The Mary Kay Way - Timeless Principles from America's Greatest Woman Entrepreneur by Mary Kay Ash (US edition, hardcover) - 9780470379950

The Mary Kay Way: Timeless Principles from America's Greatest Woman Entrepreneur is back in print and updated to reflect developments in today’s business environment for the modern entrepreneur. You will find inspiration and real, proven success principles that represents the forty-five year old success story of Mary Kay Ash, founder Mary Kay, Inc., the cosmetics company that provides women with unlimited opportunities for success. A foreword by Mary Kay’s grandson, also a company executive, introduces her timeless guide to entrepreneurial success.Table of Content Foreword Ryan Rogers xiii Editor’s Preface xix Introduction xxi 1 Golden Rule Leadership 1The Golden Rule is one of the world’s oldest and best-known philosophies, yet it is frequently overlooked in business circles. Mary Kay demonstrates that this rule is still powerful in today’s complicated world. 2 You Build with People 15Leaders are dependent upon the performance of their people, and so is a company’s success. Good people are a company’s most important asset. People are more important than the plan. 3 The Invisible Sign 21Everyone has an invisible sign hanging from his or her neck saying, ‘‘MAKE ME FEEL IMPORTANT!’’ Never forget this message when working with people. 4 Praise People to Success 29Each of us craves to be recognized. Let people know that you appreciate their performance and they will respond by doing even better. Recognition is the most powerful of all motivating techniques. 5 The Art of Listening 39Good leaders are good listeners. God gave us two ears and only one mouth, so we should listen twice as much as we speak. When you listen, the benefit is twofold: You receive necessary information, and you make the other person feel important. 6 Sandwich Every Bit of Criticism between Two Heavy Layers of Praise 49Sometimes it’s necessary to let somebody know that you’re unhappy with his or her performance. But be certain to direct your criticism at the act, not the person. It is important to criticize effectively—in a positive way so that you don’t destroy morale. 7 Be a Follow-Through Person 57Be the kind of person who can always be counted on to do what you say you’ll do. Only a small percentage of people possess follow-through ability, and they are held in high esteem by all. It’s particularly important for your team members or employees to know that you possess this rare quality and for them to think of you as a totally reliable person. 8 Enthusiasm . . . Moves Mountains! 73Nothing great is ever achieved without enthusiasm. Leaders are enthusiastic, and enthusiasm is contagious. Interestingly, the word enthusiasm has a Greek origin meaning ‘‘God within.’’ 9 The Speed of the Leader Is the Speed of the Gang 81You must set the pace for your people. Rea