions.

When was the last time you gave a person a compliment?How about a thank you card? Fed the homeless? Visited an elderly shelter? Inspired someone to be better? Mentored a youth?

Leaders of a business go into the trenches with their employees to make sure they are meeting their needs so they can produce for the company. A head coach knows how to bring out the best in his players to create championships teams.

Are you a servant of the people?
That’s the true measure of leadership and it takes time to qualify oneself to be declared one.
October 1, 2014
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Activism

Ways To Emerge as a Leader on the College Campus (Part 3)

written by AQM Blog Staff

This is part 3 in a six-part series on Ways To Emerge as a Leader on the College Campus.

I ended Part 2 by stating that by becoming actively involved in other organizations, I soon gained the confidence to start several of my own along with some friends.

Many of you may be wondering why and how.

Well all of us at Prairie View A&M University had our opinions of what activities could be most impactful and useful for the students. Some groups chose to party. My circle did not talk against them but instead we took the initiative to start our own.For example personally at that time I had become a registered member of the Nation of Islam so I desire to start a NOI Student Association. With the assistance of now Final Call Assistant Editor Ashahed Muhammad, I launched a PVAMU Chapter. He was the National NOISA Coordinator at that time and gave me all of the materials I needed to get the chapter officially recognized by the Campus Activities department.Find out who oversees the Campus Activities Department at your school and establish a relationship. I noticed that other groups invited the director out to participate in some of their events, so I followed suit. Networking is important. Plus that paperwork can feel like applying for a job with the federal government, so you may need some extra guidance. Make sure you have everything in the package completed and turn it in on time. Do not procrastinate or you can lose a chance to be an officially recognized organization.

I then recruited many people to build membership.

In addition I joined forces with others to launch an investing club, a Black Male empowerment society, leadership clubs, and mentoring programs for local schools in Prairie View, Texas. Some, not all, got recognized on campus but we were able to make an impact.
You can too.
September 29, 2014
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