An Attitude of Leadership: Hero or Zero?

June 15, 2013 — Leave a comment

A positive attitude is a frame of mind – our perspective, as leaders, has much to do with how we engage and deal with challenges.

Like it or not, you are in the superhero business.  As a leader, whatever industry you are in, you need to always remember that the energy you bring to everything you do will be noticed and amplified. Your personal attitude is a huge part of what you project to your team and organization. If you aren’t demonstrating a positive, supportive and encouraging attitude, how can you expect others to?

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If you want to have a positive, lasting impact on others, realize that as you evolve your attitude it will be reflected in your actions – positively influencing your work, your team… and your world. In order to be seen as a superhero by your superiors, colleagues, employees and customers, focus on becoming: Continue Reading…

In Behavior, Communication, Courage, Development, Global Leadership, Leadership, Self Development, Strategy, Team Building, Value Creation , , , , , ,
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Courageous Leadership: The Absence Of Self

May 30, 2013 — 4 Comments

This week, I am going to ask you to really think about Courage – it is an important concept that seems to be falling by the wayside. Aristotle referred to courage as the first virtue because it makes all of the other virtues possible. Aside being the most important human virtue, it is also the most important business virtue.

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Think about it…

  • Leadership requires making bold and often unpopular decisions…
  • Innovation requires conceiving radical, unconventional ideas…
  • Sales requires being repeatedly rejected and still going back to attempt to close the deal…

Leadership, Innovation and Sales all require Courage. Without courage all of our core business concepts (including leadership, innovation and sales) suddenly lose their potency… withering in obscurity. So why do we put so little emphasis and value on courage in the workplace? Continue Reading…

In Courage, Development, Ethics, Global Leadership, Innovation, Potential, Sales, Self Development, Strategy, Trust, Value Creation , , , , , ,
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Leadership: Courage, Attitude & Behavior

May 24, 2013 — 3 Comments

In addition to skills and competencies, real Leadership is about Courage, Attitude and Behavior:

  • Courage is not the absence of fear, but the absence of self.
  • A positive Attitude is a frame of mind – our perspective, as leaders, has much to do with how we engage and deal with challenges.
  • Our Behavior, in large part, determines how our people will act and react.

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Do you see a common thread here? Despite differences in culture, gender, age and other variables, great leadership consistently demonstrates admirable characteristics. Here are some things to consider (remember) as you continue to learn and develop as a leader – no matter what your level or title: Continue Reading…

In Behavior, Courage, Leadership, Potential, Self Development, Strategic Planning, Team Building, Value Creation, Vision , , , , ,
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Leadership Lessons From Japan

May 3, 2013 — 2 Comments

I have frequently done business in Japan throughout my career. It is interesting how the country and the culture have changed over time, but beneath its surface lies an extremely productive and effective society.

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To the outsider – or gaijin, as we are known to the locals – Japanese business customs appear to be so deeply entrenched in culture and tradition that they couldn’t possibly be applicable to the rest of the world. But don’t be too quick to write off the value that Japanese business practices offer the rest of the world… Continue Reading…

In alignment, Communication, Cross-cultural, Culture, Leadership, Lessons From Abroad Series, Organizational Culture , , , , ,
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Intentionality: Organizational Politics, Part Two

April 22, 2013 — 1 Comment

Last week we discussed the basics of organizational politics – this week we’ll talk about some intentional strategies that you can leverage to facilitate your success. Whether your perception of organizational politics is positive or negative (I don’t know many who are neutral), you need to have the tools available to expedite your career growth, as well as to enable corporate growth and development.

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It is important for you to take both a strategic and an intentional approach to politics. Unfortunately, there are few useful resources available to assist you in navigating your way through the turbulent sea of corporate politics. Below are some strategies that I have employed myself for many years, as well as consistently deploying them with my clients: Continue Reading…

In Communication, Development, Leadership, Self Development, Strategy, Value Creation , , , , ,
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Intentionality: Organizational Politics, Part One

April 11, 2013 — 5 Comments

The ability to engage successfully in organizational politics is an essential component to your success in today’s global business environment.  We see it everywhere: from the Administrative Assistant’s ability to act as the gate-keeper to the bosses calendar, all the way up the organizational chart… to the CEO lobbying the Board to support his/her pet projects. At every level within every company, how you communicate equates to how well you are politically perceived.

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To become a polished politician, learn to communicate intentionally. In order to focus attention on your ideas and proposals, develop a persuasive style, and always back your position with solid facts and examples. Good leaders adjust their messaging for different audiences, but do not align themselves too strongly with any one group. Continue Reading…

In alignment, Communication, Global Leadership, Networking, Potential, Uncategorized, Value Creation , , , , , ,
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