The "talk to the hand" phrase is often associated with a dismissive attitude by the person holding up the hand. However, in this case, the Talk to the Hand concept is a simple but effective tool for leaders to influence other people. Both aspiring and experienced leaders will learn to use five key power and influence factors (represented by the five fingers). Knowing when and how to use them is equally important. - Using Rewards to motivate others (thumb) - Sharing your Knowledge (index finger) - Using Discipline (middle finger) - Establishing & using Authority (ring finger) - Forging a Relationship with others (pinky) Being a leader is not easy, but it does not have to be hard. Similarly, leadership concepts do not have to be complicated to be effective. Using the Talk to the Hand concept can dramatically and quickly improve your leadership influence - and success.
About the Author: Joseph Garcia was the first and only Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for FEMA Hurricane Katrina Gulf Coast Recovery operations in their New Orleans, Louisiana oversight office. He performed in this Senior Executive Service position for three years. His mantra was, "to not sacrifice the recovery mission, but to honor the sacrifices of the American taxpayers who entrusted us with their resources." He led the development of the first ever budget for recovery operations, and initiated a Good Stewardship Council for the entire Gulf Coast. At the time of his departure, the overhead cost ratio was down to six percent, significantly lower than the Office of Management and Budget expectation of 14 percent for disaster overhead costs, saving taxpayers millions of dollars. He served previously as a CFO for a national nonprofit in Washington, DC, and is Board Chairman for another nonprofit that supports women and children who suffer from human rights abuses. Joseph served 28 years in the Air Force. His assignments included a tour as a squadron commander, a Pentagon tour, a deployment for six months in the Middle East, and he served in numerous overseas assignments including South Korea and Germany. While stationed at the Air Force Academy, he taught a Leadership course to upper-division cadets, in addition to being a Training Director and a Regional Director of Admissions. He retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He holds an Executive Masters in Leadership from Georgetown University, in Washington, D.C. His awards include the Federal Woman's Program Male Boss of the Year, Department of Defense Comptroller of the Year, and a Superior Mission Achievement award from the Department of Homeland Security. He and his wife, Brenda, reside near Washington, DC.