Archive for Leadership
The Elements of Timeless Leadership
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FollowGreat leadership is timeless, always in vogue. The world has been hungry for great leaders from time immemorial. In times of chaos and war, environmental and social upheaval, great leaders often emerge pointing the way toward peace. In times of tranquility, calm and prosperity, great leaders have emerged to maintain the systems of order and to challenge apathy.
Great leadership is always popular, but in times of enormous need, how do we differentiate the great from the greedy, the strong leader from the despot? The principles are ancient and have stood the test of time. Great leaders always move out in front, establishing direction, insuring order, and providing correction and regulation as needed. Always passionate about their followers, great leaders are eager to live their lives in service to their needs.
Things Not To Do
Posted by: | CommentsSometimes success is found through the things that you don’t do. Here are some ideas for what we shouldn’t do.
Don’t say “I can’t.” There are two words that we don’t allow in the Widener household – I can’t. The fact is that most of what we say that we can’t do can actually be done, if only we put our mind to it. My mother taught me from an early age that if someone else had already done it, I could too. And if no one else had already done it, I could certainly be the first! Good advice!
Being A Continuous Learner
Posted by: | CommentsWhen people ask me what business I’m in, I often say, “I’m in the learning business.” It sounds intriguing, and it is certainly true. But, truth be told, we are all in the learning business.
Why?
Because as humans, we are learning machines. We are most alive and functioning closest to our potential when we are learning, adapting, adjusting, and finding new ways, approaches and techniques to improve our lives (or the lives of others) in some way.
I believe in the above statements. They are as true as any other statement I could write here. But rather than talking about the philosophy of humankind, let me get much more pragmatic.
Become A Good Observer
Posted by: | CommentsWe must never allow a day to pass without finding the answers to a list of important questions such as: What is going on in our industry? What new challenges are currently facing our government? Our community? Our neighborhood? What are the new breakthroughs, the new opportunities, the new tools and techniques that have recently come to light? Who are the new personalities that are influencing world and local opinion?
We must become good observers and astute evaluators of all that is going on around us. All events affect us, and what affects us leaves an imprint on what we will one day be and how we will one day live.
Characteristics Of A Good Leader
Posted by: | CommentsIt’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:
3 Step Problem Solving
Posted by: | CommentsHow do you like to solve your problems? Do you prefer to use the more creative problem solving techniques, or the systematic ones? You’ll get the best of both with the add-subtract-change method.
Add, Subtract, Change
I am sitting here looking at my bicycle as I write this. To come up with new ideas in bicycle design, all we have to do is look at the elements that are there and ask three things. What can we add, what can we subtract, and what can we change?
What Makes A Good Leader – Ask Uncle Sam
Posted by: | CommentsWhat 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 under pressure
- Clearly explains the missions, sets standards and priorities
Can We Change People?
Posted by: | CommentsThere was a class of “challenged” children and many teachers were brought in over time but each one ended up quitting in frustration. Finally, a teacher was brought in and a miracle happened. That class of students ended up becoming a group of happy, well- behaved and good students. What happened?
From the time that teacher entered the classroom, she refused to see the children as they appeared to others. She saw through and beyond appearances. She instead saw in her mind’s eye each student as a well-behaved, perfect student. She saw only their potential and perfection and they became exactly as she envisioned.
The Challenge To Lead
Posted by: | CommentsThe topic of leadership has been and continues to be one of the most vital topics in human history. From ancient civilizations to modern day multi-national corporations, men and women of passion, fervor and zeal have sought to discover the secrets of moving others beyond the gray of their mundane reality to the rich array of colors that embody the palate of the extraordinary life.
Every organization or collection of people, from large to small, requires ardent and skilled leaders. It has been said that everything rises and falls on leadership, and it is true. Every group – families, cities, churches, associations and yes, even nations – fulfills its purposes and potential based on the leadership it is shown.
The Qualities Of A Skilfull Leader
Posted by: | CommentsIf you want to be a leader who attracts quality people, the key is to become a person of quality yourself. Leadership is the ability to attract someone to the gifts, skills, and opportunities you offer as an owner, as a manager, as a parent. I call leadership the great challenge of life.
What’s important in leadership is refining your skills. All great leaders keep working on themselves until they become effective. Here are some specifics:
1) Learn to be strong but not rude.
It is an extra step you must take to become a powerful, capable leader with a wide range of reach. Some people mistake rudeness for strength. It’s not even a good substitute.
