![[5-min leadership] Communicate your vision like Lincoln](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c58873fa9ab95190efd52a9/1637683957916-CTLK5ODC1DTC2A1VOGKA/unsplash-image-VJHb4QPBgV4.jpg)
On this Friday, (158 years ago!) on November 19th, 1863 Abraham Lincoln gave the infamous Gettysburg Address. And still, his vision and the words used to describe can be used as a lesson for contemporary leaders. Leaders must describe a vision for their organization and communicate it effectively. It is fundamental. Vision is a mental image of what the future world ought to be like and is important for several reasons.
Read More
Many experts argue that effective modern leaders must be “thinkers,” those who can take time in solitude to consider what should be done and – and perhaps more importantly – why. Thinkers who question the routine can formulate new ideas and directions with independence, creativity, and flexibility.
Last week we lost a distinguished American leaders, trailblazer, and military officer. I greatly admired Colin Powell for not only his incredible leadership. I admired him, and still do, for his honesty, integrity, and courage to do what he felt was right. Even when it meant admitting he had been wrong or he chose to go against popular opinion.
Read More
As a leader you should always be developing those who are coming up behind you. Make sure that if, or when you leave, your organization or team won’t miss a beat. They will catch the ball and keep right on dribbling it down the court. Think about who may be able to fill your shoes should your time come to step aside, retire, or move to a new organization. How can you make this person your “brain double” and “shadow” advisor?
Read More
Most Americans don’t know much about the American Revolution. All most of us remember from school is “taxation without representation”, dumping tea into Boston Harbor, and the minutemen on Lexington green. A few more learned about Valley Forge, a guy named von Steuben who trained troops there, and the final victory at Yorktown. Can useful lessons to be learned from a war fought two centuries ago? I submit the answer is a resounding Yes!
Read MoreBeing a leader feels tricky and complicated at times. And, there are days when it's just hard! On top of that, there just never seems to be enough time to read and implement all the things that will help us get better. If you're feeling overwhelmed we've got you covered! Today we're starting a "5-minute leadership" series.
Read More
2-D diversity creates a space where “out of the box” thinking is encouraged, and “crazy ideas” are heard. Teams and organizations with inherent AND acquired diversity benefit from greater critical thinking, innovation, and creativity. You can accomplish great things, overcome big challenges, and create innovative solutions. 2-D diversity also massively improves your bottom line.
Read More
Simone Biles certainly captured the headlines about a month ago with her decision to withdraw, citing her mental health, and a case of the “twisties”. Her honesty and candor aid in continuing important conversations about humanity, empathy, and self-care. I want to talk about something else. I want to talk about WHAT made it possible for Biles to share her struggles and difficult decisions with the entire world.
Read More
As a leader you should always be developing those who are coming up behind you. Make sure that if, or when you leave, your organization or team won’t miss a beat. They will catch the ball and keep right on dribbling it down the court. Think about who may be able to fill your shoes should your time come to step aside, retire, or move to a new organization. How can you make this person your “brain double” and “shadow” advisor?
Read More
July 2nd, 1863 was the most important evenings in American history. On this evening two meetings took place. Both of which were focused on the central question of…“What are we going to do tomorrow?” HOW they answered this question and what they did changed us forever.
Read More
As the world opens up and we welcome some sense of normalcy back into our lives, navigating a post-pandemic world will continue to be incredibly stressful, and at times overwhelming. I would even go as far to say that leading yourself and caring for your mental health is most critical at this very moment. We owe it to ourselves and those we lead.
Read More
As we change out of our slippers and sweats into clothing more appropriate for the occasional (and long awaited!) in-person interactions, organizational leaders are faced with the next great pandemic problem....
Should we go back into the office, or not?
Read More
Resilience is the psychological quality that allows some people and organizations to suffer setbacks from life’s adversities and come back as strong as before — if not stronger. Here are two steps to follow to create more resilient employees and organizations.
Read More
While vaccinations promise to help put an end to the pandemic, they will also bring on new challenges for leaders to manage. Sorry if you thought you were going to be allowed to finally take a deep breath! So, as you’re ramping up into phase two of the pandemic (aka “the how do we live with a vaccine" phase) you will be asked to lead into yet more uncharted territory. To do this successfully you must pause regularly and ask yourself two very important questions.
Read More
The leadership challenges we face today in the 21st century are the same challenges that faced leaders hundreds of years ago. How can we work smarter (not harder!) and learn from their mistakes?
Read More