[December 23, 2013] In Part 1 of this 3-part series on great communicators, the idea that people skills are crucial to successful communications was proposed. Any cursory reading on communications will concentrate on people skills as a major factor in a great leader’s communication success. In Part 2, this discussion will focus on both passion and credibility as… Read More »
[December 22, 2013] Undoubtedly, when the most well-known and greatest leaders are discussed, their ability to communicate sets them apart. The best senior executive leaders are also the greatest communicators. Leaders must have vision. However, without the ability to articulate that vision effectively, the leader’s ability to see the future would be wasted. Due to its importance, the… Read More »
[December 21, 2013] With the holiday season upon us and the bell ringers outside many stores this Christmas season, the most visible as well as an historically successful organization is the Salvation Army. Founded in 1865 in London by Catherine and William Booth, they sought to bring salvation to the poor, destitute, and hungry. Originally a religious effort,… Read More »
[December 20, 2013] Leaders are servants of their organization. They are producers of goods and services and of successful employees. They provide for friends, family, and for future generations. Leaders are “actionable” – involved, active, focused, and hard working. Furthermore, people of character gravitate to those leaders, due to the human affinity with a winner. Leadership, therefore, is… Read More »
[December 19, 2013] There is an idea that says people are attracted to other like-minded people. Individuals who are lazy (those that are obviously lazy) will both attract others who lack motivation and repel diligent people. The expression “birds of a feather flock together,” means that people associate with others like themselves – they are most comfortable with… Read More »
[December 18, 2013] Two more books to consider reading. I’m especially taken in with the book by Abbot on Cyrus the Great. Perhaps it is more the lessons we can take from the great Persian leader. Nonetheless, two worthwhile books to read. Today, more books that I am now reading and find interesting: Cyrus the Great by Jacob… Read More »
[December 17, 2013] One would think that in the United States where rewards are given for the proper exercise of a person’s mental prowess, that the majority of people would strive to improve themselves intellectually. Furthermore, one would expect leaders to be encouraging others to improve their knowledge and intellectual abilities. Sadly, this is not the case. Intellectual… Read More »
[December 16, 2013] All leaders must learn to deal with criticism. One way of distinguishing the more senior leader from others is by the level of criticism that targets them and the effort they take to overcome the criticism. “It is difficult to name any leader who was spared criticism.” – Donald Rumsfeld It can be said that… Read More »
[December 15, 2013] Many military veterans are often asked about combat. With our small military, the American public has little connection to them anymore and consequently most obtain their information from movies like “Black Hawk Down.” One question (perhaps more of a concern) is asked about military personnel left on the battlefield. For some reason there is some… Read More »
[December 14, 2013] Any attempt to profile the leadership characteristics of a leader from a different culture is fraught with uncertainty. For the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, a relatively young and new leader to the country, this is certainly true. He is an enigmatic figure. Leaders need to understand how senior leaders from different cultures function… Read More »