Great Women Leaders
Leadership Integrity
Every day, we all face moral and ethical dilemmas. These dilemmas may be as small as making it to work on time or as significant as keeping confidences shared in the workplace. The passionate leaders, because of their deeply ingrained values, default to decisions made with integrity. These decisions are rendered quickly and effectively because their moral and ethical compass points the way.
Passionate leaders live their lives with dignity and integrity. That translates into their professional lives seamlessly and effortlessly. It is not how they behave. It is not what they practice. It is who they are.
When asked about the role of the print media in modern American, Katharine Graham responded, “We are not here to be popular. We are here to be respected and above all, to be believed.” With Graham at the helm, the Washington Post was respected and believed and served as American’s moral compass during the turbulent post-Vietnam era. Graham firmly believed the coverage provided by her newspaper should not be influenced by government nor intimidated by bureaucracy. The Washington Post was a bastion of journalistic integrity and set the bar for their competitors. Katharine Graham was a passionate leader whose personal integrity dictated her professional decisions as well.
What leadership tips would you love to give our new President?
If you are wondering how Madeleine Albright feels about the Bush administration and our place in the current global setting, just pick up a copy of her latest book, Memo to the President Elect: How We Can Restore America’s Reputation and Leadership. Former Secretary Albright speaks forcefully and authoritatively in her new book, directed at whomever we vote into the presidency later this year.
In addition to delivering a scathing critique of the current administration, Albright gives a few insights into her own rise to power. But her greatest contribution comes via the insights she offers based on her years of international service. She shares her lessons learned as an executive leader in world affairs. The knowledge and experience gained as our Secretary of State for President Bill Clinton, as well as her tenure at the UN serve her well as she dissects global politics. This book serves as a primer for those who are aware of our role in international politics but can’t seem to tie together all the loose ends. Albright is a great teacher, but an even better patriot. She implores our next president to act with intelligence, compassion and authority to return the United States to our rightful position as a global leader.
Go "Green"
Are you an organic professional?
Paper or Plastic? Bottled Water or Tap Water?
We are all facing the “inconvenient truth” of diminishing natural resources on our planet. To that end, we must answer endless questions on a daily basis that impact the quality of our world and the quality of our lives. But the savvy and passionate leader should also look inward to see if there is a professional and personal conservation program in place. Are you renewing your own internal natural resources? Are your pursuits “organic” – i.e. naturally by, for, and about you?
By definition, organic means relating to, derived from, or occurring gradually and naturally without being forced or contrived. Think back to all those classmates who went to law school almost by default rather than by design. How many of them are practicing law now? If they are still in the legal profession, how many of them have achieved personal and professional satisfaction? Are they out in front leading the pack, or limping along bringing up the rear?
Oprah Winfrey – Woman Leader
Oprah gave the commencement speech at Stanford University two weeks ago. Here is are the highlights of her speech. She references “If you ask the right question…”, then mistakes, failings, difficult times can be viewed much differently and more positively. Take a moment to watch this video… as leaders we can use frequent reminders that troubled times come for a reason and we need to slow down enough to acknowledge their purpose. Let me know what you think.
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Leadership Development – Idea Generation
Passionate Leaders Seize the Moment:
Passionate leaders see an opening, exploit a break, and take a chance when others don’t even recognize the prospect.
If we look back on our own professional paths, we may be able to identify those leaders that inspired us to work harder, contribute more, and strive for greatness. Achieving success is certainly predicated on hard work and sound direction, but it is also a result of fearlessly seizing opportunities. Passionate leaders have such confidence in their ability that they are not afraid of making a mistake. Rather, they see a mistake as an altogether new opportunity. Passionate leaders embrace the unknown with creatively analytical solutions borne from childlike curiosity. This childlike quality may be one of the most significant character traits that passionate leaders share.
Women's Leadership Forum
The Michigan Women’s Business Council presented the 7th Annual Michigan Women’s Business Conference and Expo held at The Rock Financial Showplace in Novi, Michigan. As President of AWAF and a co-sponsor of this event, I was invited to participate in the Women’s Leadership Forum. This forum was to discuss how the leading national business organizations are working to advance the interests of women business owners and Women Business Enterprises (WBE). I thoroughly enjoyed my participation and thought you would enjoy my comments:
The Automotive Women’s Alliance Foundation or AWAF is proud to be a sponsor here today. As President of the non-profit organization, AWAF, and as President of my company QuadWest Associates, LLC, I was asked to prepare to answer this question:
Would you share with us the status of women in the automotive industry as well as how women business owners can use AWAF to advance their businesses?
