Leadership Articles

Business » Leadership | By Tim Knox @

What do the major generals who are leading the war efforts in Iraq have in common with executives and entrepreneurs who are conducting business back home? When it comes to leadership, the answer is probably a lot more than you think. In a recent study conducted by the Army War College, subordinates of the major generals who are leading the war efforts in Iraq were asked to rate the performance of their superiors. The survey revealed that the best leaders: *Keep cool und... more...

Business » Leadership | By Woody Quinones @

Does the competition drive you crazy? Are they relentless about taking your clients away? Are customer loyalties becoming a thing of the past? In our ever changing world, it seems securing business these days comes down to, who will provide the most services at the lowest possible price. To add insult to injury your previously served customers have taken on a new militant attitude about obtaining your services. They now believe they have a license to set the pricing, dangle it over... more...

Business » Leadership | By Hirini Reedy @

Have you ever wondered how would survive in a hostage situation? Being captured and held as a hostage by terrorists? What would give you the will to survive and stay alive? Make a mental list of memories, loved ones, beliefs, techniques that would keep you alive if taken hostage or a prisoner of war. In today’s uncertain world there is a reasonable chance that someone we know will be one or two degrees removed from a hostage, a bomb blast victim or a prisoner of war (POW). My own g... more...

Business » Leadership | By Alan Boyer @

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 person that commands h... more...

Business » Leadership | By Roger Schwarz @

Last month I talked about the Skilled Facilitator principle of being curious. This month I want to talk about the complementary principle transparency. Transparency has recently become a popular topic in business as organizations seek to build (or rebuild) trust with customers, shareholders, and employees. This morning as I opened the op-ed page of my Sunday New York Times, the title read, "The New Public [NY Times] Editor: Toward Greater Transparency." Whether you are a leader, consulta... more...

Business » Leadership | By Alan Boyer @

A few months ago I had the opportunity to spend a few minutes with Jack Welch, past CEO of GE. A fantastic opportunity. Some of the things he said about who they hire and what they are looking for in managers sort of hit home with what I am telling clients, and what I am telling my teen leadership group (our Rising Stars program). The Best Managers Aren't Perfect But They Keep Getting Back on the Horse Jack Welch--"We look for people that are not perfect. People tha... more...

Business » Leadership | By Daegan Smith @

A veritable leader attracts followers. Authenticity in a leader allows trust to be built and maintained. Showing who he really is, his followers know what to expect from him and can rely on him, come hell or high water. A leader must project fearlessness in facing challenges. A leader must stand firm even in the presence of criticisms, but still having the courage to admit his mistakes. An effective leader listens emphatically. He welcomes ideas and inputs from his members. Th... more...