Successful leadership

FILE PHOTO Timothy Murray

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By Timothy Murray Special To The Worcester Business Journal

10. Be ready to work after 5.
Don't be someone who spends all day at work talking about and planning what you're going to do when the work day ends, then rushes out of the office every day at 5:01 p.m.

9. Listening means a lot.
Work hard at being a good listener. Good communication skills are not just about talking.

8. Be passionate, committed.
One of my favorite quotes is from legendary Celtics coach Red Auerbach: "Have a tenacity of purpose" at your workplace. This means passion and commitment.

7. Collaborate, collaborate, collaborate.
Use your principles and goals as a framework to seek out meaningful compromise, whether it be with other individuals, businesses or organizations.

6. Everyone plays a part.
Be a team player no matter what position you play at your organization, and remember that everyone can contribute. Malcolm Butler, a Division 2, undrafted free agent was just as responsible for the Patriots' Super Bowl victory as MVP quarterback Tom Brady was.

5. Close the loop.
Work hard at returning phone calls and emails with customers, coworkers and constituents. Remember details and that the little things matter.

4. Work hard at planning, preparation.
You can reduce a lot of last-minute scrambling and chaos by anticipating what's coming next on the calendar. Understand the rhythms of your workplace and prepare accordingly.

3. Action trumps complaining.
Don't just complain about the problems. When you see a problem or issue, offer solutions that can fix it.

2. More 'we,' less 'me.'
Keep yourself and your team focused more on the organization's goals than those of individuals.

1. There will be interruptions.
As the bumper sticker reads, "Stuff Happens." No matter how hard you work or plan, there will be a bump or crisis. Address it and try to keep a sense of humor. Remember what's most important in life: your family and close friends.

Timothy Murray is president and CEO of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce. The chamber recently helped re-launch Leadership Worcester, which helps develop leadership skills within the business community. Learn more at www.leadershipworcester.com.