In this month’s miscellany of truncated articles, we share the typical serving of news, but with some topical views stirred in there as well. These are the full versions of the “Drilling Deeper” news items that appeared as abbreviated versions in the print edition of PBOG’s November 2015 issue.
Neighborhoods And Crude Exports
The National Association of Neighborhoods and the American Council for Capital Formation held a panel discussion on Sept. 18, at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference, which examined both the challenges and opportunities in the nation’s energy landscape. The discussion primarily centered on the outdated ban on crude oil exports and how that policy prevents the United States from realizing the full benefits of its abundant energy reserves.
Ricardo Byrd, moderator of today’s panel and executive director of the National Association of Neighborhoods, commented: “The good news is that it appears energy legislation ending the ban on crude oil exports is finally moving forward on Capitol Hill. My goal is to see that communities of color fully benefit from our nation’s energy abundance. Changing America’s energy policy to allow crude oil exports would go a long way towards creating a long overdue economic renaissance in our poorest, rural and urban neighborhoods.”
“The United States continues to sit on the global sidelines by refusing to adopt a 21st century energy policy that takes full advantage of our energy resources,” added Dr. Margo Thorning, ACCF Senior Vice President and Chief Economist. “And those abundant resources, unimaginable forty years ago, now put us in the position to become a powerful player on the world’s energy stage. The significant economic benefits that would result–increased economic growth, more jobs for Americans and downward pressure on gas prices–are undeniable. Today’s discussion makes clear that it is finally time for the United States to embrace an energy policy that reflects the reality of our energy present, not the ghosts of our energy past.”
Other panelists at the day’s discussion were: Paula Jackson, President and CEO, American Association of Blacks in Energy, and Bill Dickens, Senior Utilities Economist, Tacoma Power & Pacific Northwest Chapter President for American Association of Blacks in Energy.
For more information about the crude oil export ban, including studies and information highlighting the benefits of eliminating the decades old policy, visit www.unlockcrudeexports.org.
Sitton on Supply Chains
Texas Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton delivered the keynote address Sept. 30 at the Texas Department of Homeland Security’s Permian Basin Workshop on oil and gas supply chain resilience. The workshop focused on clearly defining the industry supply chain, identifying and addressing security and resilience concerns to improve supply chain preparedness and operations. The event was held at the Midland International Air and Spaceport.
“Constant planning and preparation to protect the oil and gas supply chain is important to our state and national economies,” Commissioner Sitton told the gathering. “Texas produces more oil and gas than any other state in the nation, and it has more miles of pipeline than any other state. The protection of this critical infrastructure is a shared mission among numerous state, federal, and local agencies. The Railroad Commission is proud to be a partner in securing our vital energy resources,” concluded Sitton.
Intertek Expands Shale Testing Capacity with Opening of New Laboratory in the Permian Basin
Intertek, a leading quality solutions provider to industries worldwide, announced, on Sept. 16, the opening of a new laboratory in Midland, to support the shale industry’s rapid growth in the Permian Basin. In this facility, Intertek will provide critical industry support on a wide range of exploration, production, and logistics requirements.
“As a global leader in the oil and gas testing industry, Intertek’s expansion into one of the largest shale plays in the world is an exciting development for the company and our customers,” said James Ignatovich, Senior Vice President of Commodities for Intertek USA. “We look forward to bringing the expertise that has benefitted numerous clients across the U.S. and the globe, along with prompt, reliable data to further aid oil and shale production in the Permian Basin.”
The new 12,000 square-foot laboratory is located near Midland International Air and Space Port and offers chemical analysis and physical property testing that conforms to federal, state and industry standards and regulations, with trace and ultra-trace levels of detection and sensitivity. Additional services in the new laboratory include meter calibration and measurement, tank calibration and pressure, volume and temperature (PVT) sampling and analysis. Additionally, the lab is equipped to provide on-site pressurized and atmospheric sampling, reservoir evaluation services, transportation assessments and other field inspection and sampling services.
The new facility complements Intertek’s existing global network of oil and gas laboratories, including other recent expansions in the shale market, with facilities in the Marcellus Shale Formation in Pennsylvania, the Bakken Formation in North Dakota, and the Eagle Ford Shale in Texas. Plans for further shale expansions, including a lab in the D-J Basin in Colorado, are currently underway.
Intertek’s oil and gas services cater to organizations and people across the supply chain—from testing, inspection and certification to consulting, technical, engineering, and related services. Our quality solutions support exploration and production, engineering, refining, testing, inspection, certification, quality, training, research, and regulatory compliance. For more information on our oil and gas offerings visit: http://www.intertek.com/petroleum/shale/
NATURAL GAS OVERLOOKED IN OBAMA’S CLEAN POWER PLAN
It is now apparent that the Obama Administration’s Clean Power Plan aims to significantly reduce the amount of power generated by coal. It’s a game changer for utilities, mining companies, and equipment suppliers, and it’s another spotlight moment for renewables, but in the long run, the real champion will be natural gas.
The final CPP rules issued by the EPA on Aug. 3 reflect important revisions from those proposed in 2014, including some that were detrimental to the survival of the power industry. But the fact remains that the federal government is focused on increasing power from sources like wind and solar while cutting power from coal.
What is not fully considered by this new federal focus is the importance of natural gas in the overall equation; that’s where the plan misses the mark. Natural gas remains the only viable choice to reach the plan’s goals. CPP seeks to reduce CO2 emissions in 2030 by one-third from 2005 levels. States have up to three years to submit their own reduction plans.
As states develop compliance plans, they are “dependent on natural gas combined cycle turbines to pick up the slack when the sun doesn’t shine and the wind doesn’t blow,” says America’s Natural Gas Alliance (ANGA).
The White House’s plan perpetuates a false choice between renewables and natural gas, says ANGA. The plan is “disingenuous” and ignores market realities for gas to provide much of the nation’s power while reducing emissions.
The industry trade group also notes the irony in the Energy Information Administration’s routine release of power generation data for April 2015, one day after the release of Obama’s plan. In that month, according to the EIA, the US generated more electricity from natural gas than any other fuel source, including coal. That was the same month the country emitted less CO2 into the atmosphere than at any time since 1988.
“That’s no coincidence,” observes ANGA. And, as the most cost-effective and flexible option for power generation, natural gas “will balance the dual mandates of cleaner air and healthy economic growth.”
Supporters of renewables were quick to underscore the ways the Obama plan discourages a “rush to natural gas,” due to its risks to consumers, public health and the climate. A report by one group notes the plan incentivizes “zero-carbon energy sources,” requires state compliance plans to meet a renewables target, limits gas combined cycle power to 22 percent above 2012 levels, and closes a loophole for new source gas plants.
What’s more, to illustrate the significant leverage given coal in the economy and power grid, 16 states filed protests with the EPA seeking to delay the rule while legal challenges are sorted out.
In the meantime, natural gas will play a pivotal role in reliably powering the economy and reducing emissions.
“The president’s plan to reduce power plant emissions from higher-carbon fuels would greatly benefit from a clear emphasis on a clean, abundant, efficient fuel like natural gas,” said Nicholas Nadjarian, chief executive officer at Industrial Motor Power Corp, a leading power provider to O&G. “We can expect a steady increase in natural gas use in the power sector and are prepared to provide targeted solutions for our customers.”
ABOUT INDUSTRIAL MOTOR POWER (IMP)
Industrial Motor Power (www.IMPcorporation.com) is the industry-leading supplier of new-surplus & used power generation equipment, serving a broad range of industries, including Oil & Gas Energy, Drilling, Marine, and Utilities. Since 2001, IMP has installed thousands of units in over 300 countries, and continues to expand its reach every year.
Heartland Institute Experts Respond to Pope Francis’s Comments
Pope Francis, in remarks about the climate at a White House ceremony in September, said “It seems clear to me…that climate change is a problem which can no longer be left to a future generation.” He echoed the call in his latest encyclical, Laudato Si, for “sustainable” development and a move away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy.
The Heartland Institute in April led a delegation to Rome to inform Pope Francis that the actual data about the climate do not support the position of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change that human activity is causing a global warming crisis.
The following statements are from climate and energy experts at The Heartland Institute:
“We all share Pope Francis’s desire for responsible environmental stewardship. Unfortunately, Pope Francis appears to believe poorly supported global warming theories that have been strongly and repeatedly contradicted by real-world observations. His decision to spend so much time and effort venturing outside the realm of religion and into the realm of science and public policy is unlikely to advance his Christian mission.”
−James Taylor
Vice President, External Relations
Senior Fellow for Environmental Policy
jtaylor@heartland.org
“In the past three months since Pope Francis held his climate conference in Rome, I have spoken to many groups on environmental issues. During my talks I asked if there were any members of the audience who were Catholics willing to share their view on the pope’s position on science and climate change. Over the summer, at least 100 persons stood up in my audiences and voiced essentially the very same opinion, which was: ‘The pope should not be issuing opinions in areas of science for which he has no direct knowledge, and therefore it really damages the image of the pope worldwide.’”
−Jay Lehr
Science Director
jlehr@heartland.org
“Pope Francis’s remarks on climate, however well intended, ignore the needs of the poor and future generations, the very people he claims he most wants to help. Contrary to the pontiff’s assertion, carbon dioxide is not pollution; it’s a naturally occurring gas necessary to life on Earth, and its recent increase is benefitting plant life greatly.
“The bottom line is this: To reduce carbon dioxide emissions, as the pope and President Obama believe we must do, we must sharply curtail the use of the very fossil fuels that have made modern society possible. Access to cheap energy is responsible for raising more people out of penury in the past century than those who have climbed up from poverty in the entire history of humankind. Reliance on renewable energy sources, even supplemented with nuclear power, will leave billions living in want and squalor. It would also reverse much of the progress in food production, improved health, and ultimately freedom of choice in lifestyles.
“Despite rising greenhouse gas emissions, the Earth stopped warming nearly two decades ago, the number of hurricanes and their severity have fallen sharply, sea levels have not been rising at unusual rates, and scientists have yet to link any species extinction to warming. Meanwhile, in just the past few decades, hundreds of millions of people who previously faced hunger and malnourishment have become well-fed, and millions of others have joined the middle class. Average lifespans worldwide have increased, and infant mortality has declined. None of this progress could have occurred without the expansion of the use of affordable energy through fossil fuels.
“In short, the pope’s call for a forced reduction in oil, gas, and coal use is a death knell for millions around the world – a misguided plea for some pre-industrial, bountiful, pastoral, utopia that hasn’t existed since the Garden of Eden.”
−H. Sterling Burnett
Research Fellow, Environment & Energy Policy
Managing Editor, Environment & Climate News
hburnett@heartland.org
“President Obama’s Clean Power Plan, which Pope Francis commented on this morning at The White House, will have a disparate impact on the poor. That’s a form of illegal discrimination. The Obama plan more than doubles the cost of natural gas and electricity for all consumers. But it harms the poor even more than other Americans because it drains funds they would otherwise use for food and clothing to pay the electric bill. But it gets even worse. The Obama plan will also cause massive job losses for the black and Hispanic communities – again the very people the pope is committed to helping.”
−Gene Koprowski
Director of Marketing
gkoprowski@heartland.org
“I appreciate that Pope Francis opened his speech today talking about values that should be first and foremost for the leader of the Catholic Church. He spoke of the ‘institutions of marriage and family,’ and his plans to encourage Congress to ‘guide the nation’s political future in fidelity to its founding principles,’ along with a strong emphasis on our religious freedom and the need to defend it as ‘America’s most precious possession.’
“Then, sadly, he was compelled to digress from these important issues and focus on climate change, missing the call of the Church to care for the poor, widowed, and orphaned. The proposed ‘solutions’ to climate change will only make things worse for the weakest among us, both here in the United States and around the world. By taking away the advancement and availability of energy, the poor and disadvantaged will be left to suffer even more in our ‘common home.’ How is this helpful in a path to reconciliation, justice, and freedom?
“The fact is there is no evidence that the efforts of the United Nations to combat climate change will benefit future generations. Yet there is strong evidence of the actual harm of these policies through increased costs, the loss of freedom, and the reduced availability of energy to the poor and underdeveloped countries.”
−Bette Grande
Research Fellow, Energy Policy
governmentrelations@heartland.org
IADC Supports Vote to Lift U.S. Crude Oil Export Ban
On Sept. 17, the full U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee voted on H.R. 702, passing the bipartisan bill that seeks to end the U.S. export ban on crude oil. The legislation, introduced by Representative Joe Barton (R-Tex), will now be sent to the U.S. House Floor for a vote later this year.
“Lifting the export restrictions on crude oil will bolster growth for domestically produced oil and facilitate job creation,” said Stephen Colville, IADC President and CEO.
“According to recent studies, lifting the ban would result in an average of 124,000 new jobs in the supply chain, contributing to 394,000 jobs in the greater economy through 2030. Particularly during a time of market uncertainty in the oil and gas industry, these job numbers are big, and meaningful. Combined with the expected addition of $26 billion to the GDP per year from the crude oil supply chain, these numbers provide a deeply compelling case for the US House to vote to lift the ban.”
Atlas Knowledge Group Reaches 100th Country Milestone
International learning technologies company Atlas Knowledge Group has reached a major milestone with its oil and gas industry training courses now being used in more than 100 countries around the world. Atlas’s award winning technologies and training are now used across half the world.
In this latest phase of its global growth strategy, the market leader broke the 100 mark after securing four new contracts in the last four weeks that will see the company deliver world-class training to oil and gas companies operating in Vietnam, Venezuela and Yemen.
Atlas’ worldwide growth has been fuelled by the increasing demand in the energy industry for flexible, web-based learning tools that provide high standards of learning and training in the fundamentals of safety and competence.
One of the Atlas’ key products, IMIST (International Minimum Industry Safety Training), has been the catalyst in bringing the recent contract wins to fruition. IMIST is a highly sought-after foundation qualification in regions where there is a growing desire to upskill their local workforce.
Robert Morgan, chairman of Atlas Knowledge Group, said, “We have been at the forefront of our industry for 20 years and it is testament to our oil and gas expertise, our award-winning methodologies and our focus on developing technologies, that our courses are now being used by over 600 energy companies in more than 100 countries and across 20 different languages.
“Every minute of the day, someone across the globe benefits from one of our courses. This achievement highlights the value we are delivering to our clients and the significant impact Atlas training is having on the industry.
“With the IMIST course now being used in another four countries, it underlines our status as the clear market leader and ensures the sustained growth of the company for a long time to come, particularly as we look into the emerging international markets where access to quality training is an issue.”
Leakproof Leadership: The Security of Character
By Tracey C. Jones
In a time when everything is someone else’s fault and serious wrongdoing often goes unpunished, it often seems as though we’ve lost all sight of what it means to be a businessperson of character and integrity. Every day, from community leaders to elected officials, from clergy to corporate executives, it seems like we hear about a major character lapse from someone so trusted by the public that they definitely should have known better. These are leadership leaks. They rob leadership of its power and moral authority in the same way that a pressure leak can rob an engine of its motive force. Each and every day we are faced with easy choices that may lead us down the wrong path, but real leaders know that we have to rise above the temptation to cut ethical corners and take the easy way out.
It can be a cold, hard world for those who strive to always do the right thing no matter the circumstances and despite questionable opportunities for personal gain. Never fear; here are three ways to achieve leakproof leadership, to stay above the fray, and to keep your character and integrity in shape.
Responsibility: Peter Drucker said, “Leadership is not magnetic personality. It is not making friends and influencing people. Leadership is lifting a person’s vision to higher sights and raising performance to a higher standard.” Yet with every violation of trust, those in the perpetrator’s chain of command continue to circumvent and pass the buck, saying “There are no rogue operators on my team!” Just because you don’t know, or you turn a blind eye, does not absolve you. You cannot dodge responsibility. Doing so only shows that you are truly unfit for leadership.
If you take the position, the title, the power, the prestige, and the salary, then you have to take the responsibility too. And that means that everything, to include things that were in motion before you got into the seat, and things you didn’t even know were—and are—going on, are yours and yours alone to deal with.
Respect: Elbert Hubbard said, “If you work for a man, in heaven’s name work for him! If he pays you wages that supply you your bread and butter, work for him, speak well of him, think well of him, stand by him and stand by the institution he represents. I think if I worked for a man I would work for him.”
There’s an old adage that says a wise traveler never despises his own country. There is no shortage of organizations that seem to operate according to their own rules, organizations that do things that we might even think of as unsavory or unfair. If you work for one of these and you draw a paycheck, then work as hard as possible to uphold their standards, even if your own boss doesn’t. No one can make you do anything illegal, immoral or unethical. If your employer tries to make you do such things, seek employment elsewhere and use the chain of command to bring the issue to the attention of others. To respond in kind to such behavior is unacceptable. Two wrongs never make a right.
Reading: Jim Rohn said, “The book you don’t read won’t help.” Let’s face it, you are what you read. If you are not reading books that help you grow and realize your own personal convictions and develop your courage, you are wasting your time. What a person has on the bookshelf is a far better indicator of what’s really going on inside their head than any polygraph could ever be. You can lie through your teeth and no one will ever suspect a thing, but your actions—and your reading—will eventually reflect exactly what is going on at the core of your character.
Many of us read only what helps us with the mechanics of our jobs. While knowing how is definitely a key to success, knowing why is the only way to achieve true greatness. Knowing why is the crowning benefit of reading books by those who went before us, those who excelled in their lives and careers without compromising their character. All leaders are readers. If you’re not reading you’re not leading. It’s as simple as that.
A solid ethical foundation is equally essential at work and at home. The bottom line is that only commitment can ensure compliance. No amount of non-disclosure agreements, background checks, or polygraphs can do that. If your character isn’t totally squared away to the point that you are ready to fall on your sword to protect what is moral, ethical, and legal, then you’d better not accept one iota of responsibility. Leakproof leadership is choosing your thoughts and actions based upon your values and not upon personal gain. Your convictions mirror your character. So take a good look at yourself in the mirror to make sure you are fit to report for leadership duty!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tracey C. Jones is a US Air Force veteran, entrepreneur, speaker, and publisher. She speaks to audiences across the nation on leadership, accountability, business success, and other topics. Her latest book is “Beyond Tremendous: Raising the Bar on Life.” To learn more visit www.TremendousTracey.com.
Challenges Met With Optimism at Annual Tech Conference
Registration totals exceeded expectations as 13,500 global exploration and production professionals gathered at the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) flagship event the Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition (ATCE) at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston over three days from Sept. 28-30.
“2040: The Journey and the Destination—Diverse Perspectives” was the Opening General Session theme on Monday. ATCE 2015 General Chairperson, Gustavo Hernández-García, director of operations for PEMEX E and P, introduced a distinguished panel of industry experts who discussed current trends and the recent challenges faced by the oil and gas industry. However, discussion stressed the resilience of the industry, the continued importance of fossil fuel energy to the world economy, and reassurance the industry will come through a difficult period and be stronger. Panel member Scott Tinker, director of the Bureau of Economic Geology said the energy mix has changed little in the past 35 years. “It’s driven by security. Is it energy affordable, available, reliable, and sustainable? A lower price over a long time extends the future of oil.” He adds, “I continue to believe that energy is the greatest industry on the planet. It underpins everything.”
2015 President Helge Hove Haldorsen focused his comments on “the new normal.” At the Opening General Session he said, “We need to continuously adapt, strengthen, and reinvent our industry because oil and gas will be needed for decades to come.” On Wednesday he wrapped up his presidential term saying, “We will see what the new normal will be.”
Nathan Meehan began his term as SPE 2016 president with his vision stating, “We are on a mission to educate and provide safe, affordable energy to improve people’s lives.” Meehan said his priorities for the year ahead will focus on stressing public benefit; mentoring the next generation; sustainability; as well as health, safety, and environmental issues.
The more than 400 technical presentations provided break-through and improved efficiencies for best practices for the oil and gas industry. The 500 exhibits offered promising new and enhanced products and services. Networking opportunities were expanded due to the Open Access Day on Wednesday where more than 400 people took advantage of the complimentary registration. The conference featured more than 45 technical sessions, 34 training sessions, and young professional and student events and activities.
Some new features of the conference included the ENGenious program, which resulted in standing room only presentations from innovative technology companies. Another new feature was the opportunity to access live-stream and virtual sessions for those who could not attend the conference.
Participating in ATCE were engineers, operators, scientists, managers, and executives involved in all aspects of the global petroleum industry. ATCE offered unique opportunities for people at all career levels–including young professionals and students–to meet industry experts, network with peers, and access new technologies.
ATCE 2016 will be held in Dubai 26-28 September at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
ABOUT SOCIETY OF PETROLEUM ENGINEERS
The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) is a not-for-profit professional association whose members are engaged in energy resources development and production. SPE serves more than 143,000 members in 147 countries worldwide. SPE is a key resource for technical knowledge related to the oil and gas exploration and production industry and provides services through its publications, events, training courses, and online resources at www.spe.org.
Magid Announces a New Safety Store Location in Houston
Grand Opening Event to Take Place on Tuesday, October 27th
Magid, a leading manufacturer and supplier of safety solutions and personal protective equipment (PPE), is better serving the Houston area with a new store. The Grand Opening Event is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, Oct. 27.
Located in the heart of the industrial area, the store makes it easy for safety managers and buyers to access Magid’s safety expertise and manufactured products, as well as over 700 of safety’s leading brands. The store delivers local inventory of head-to-toe protection, including work gloves, respiratory, fall protection, safety glasses, hard hats, eye protection, and flame resistant clothing.
Magid’s local sales team has been serving the Houston area for almost 70 years. The Houston store will supplement Magid’s distribution capabilities with immediate access to PPE for local customers such as:
- Contractors who manage turnarounds and need to outfit employees with PPE
- Companies who have employee PPE allowance programs
- Anyone who needs quality PPE right away
“Magid always strives to provide our customers with the best safety solutions at the best value,” says Lee Cohen, Senior Vice President at Magid. “With this new addition to the Houston market, we can give our local customers improved access to Magid’s trusted safety products and services.”
On October 27th, Magid will be hosting an all-day grand opening event, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., to showcase the new store. The day will be filled with safety education, networking opportunities with other industry professionals, and a preview of the store offering and capabilities. Activities include:
- 3M safety training sessions: “The Importance of PPE Fit”
- Safety Fair with industry leading vendors
- Raffles and prizes, live entertainment and complimentary food and drinks
Magid is also offering a 20 percent off first in-store purchase incentive for grand opening attendees. The store is located behind Love’s truck stop. You can visit the store at:
401 Independence Pkwy
La Porte, TX 77571
Phone: 888-380-9434
The Three P’s of Powerful Leadership
By: David Waits
Leadership is not a position!
A local newspaper has a daily section titled “Progressions” allowing companies to publicly recognize employees who have been promoted to leadership positions such as general manager. The announcement is a very nice recognition for the new leader, but the promotion, in and of itself, doesn’t make the person a powerful, productive leader. The promotion does allow the new leader to exercise the roles and responsibilities of the position, but the promotion has very little to do with the leadership effectiveness of the person who received it.
The power of the position and the potential of the leader are maximized only when the leader understands and leverages their performance, presence and profitability.
1. Performance is simply what you do. Like it or not, at the end of the day, or quarter, or year (or term if you are a politician), leaders are evaluated by what they get done and get done through others. Leaders are paid to get results. They are not paid for their intentions or mere activity.
Intentions matter, results rule!
“I meant to have a discussion with the underperforming team member but I just haven’t had a chance to talk to them,” says the well-meaning leader. The question is not, “Did you talk to them?” the question is, “Did the underperforming team member’s behavior improve?” Intentions without actions create nothing. Action—having the talk with the under performer—that doesn’t produce results is simply activity not productivity. Performance is measured by results.
Aesop rightly stated, “When all is said and done, more is said than done.” Performance, measured by results, is the metric of your leadership ability.
2. Presence is who you are. You can’t be one type of person and another type of leader! Although you can try to fool people, and maybe even obtain pseudo-success for a short season, time will ultimately reveal the real you. Who you are, in the core of your being, will determine your presence. How big is your presence?
Someone who is physically large is noticed when they simply walk into a room. Former NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal is over 7 feet tall, weighing in at over 300 pounds. Everywhere he goes, his physical presence is commanding.
When you enter a room, are you noticed? Are you respected? Do people want your input? Are you listened to? Are you commanding? Your presence is the key to positively and powerfully influencing people.
Remember, a title or position does not a leader make. A position can be conferred on you. When something is conferred it is placed and bestowed on you by someone else. It is recognition of a position. Your position allows you to perform the roles and functions of a leader, but it is your presence that determines your effectiveness. Presence is inferred upon you. Something inferred involves a conclusion. People are concluding, “This person has a dynamic presence about them that makes me want to follow them!”
Are you working as hard on who you are as you are working at the job you do? Your job functions are important and your ability to be highly functional in your job as a leader is directly proportional to your presence. Your presence increases as you grow as a person. When you become great at who you are, you become remarkable at what you do! Constantly invest time and money in personal growth.
3. Profitability is the value you bring to those you lead. The bottom line number reflects profitability, but it is more than that. Is your team profitable because of you?
In the arena of interaction with those you lead, are you profiting from them? Are they better—more profitable themselves—because they are around you? Do you inspire? Do you motivate? Do you create synergy?
There are many world-class athletes playing in team sports who have tremendous individual skills, yet their team fails to obtain championship status. Michael Jordan was arguably the greatest basketball player of all time. His greatness wasn’t only measured by his ability to make baskets and his incredible desire to win, but by making others better. Many of his years in the NBA he was surrounded by, at best, serviceable role players. Yet his presence made others profitable because he brought out the best in his other team members. He helped raise the entire team to a winning, championship level.
Your potential is maximized and your power exploited when you leverage:
1) Your productivity: your effective actions, not your noble intentions.
2) Your presence: constantly investing in yourself, stretching and growing to increase the size of your presence.
3) Your profitability: evaluate yourself by looking to the outcome—is there profitability in your leadership in the bottom line and are people better because they have been influenced by you?
When you maximize the Three P’s—Productivity, Presence, & Profitability—it is likely you will not only show up in the “Progressions” section of your local newspaper, but also make the front page headline as well. If you are not on your newspaper’s front page, you will certainly make the headlines with the most important people in your sphere of influence—those who are following you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
David Waits, founder of Waits Consulting Group, Inc., is a highly sought after consultant, speaker and author. As a proven expert in developing powerful initiatives that revolutionize culture, David helps his clients create a thriving organizational environment that facilitates rapid growth, innovative development and ongoing profitability. He has worked with clients in all 50 states, including Quest Diagnostics, General Dynamics, Major League Baseball, Walmart, Walt Disney World and numerous other world-class organizations. For more information, visit www.DavidWaits.com.