PS MAY 2009 Pages.qxd
5/4/2009
5:59 PM
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PROGRAM SUCCESS – MAY 2009
PAGE 25
OPERATING IN CHANGING TIMES
By Dr. Robert M. Spooney
Executive Director of the African-American
Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida
Times and things are changing in America and what we
must understand as small business entrepreneurs, is that
if we plan to keep up with change we will need to
change and modify some of our behavior. Now over the
years I have found one thing to be true about change
and that is, we can change into the people we should be
when we are changed on the inside. A forced outward
change may last a short time, but an outward change
that comes about because of an inward change is natural
and will not be hard to maintain.
We live in a time that is fundamentally different from
any other that humanity has encountered before. We are
more technologically advanced than we have ever been,
and at the same time we have almost completely lost
our ancient, sacred, natural wisdom that has guided our
ancestors in living in harmony on this planet. Here are
some of the behaviors that a person who understands
change exhibits. If you are an aspiring leader or
business person of change, see how many of the traits
below you can identify with:
I always keep the ‘big picture’ in mind in my
decision-making process
I am always open and up-front about problems
that arise
I am extremely reliable and do whatever it takes
to deliver on my promises
I clearly communicate my values and ideals to
others and engage their support of them
I consistently communicate the criteria upon
which decisions will be made
I consistently encourage others to go beyond
their self-interests in pursuit of the greater good
I consistently strive to develop the latent talents
of and mentor the people I lead
I demonstrate and expect innovation and a bias
for action
I have an inspirational vision that I frequently
communicate to others to gain their alignment
I have high moral and ethical values and model
them through my behavior
I mobilize others through a collective sense of
mission
I often share my feelings
about issues and situations
I regularly challenge the
status quo
I set aside my personal
interests in pursuit of the
end goal
I set high performance
standards because I know
that challenging attainable
goals lead to higher
performance
Dr. Robert M. Spooney
I speak optimistically
about the future and the opportunities it provides
I speak to the commonly held values and
aspirations I have with others
I use my ability to connect with people to have
them believe that there is more value to work than
gaining immediate rewards
Many people tell me I am a role model for them
My values consistently drive my decisionmaking process
People tell me they are proud to be associated
with me
The above may seem like a tall order, however, in a
world where change is ever increasing, by using these
behaviors we have the potential to inspire others. It is
a lifelong journey, and a commitment to personal and
professional development.