Over the years the leadership resources of James Kouzes and and Barry Posner have been invaluable to me. Recently they published The Truth About Leadership: The No-Fads, Heart-of-the-Matter Facts You Need to Know. The book identifies ten principles that are … Continue reading →
Earlier this month some surprising findings came out of IBM’s latest Global Chief Executive Officer Study. The study involved face-to-face interviews with 1541 CEOs in 33 industries and 60 countries. Similar studies were done in 2004, 2006, and 2008. Each … Continue reading →
When you’re lost in the forest, you may not be able to see your way out. But you must at least choose a direction and embark on it. Leadership often faces the same quandary. There is a leadership myth that … Continue reading →
I grew up in East Texas, where the soils are soft and given to erosion. As a result, the nearby rivers are mostly muddy, running yellow or even brown at times from heavy topsoil runoff. And then there’s the Red … Continue reading →
Can you state your organization’s mission in 25 words or less? If not, then one of two things is probably true. You either need greater clarity with regard to the mission itself. Or you need greater simplicity in the way … Continue reading →
I’m writing this blog just two weeks before a pivotal national election. A key campaign issue this year has been the question of the role of government. How big should it be? How much power should it have? How intrusive … Continue reading →
Note: For the benefit of our overseas readers, "second banana" is American slang for someone whose authority position is second to the person in charge. If you were to read every book on leadership, few would even mention the role of … Continue reading →
Have you ever noticed how quickly people unite in response to wholesale disaster? You see it in the wake of devastating storms. Or in the immediate aftermath of unthinkable events like 9-11. At such moments we show an amazing ability … Continue reading →
What’s the most vital aspect of leadership? I put that question recently to about 30 young professionals who were completing a two year leadership development program. As you might guess, they had a number of different ideas. Gradually, however, the … Continue reading →
Effective leadership comes in a variety of styles. But whatever their style, leaders must impart one thing to those who follow. That one thing is hope. Hope gives purpose to the dedication and sacrifice that leaders ask of their people. … Continue reading →