Archive for November, 2008
Leadership Values
Let’s examine our own decision making in the workplace. We are faced with multiple challenges everyday that require judgment, wisdom, and fairness. Nothing is ever simple and easy, and almost nothing is ever exactly as it seems. So often, the heart of the issue is only partially visible as if we are viewing through a fog. Some of us may find ourselves vacillating, incapable of rendering a verdict that we are comfortable with. The passionate leader whose integrity is ingrained makes the decision based on the leadership values you have defined – simple principles of right and wrong. Sometimes the most complex issues can be sorted out simply by asking yourself: “What is the right thing to do here?” Once you answer that question in private, you can then begin to formulate your answer for public consumption and devise a working plan to facilitate that decision.
Leadership Development: Downtime
Here I am in beautiful Breckenridge, Colorado. The sun has been shining, the mountains are in the background and I am surrounded by good people. What’s not to like.
It is always fun (and more than necessary) to get out of the ordinary day to day operations. I find it very refreshing to get out of my normal environment – it stretches me to change a routine, to observe things in new places and have conversations with new people.
A little downtime now and again can really rejuvenate me. I can use some quiet time to think – no tv, minimal cell phone conversations and little computer work. It makes for my mind to settle.
The place I am at is called the Entreprenuer’s Retreat. A place for entreprenuers to come and share their ideas and gain new insights. Here is a picture of me out on the deck of this peaceful setting with those Rockie Mountains in the background.
Leadership: My Hope for Obama
The election is over. Hooray! The language of political elections, mostly the rhetoric and the constant slams of the opponent, drives me crazy. Negativity is something I avidly try to avoid.
Now, however, our nation plans for change. Our first Black American President – a historic moment many thought was years off and now is a reality. With each newly elected President there is a new level of anticipation. President-elect Obama will now be selecting his team; reaffirming goals and setting milestones for execution of his plan. He has a little over 2 months for further preparation. I can only imagine the action list and delegation activities he will oversee.
My hope for him, as with any new executive, is that he:
1) selects his team well, finding the value in diversity of opinions and styles;
2) sets the expectations for their performance and communicates these expectations for clear understanding;
3) shares an inspiring and motivating vision for all to align; and
4) is clear about his values and knows how to stay grounded as the challanges of our times will demand much of him.
Leadership Development: Taking Ownership
So many naysayers, so much negativity – with the political election campaigns and the uncertainty caused by the recession – it is easy to find yourself dwelling or drowning in all the negativity.
The worry grows from so many questions:
Who will lead our country, the good ole’ USA – can we regain our power?
Who is leading our financial institutions – can we trust our banks, stocks?
To the really personal questions:
What is my company’s management doing – will I have a job?
What do I need to survive – do I have enough savings?
When I am drowning with more work and fewer employees – how do I stay ahead of the game?
Day after day, I speak with employees and managers both who feel the burden of uncertainty and speak of being in a vicious circle, feeling out of control.
