By Dr. J. David Jackson

The Selma Times-Journal

 

Critical leadership principles can be learned by observing nature. As an example, the term Black Belt region in the South was coined for the thin, rich layer of black topsoil that resides on a base of chalk.

Farmers once avoided the area because the rich soil environment was missing a key ingredient for success: a source of water. When artesian wells were discovered, farmers returned and planted crops, which flourished.

The key to success for nature, people, and organizations is the existence of a winning environment.

As with crops in the Black Belt region, Selma needs to create a winning environment by discovering the missing ingredient to success and realization of its full potential.

So what are the attributes of a winning environment?

The first rule is surround yourself with people who will challenge you to become all that you can be and help you see new possibilities. Second, the environment must support exploring new ways to accomplish tasks.

As an example, we live in the information age in which news around the world is transmitted to cell phones in seconds. As a result, any communication challenges have to be resolved by considering the use of social media (i.e., Facebook, websites) because people require timely feedback.

Third, the environment must support a winning team attitude. The tendency toward self-aggrandizement must be removed. When anyone wins, it is a win for the team. It is unfortunate that many great ideas never leave the drawing board because individuals become preoccupied with who will get credit.

Fourth, in winning environments, problems are turned into opportunities. Problem solving becomes physically and mentally draining. When you change the thought process to opportunity solving you begin to look at possibilities, which releases energy and creativity to assist in discovering solutions.

Fifth, the environment must insure that activity is not confused with results. There is a tendency at times to focus on a flurry of activity, presentations, meetings, and more meetings when it is more important to know whether results have been achieved.

Sixth, the environment must be focused on understanding the genuine needs of the constituents and developing services to address the needs. Last, the environment must be all inclusive. This simply means the opportunity considers and evaluates input of all constituents, irrespective of financial status, age, gender, race or creed when developing solutions.

Create a winning environment and watch Selma flourish.