Great leadership is timeless, always in vogue. The world has been hungry for great leaders from time immemorial. In times of chaos and war, environmental and social upheaval, great leaders often emerge pointing the way toward peace. In times of tranquility, calm and prosperity, great leaders have emerged to maintain the systems of order and to challenge apathy.Great leadership is always popular, but in times of enormous need, how do we differentiate the great from the greedy, the strong leader... Read More
A leader's roleIn any change project, a leader must wear many hats, however his/her role can be split into two key areas:1. Set the strategic direction of the change and;2. Convince everyone of its importance.The importance of the first part of this role is generally understood and is for another article on another day, however the second part is often overlooked (or done very badly) and can be of even greater importance.Where this point is addressed, it is generally done... Read More
Ask anyone about what makes a good leader and they are sure to put the ability to communicate high on the list of necessary skills. Yet all to often communication is simply seen as the ability to speak.Listening ? actively is an incredibly powerful tool at times rather neglected.I stated working with ***** who said, "I feel really frustrated. I often suggest ideas at meetings but others get the credit! I am really keen to get promotion and want to... Read More
CHAPTER 1 ************ VALUEThose qualities regarded by a person or group as important and desirable of standards and principlesWhat is value driven leadership? Have you ever considered having a value driven leadership team? Or even a team driven by values and not a team having to be driven by the leader? That thought alone made me consider looking into the way I ran my teams and how I could do things better; this is the driving force behind... Read More
Leadership is what every organization needs and so few have in adequate supply. Part of leadership is what the first President Bush called "the vision thing". It's the ability to see what does not exist and then gather, mold and shape the resources needed to make it happen.Part of leadership is passion for the purpose and the mission of the organization. But it needs to be passion with direction and focus. It needs to have strength of character; courage, integrity... Read More
It's interesting to hear the responses from executives when I ask them, "What are the characteristics of a good Leader?"If I ask that question in a large room of executives, or even upper level managers the answers will be all over the map, and many are conflicting.A couple of the usual answers are: A leader is someone that empowers those working for him to make their own decisions. A leader is someone who gives clear, direct orders, a take charge... Read More
J. Paul Getty planned to enter the U.S. Diplomatic Service, but, when he got out of college, the Oklahoma oil boom caught his attention. Since his father had already prospered in the oil business, he was irresistibly attracted to the prospects of wildcatting, and he decided to postpone his diplomatic ambitions for two more years.He worked on other wildcatter's rigs and borrowed money from his father to raise money for oil speculation. His father only gave him small amounts of... Read More
Some think that everything is black and white. I'm beginning to see everything as different shades of grey.Having worked with people in an increasing variety of ways the past 10 years, in a variety of occupational and volunteer scenarios, I've been exposed to many, many different ways of being, seeing, believing, working, and living. Is one way worse than the other? Is one person's beliefs worse than another? Is one person's ethics worse than another?For many of us, we will... Read More
Today I stood up to a guy right in front of his boss. I challenged him, the former leader, to change his position and give up his position of power. He had fallen from that position though no fault of his own, yet, he didn't deserve the power that he desired.Yep! I challenged a 5 year old today, right in front of his dad. Here's what happened:Jason, this little boy who I challenged is at school first nearly every day.... Read More
1. The Law of Authoritarian StyleAuthoritarian leaders lead by control and fear. It's a "my way or the highway" approach. They believe their right to leadership comes with their title. This style works in the short term because those weaker than the leader will obey. The problem is this style guarantees rebellion, and therefore falls apart in the long term.2. The Law of Authoritative StyleAuthoritative leaders lead by example, respect and trust. Their position of leadership is earned. An authoritative... Read More
People respond to good leadership! Period! It is in all aspects of our lives, not just business. A mother is a leader in her home; a son may be leader of a team sport or a daughter the leader of the debate team. A group relies on the person in charge to actually lead them to success. A true leader is highly ethical, honest and respected.In our society we have leaders and followers. Are we born to one or the... Read More
"Most of our obstacles would melt away if, instead of cowering before them, we should make up our minds to walk boldly through them." -- Orison Swett MardenEvery day leaders are faced with challenges to expand their thinking, overcome obstacles and embrace potential growth. It is my belief that leadership hinges upon the potential of success, not the possibilities of failure. Great leaders expand their horizons, challenge and invest in themselves and those who choose to follow them.As a coach,... Read More
Those that have successfully made the transition from manager to leader have found the importance of continuously asking questions. Constantly receiving feedback from front line workers enables aleader to understand what is going right and where improvement is needed. At the same time, the leader is showing interest in the front line workers through these questions. However asking questions can become harmful if two key steps do not follow them.First, it is important that the leader acts on what was... Read More
Here's a really simple way to measure the strength of your executive leadership skills. Ask your people to name 3 important reasons why they enjoy working with you.Most leaders find it acceptable to be viewed as a "nice", "friendly" or "clever" person.Others prefer to be "hands-off" - you know the type of boss who lets us do our work the way we choose to do it - the leader who wants our work done and doesn't care to be bothered... Read More
Identity CrisisIt's not only the knowledge you carry around in your head. More important to your effectiveness as a leader is your character ? who you ARE. In an interview of Harvard Business School Professor, Scott A. Snook, conducted by, Harvard Business School, Working Knowledge Senior Editor Martha Lagace, they exposed a truth that will help you guide your leadership development program.The main thrust of this interview is how effective the Army has been in transforming the professional identity of... Read More
"Who rules or guides or inspires others"Having excellent guide skills is one of the most important abilities to possess in today's fast-paced world. We need the support and cooperation of other people to help us in reaching our goals. The saying "No man is an island" is an undeniable truth.Here are some guidelines to effectively influence anyone you desire.A) Enter their world.You must understand the situation according to their point of view. Set aside your personal interests and concentrate on... Read More
Relationships are constantly facing crisis. Everywhere we look people are in dispute with one another. Companies are in dispute with one another. Countries are even in dispute with one another.Arguments, litigation, divorce, even war are the products of relationships in crisis.What is the purpose of fuelling animosity? Life is so short. It's too short to waste precious time with such unproductive pursuits. Do we really need to keep conflict going? What can possibly be achieved by constantly fanning the flame... Read More
How often have you heard the comment, "He or she is a born leader?" There are certain characteristics found in some people that seem to naturally put them in a position where they're looked up to as a leader.Whether in fact a person is born a leader or develops skills and abilities to become a leader is open for debate. There are some clear characteristics that are found in good leaders. These qualities can be developed or may be naturally... Read More
Many people are interested in the characteristics of a great leader. There are many lists of these traits. These are quotes taken from an article by Bill George former chairman and CEO of Medtronic. According to him the most important trait is to be yourself!1. Authenticity "After years of studying leaders and their traits, I believe that leadership begins and ends with authenticity."2. Desire to Serve Others "Authentic leaders genuinely desire to serve others through their leadership."3. Empowering People "They... Read More
A great leader is able to inspire his/her workers to work harder. Instead of firing workers, great leaders know how to fire his/her worker up to do their best.Your leadership skill will determine the size of your business, company and even your position at your work place. I read the book of 1st Samuel and 2nd Samuel from the Holy Bible, from those books; If you have the chance to read them, please read them, they are not that long... Read More
