9/23/2013

Mialisia Leadership and Accountability

10 Traits of a Great Mialisia Leader
Dave and Trish Nabrotzky,  Team Diamond Executive National Designers

Take the Direct Sales Industry and add to that the Home Party Plan business model and now you are in a class all by itself. In the corporate world, you need certain schooling or certifications or credentials to be considered a “Leader”.  However, being a leader in the Fashion Event / Party Plan world is more about what you do and who you are…it is a state of mind and lifestyle. The most successful leaders in our company are from all walks of life, from Corporate Executives in Banking and Construction to the Stay At Home Mom, but there are some traits that they all have in common. Here are the Top 10 Traits to help you become a truly successful Leader.
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2. Only Ask Of Your Team What You Are Willing To Do Yourself – In order to be an effective Leader, you must practice what you preach. Never ask your team to do more than you are willing to do yourself. No matter what level you reach in the company, do not ever stop doing parties, hostess coaching, recruiting, etc. You need to continue actively working your business to keep your “finger on the pulse” and always know what is going on with your company. You can tell your team what they have to do each day to be successful....but eventually they stop listening because your actions speak so loudly that they cant even hear what you are saying anymore.

To be a successful leader, you must first be a successful designer as this gives you the critical foundation. It allows you to help others from a perspective that is authentic, not something you read from a book. When there are issues you can help feel those things personally.  You may not always hold 2-3 parties a week.  The best leaders in the industry are those who are consistently leading by example with their own personal business. A Fashion Event Queen is a professional business woman who always maintains the highest level of class, integrity, and professionalism – both at am event and away. As a Leader you will be looked to for support, encouragement, knowledge, coaching, and inspiration. Remember the Golden Rule as you must be the mentor you yourself would like to have.

3Assertive – You must be willing to make the first move. New consultants are often a little nervous of getting started in their new business. You must have the confidence to help her get past her fears to make her dreams a reality. Even if you are fearful yourself, you must push through that fear for your team. The payoff is tremendous.

4. Organized – There is such a thing as “organized chaos” – and many Leaders understand this term very well. You do not have to have everything “alphabetical, color-coded, smallest to largest order” however, being able to quickly put your hands on something is imperative. Remember also that your team will mirror you – if you are organized and in control, they will work to be as well. Find a system that works for you, and then teach it to your team.

5. Understanding, Yet Firm – In this industry, we do have to have a certain level of empathy and understanding with our team, however, make sure you stay strong and keep your focus. If you become too good of “friends” with your team, they will think that you will “understand” when they start slacking from their business. Though you want your team to know they can come to you, always be sure to stay professional. Also, you will find some team members need a little bit more of a “push” than others. Using “tough love” is a good way to continue to support your team while still maintaining the respect and caring of the relationship.

6. Be positive – Frustrations come at every level in any organization. However, you must never ever complain down towards your team! When a team sees their Leader upset about something, it can spread like a cancer throughout your team. When you are upset or needing to vent, call your Upline, or another Leader not from your team. Chances are she has had the same frustrations, and will be able to give you advice and guidance.

7. Firm Faith In Your Industry, Company, And Product – To really be successful with Fashion Events, you must have a good understanding of Direct Sales and Neltwork Marketing, as well as a firm faith and commitment to your Products and Company. When the company does something you do not agree with (changing policies, discontinuing products, etc) a Leader must have enough faith in her company to know it is ultimately for the best. Badmouthing your Company in any way is planting seeds of negativity and excuses into your team.

8. Don’t Take It Personal – Being a Leader in the Party Plan Industry requires having a little bit of “thick skin.” As with being a Consultant and understanding that every “No” gets you closer to a “Yes”, a Leader needs to be able to hear negativity from her team, and work towards resolution without taking it to heart. A Corporate shipping issue for instance can cause quite an uproar from your team. Remember that people are people, and though it may seem they are taking it out on you, it is simply business. Likewise if a consultant leaves the business or does not perform the way she
has said she wanted to, if you have worked with her as a Leader, do not take this to heart. Not every Consultant will make it in our industry, but many will; and if you are a good dedicated Leader, you have increased their chances of success ten fold.

9. Don’t Try To Motivate…. INSPIRE! – There is a huge misconception that a Leader must MOTIVATE her team. People must motivate themselves. The best way to build your team, teach your team, and continue to support your team is to INSPIRE them! Live the life that the success of your personal business has allowed for you. Take pride in the things that you have, the success you have made, and the future you are building for yourself. Continue to grow as a person as well as a Leader. Be THE Party Plan Diva!

10. Have A Genuine Passion For Other’s Success – The saying “Every Man For Himself” does not work in this Industry. A Leader is only as successful as the team she leads. If your genuine goal is to teach and help others succeed, in turn you will succeed. It is the GIVING that will make you successful in the GETTING. Change your focus from “What’s in it for me” to “How can I help her achieve her dreams.” The more success your team achieves, the more successful you become.