August 18-24, 2010


THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE


A leader’s actions today will go a long way toward determining an organization’s future


By Lee Meadows Leading by example is one


of the popular terms used by presidents, premiers, popes and professionals to describe the in- tegration of attitude, philosophy and practice toward a specific goal. The person leading is, by definition, engaged in a pattern of behaviors that embody the symbiotic relationship between the values of the organization and its leaders.


Whether you are introducing


a technological innovation that completely changes how we do business, or responding to an environmental disaster that completely changes how we do business, the singular driving force that shapes how decisions are made and implemented are the values that are preached and practiced. What is observed in the leader are behaviors that reflect the values and provide the example for the team mem- bers to emulate. The effective delivery of this model lies in the inherent belief in the conviction of followers to be led by the ex- ample.


Leaders don’t lead forever


and many followers are anxious to lead. The emergence of a fol- lower into the role of organiza- tional leader is a combination of personal characteristics, profes- sional skills, breadth and depth of experiences, timing and poli- tics. The foundation that sup- ports all of these elements are the personal values of the emer-


Lee E. Meadows


gent leader, on display, in series of events that speak to their ability to comfortably move up into a broader role of responsi- bility.


While it is rarely admitted


publicly, most leaders embrace the idea that their time for lead- ing will end, and part of their legacy is to ensure the smooth transition of leadership respon- sibilities. It is not enough to know that a replacement has to occur, but more importantly, to have a clear selection plan that affirms your commitment to doing your best to bring on the best, so that the best can be done.


When followers are pre- UNI_CBP_02803_Mortgage.pdf


pared to lead, it can be seen in their actions as defined by their values. In this regard, one of the biggest disappointments for a leader is the realization that his or her team members did


1 7/14/10 12:01 PM


not get the “values message” that comes with leading. For example, it was rumored that Steve Jobs had technology con- niption once he learned that the antenna issue with the iPhone was not a recent development, but had been around for a while. The issue flied in the face of his often quoted statement that, “innovation distinguishes be- tween a leader and a follower.” So, as he wrestles with the reali- ty that one day he will no longer be leading Apple, this kind of aberration of his quote begs the question: Who should?


As Tony Hayward prepares


for his uncelebrated October 1 departure as the CEO of BP, the company is left to wonder if the values message “to carry on its business in an environ- mentally responsible manner, and develop cleaner energy and renewable energy sources,” was lost on him, but will be realized in the behavior and actions of new CEO Robert Dudley. The BP disaster illustrates that lead- ing by example is not limited to gaining respect of team mem- bers by standing shoulder to shoulder and doing the tough jobs together. It also entails making sure that team members understand why it is important to do the tough jobs, right.


Lee E. Meadows is a profes-


sor of management at Walsh College and the author of two books. He can be reached at lmeadows@walshcollege.edu.


YOUR MONEY MATTERS


Beware of fraudulent medical discount plans According to government estimates, 49 mil-


lion Americans lack health insurance. While medical discount plans can be useful for con- sumers looking to save money on health care, it is important to understand that these plans are not health insurance. If someone calls out of the blue to offer you a medical discount plan, or if you see an ad for such a plan on the Internet or in a newspaper, advance with caution before entering into a relationship with a company. The following checklist will help you with that process:


• Investigate the details: Some medical dis- count plans claim to provide big discounts from hundreds of providers for a wide range of services, from doctor visits and dental exams, to hospital stays and prescription drugs. But many plans fail to make good on those claims. The Federal Trade Commission and many states have found that although some medical discount plans provide legitimate discounts that benefit their members, many take consumers’ money and offer very little in return.


• Ask for a list of providers who partici- pate in its plan: If the plan doesn’t provide a list of providers in writing promptly, consider taking your business elsewhere.


• Ask for a Web site where you can get more information: If your medical or dental providers don’t participate, see whether other doctors in your area accept the plan and will give you the discount the plan promises.


• Be clear about the details and fine print: Pay special attention to the refund policy and do the math to calculate what your total pay- ment for a discount plan will be for a given amount of time.


• Troubleshoot for previous complaints: Contact your local consumer protection office, state Attorney General, or Better Business Bureau to find out whether other consumers have complained about the business offering the discount plan.


Source: Federal Trade Commission. For ad- ditional information, please visit www.ftc.gov


Homefront Happenings


Detroit Historical Society’s August ‘Behind the Scenes’ Tours The Detroit Historical Society continues its “Behind


the Scenes” tour series, sponsored by DTE Energy, in August with guided tours of some of Metro Detroit’s most interesting sites:


• Indian Village Walking Tour on Saturday, August 21 at 11 a.m. – Indian Village is more than 100 years old and includes over 350 homes. Although there are features that fall into a distinct architectural style, Indian Village can best be described as eclec- tic. As is so typical of American independence, owners chose elements from different architectural styles when building their homes. Detroit’s most distinguished architects, such as Albert Kahn, Louis Kamper, Marcus Burrowes and Smith Hinchman & Grylls, designed many of these historic Indian Vil-


lage residences. Cost is $20 for Society members and $30 for guests.


• Corktown Walking Tour on Saturday, August 28 at 11 a.m. – Detroit’s oldest neighborhood, located just west of downtown Detroit, Corktown was first settled in 1834 by Irish immigrants from County Cork. Stretching from First Street west to 16th Street, and Grand River Avenue south to the Detroit River, Cork- town was a neighborhood of working class immi- grants. While many factors have changed the foot- print of this community, it continues to be a vibrant neighborhood that celebrates its rich, proud history. Cost is $20 for Society members and $30 for guests.


For more information or to reserve your spot for one of these tours, call (313) 833-1801.


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