Leadership is a learned skill.
It can be taught, internalized, and applied. The “thoughts” or “beliefs” that some leaders have may make their personal convictions stronger, but people–followers–only see tangible actions. (more…)
Great leadership is tough to come by, but not impossible. Whether you’re facing major organizational change, or up against an under-performing economy, there are strategies that can help you transition your team and lead more effectively. Leading in difficult times- in this case, during economic recession- isn’t hugely different from day-to-day leadership, but isn’t exactly the same either.
On the positive side, the current challenges we face can be extremely effective at fostering a call to action. Here are five key strategies for recession proof leadership. They aren’t necessarily difficult, but to ignore them will certainly make the end goal more challenging. (more…)
Someone recently asked me for my biggest successes as a leader. I’ll tell you up front, it’s a tougher question than it seems. Give it a shot–it’ll make you scratch your head a bit.
Here’s where I arrived:
My biggest success(es) as a leader have been in hiring and developing a handful of people who have become wildly successful leaders in their own right. (more…)
Many consultants, academics, and self-proclaimed management and leadership gurus perpetuate the myth that “leadership” is some lofty, intrinsic skill that you just “arrive at” through timing, opportunity, and sometimes birth. Those same experts will then explain how “management” is a basic, simple skill learned by reading books, attending classes, and being developed in a regimented fashion. Hogwash.
The connection between leadership and management is inextricable. The two are so interconnected that spending time arguing about the differences is akin to arguing whether a plane can fly because of its shape or engine thrust. It needs both to work correctly, and the same holds true for leadership and management. (more…)
People – clients, colleagues, even family – are forever telling me something like, “Kevin, it’s just not that simple.” To that, my typical reply is “balderdash.” It usually is that simple.
The Truth… Couldn’t Say It Any Better.
I recently played golf at Champions Golf Club in Houston. No, I won’t share my score here in this post. It’s a great course, owned by golfing legend Jackie Burke, winner of 16 PGA events in the 1950’s, including the Masters, the PGA, and two very lop-sided Ryder Cup victories. He was Hal Sutton’s assistant coach for the 2004 Ryder Cup. I was in the locker room afterward, having a drink with my host, when Jackie came in. Now, my host has been a member there for over 25 years, so they know each other quite well. Jackie sat down at our table and we had a chat. (more…)
For leaders, stagnation is the precursor to failure. Too often, we watch things happen around us, then act surprised when we’re left out of the successful ending. Worse, we realize after failure, that we could have done something. We’re not paid to sit idly by; we’re paid to act, sometimes boldly.
Leadership is supposed to be risky. But it’s easy to choose status quo over the active art of leading. So what have you ignored recently? What have you decided not to do, because it’s difficult, confrontational, or uncomfortable? Why aren’t you shaking things up? Do something big and bold and do it now. Here are 5 things you can – and probably should – do immediately. Any of these, done with forethought and vigor, can provide the activity necessary to break a momentum logjam. (more…)
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