Most leaders dislike the idea of being vulnerable because it makes them think people will perceive them as weak and inept. In fact, the online Oxford Dictionary defines vulnerable as: "exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally."
But wait, isn’t that also the definition of courage? Continue reading »
Many of what is written about leadership has to do with the competencies, tasks, and skills you need as a leader. With leading with your head. And being an effective leaders includes all of it.
Yet, what really makes you an effective leader is how you listen to your heart and lead with your heart. . . Continue reading »
Relationships count! Many times your effectiveness as a leader hinges on the strength of your relationships. Your influence is directly affected by the quality of your relationships. Yet, many leaders let the “urgent” steal from them golden opportunities for connection. Continue reading »
In a world growing more complex by the minute, is simplicity the new most elusive and valuable commodity? Continue reading »
Are you using half a brain or your whole brain? Douglas R. Conant, the recently retired President and CEO of the Campbell Soup Company, recently wrote a great HBR blog post titled: The power of idealistic-realism: how great leaders inspire and transform Judging by his track record, and the 20 comments on the article, he really knows how to inspire toward transformation.
He posits that the job of leaders is to offer a vision that inspires and motivates. Yet, he argues that equally important is the need to be in touch with reality and acknowledge the reality of the challenge. His is a true example of rejecting “either or” thinking and embracing “both and" thinking. Evidently he learned to use both his left and right brain hemispheres. As a result, he has been and excellent leader. That’s the kind of leadership we need today more than ever. Continue reading »
Are you using half a brain or your whole brain? Douglas R. Conant, the recently retired President and CEO of the Campbell Soup Company, recently wrote a great HBR blog post titled: The power of idealistic-realism: how great leaders inspire and transform Judging by his track record, and the 20 comments on the article, he really knows how to inspire toward transformation.
He posits that the job of leaders is to offer a vision that inspires and motivates. Yet, he argues that equally important is the need to be in touch with reality and acknowledge the reality of the challenge. His is a true example of rejecting “either or” thinking and embracing “both and" thinking. Evidently he learned to use both his left and right brain hemispheres. As a result, he has been and excellent leader. That’s the kind of leadership we need today more than ever. Continue reading »
After a couple of dark rainy days, today we had sunshine. My whole outlook was happier, my day was more productive, and even the barren trees looked pretty with the light shining on them. This made me think about leadership. Continue reading »
