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Richard Burleson Gives a Motivational Speech on
Leadership at the 2007 Fire Chief's Conference
“You Better Be Right”
 Richard
(Dick) Burleson, Vice President of DMJM Harris and former football
official in the Southeastern Conference, outlined for Alabama’s fire
chiefs twelve traits of successful leaders.
In the humor-filled
presentation “You Better Be Right,” Richard Burleson used his life as an
SEC official to get his point across. When Coach Bear Bryant challenged
one of Burleson’s official calls, it reminded Burleson that “he better
be right,” important advice for someone who wants to be an effective
leader.
Burleson opened this laughter-inducing lecture by saying “You do not
lead by hitting over the head.” This statement introduced his list of
twelve traits of a successful leader:
- Demonstrate
integrity.
- Create a common
vision—have a vision and communicate that vision.
- Focus on problem
solving, not fixing blame.
- Empower your
subordinates.
- Reward initiative.
- Be fair and have
courage.
- Use common sense.
- Don’t be
buffaloed by experts.
- Don’t be
afraid to challenge a professional.
- Don’t chase
the latest management fad.
- Have a good
relationship with your peers.
- Make commitment a
daily requirement.
- Exhibit
self-confidence—your subordinates will see it.
- Have a sense of
humor at the right time.
- Have class
- When your
employees stop bringing you problems, there are serious
communication issues.
- Never neglect
details.
- Anticipate.
- You don’t know
what you can get away with to make progress until you try.
- Look into the
head and the heart of people; don’t just focus on their
education and status.
- Have fun—don’t
always run at breakneck speed.
Article by: Heather
Houston and Christy Ryland
Photos: AFC Staff
2/12/007
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