When I started my business in 2002, I was both excited and overwhelmed by all the details that came with it. It required change – in myself, in my home and in my relationships. To get some guidance over the years, I’ve read a lot of books on management from some of the top experts in the country including Jack Welch, one of the most successful CEOs of all-time and known for his leadership skills. I believed his proven methods and management philosophies could help this Household CEO learn to manage the business – a family. After all, for modern women, isn’t running a household similar to running a business and managing the various divisions of life – home, family, health, career, and friendships?

Jack Welch turned a huge manufacturing giant into one of the world’s most agile enterprises using his personal formula for success: The 4 E’s of Leadership – Having the Energy to handle situations, being able to Energize others, having a healthy competitive Edge and then being able to Execute. These are Welch’s traits and positive habits that we household managers can employ to reach our own personal success.

I am a naturally energetic person and normally love the thrill of the ‘professional game’ but within my own household, it has been tough to focus on positive energy during the past months given the economic downturn. But, since my kids look to me to set the tone at home and need my energy to harness the spirit and morale needed to accomplish their own roles and responsibilities, I make it my business to stay empowered. I don’t have the luxury of quitting my ‘job’ so I must have the energy to handle the tasks at hand.They rely on me to lead them and how lucky am I to have this opportunity?

To be the best “me” for them, I use a 24-hour plan to find the energy – taking every day as it comes and only planning one day at a time. I focus on the tasks I need to accomplish for EACH day only. Part of that plan includes keeping my food intake in check by eating energizing, nutritious foods and exercising often which is key for my stamina and mental strength. I also employ techniques like mediating and positive affirmations – it’s amazing how a quick deep breathing exercise in the car while waiting for my daughter can re-energize me for the rest of the day!

Secondly, Welch speaks of energizing others, finding ways to spark others to action. This is my $64,000 question as a parent: how do I motivate the kids in a healthy way? It is particularly difficult to do within your own family as emotional baggage can get in the way. I try to think of myself as the coach or cheerleader of my family, rather than the dictator (though I have been known to have my dictator moments.) I try to inspire them to want to try harder. I reward good behavior and try to find growth opportunities in their defeats. I try to outline a vision and then include them in a plan for making that vision a reality – even some as simple as how to spend the day can be energizing is everyone is involved in the planning. Then, I stay focused on the aspects of the plan that build confidence and stay enthusiastic. Also, I’m not afraid to point out my own mistakes and use myself as an example of how to do things better in a situation. I get the most results with rewarding or promoting my team. The carrot on the stick always works better than the ‘what the heck is your problem’ route.

Having the Edge – or knowing you’re on the right path for yourself and your family – is a difficult trait as well. Welch reinvented GE based on the belief that change was good and necessary. Wouldn’t most household managers love to learn how to reinvent their own families to meet the needs and demands of this new economic world we live in? It requires many tough decisions like cutting out unnecessary expenses, prioritizing activities and thinking long-term while trying to provide in the short-term. It’s tough! We are all learning to produce more output with less input. It requires different abilities – flexibility, adaptability and responsibility – but ones that are good for everyone in the long run. This doesn’t happen overnight and there is no such thing as perfection. I strive for progress rather than perfection.

Lastly, execution is key. Results speak for themselves. By keeping track of the progress and goals my family is achieving helps put life in the proper perspective. I try to reward the family with a bonus for each milestone that is reached. Simple, inexpensive recognition tactics – homemade diplomas or baking a batch of favorite cookies – go a long way. At family meetings, speak of persistence and consistency as a key behavior for achieving results. Use examples of famous sport figures, heroes or others who never gave up under extreme circumstances. What did they do to reach their goals? They tried harder, practiced more, learned more about their industry and emulated other successful people. I’m am a role model for my children, but other role models are important, too.

At the end of the day, a CEO uses the power of example to lead. Each day brings a new opportunity to start over or change. To quote Mr. Welch, “Face reality as it is, not as it was or as you wish it to be.”

Devon Fleming is considered the area’s Home and Lifestyle Expert. She writes books, articles, blogs, and other online content. She provides ‘Fairfield County Living Tips’ on four local radio stations and appears on area TV providing lifestyle segments and “solutions for the modern woman.” For more information, visit [DevonFleming.com].