Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President of the United States, was infamous for his taciturn ways, earning him the nickname “Silent Cal.” But Coolidge wasn’t quiet because he was extremely introverted or inarticulate – on the contrary, he was a highly visible President who entertained countless guests at the white house and proved to be a capable

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One of the greatest contributors to the significant success of our 32nd president, Franklin D. Roosevelt, was his personality. Roosevelt was friendly and outgoing; he genuinely enjoyed being with people. He naturally exuded confidence, optimism and energy – extraordinary and admirable traits considering the physical hardships he dealt with on a daily basis.   Roosevelt was paralyzed from

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In a Harvard Business Review Video IdeaCast, co-authors Linda A. Hill and Kent L. Lineback discussed some of the concepts in their book, Being the Boss: The 3 Imperatives for Becoming a Great Leader. During the interview Hill and Lineback focused on one of the imperatives they address in their book: learning to effectively manage a

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Famous theologian, philosopher and physician Albert Schweitzer once said,“Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate.” What a poetic way to express such a universal truth! Few would argue with the idea that kindness can accomplish what little else can. Genuine acts of kindness and

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Last week we examined trust and how easy it is to unintentionally fall into the trap of untrustworthiness, or not being trusted.  This week we want to share four great tips from Michael Hyatt on how to build or rebuild trust. In a recent blog post, Michael shared his personal experience of working with an

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We are in a study and discussion of Gary Burnison’s recently published book titled, The Twelve Absolutes of Leadership.  Burnison is CEO of Korn/Ferry International, the world’s largest executive search firm.   Burnison addresses a particularly timely and relevant leadership quality and skill for current healthcare leaders:   “When I was first promoted to CEO, on several

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You have heard it, read it, and probably have said it a thousand times – “people matter!” So easy to hear it and reaffirm your agreement.  So easy to read it and nod in agreement.  So easy to say it and expect everyone to immediately express agreement.  So easy to rally around the concept and philosophy

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I recently had the privilege of interviewing Maynard Oliverius, President and CEO of Stormont-Vail HealthCare in Topeka, Kansas. Oliverius, who is set to retire in June 2012, has been with Stormont-Vail for 43 years! He has been President and CEO for 16 years. This highly respected healthcare leader’s success and passion is reflected by his

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We are in a study and discussion of Gary Burnison’s recently published book titled, The Twelve Absolutes of Leadership.  Burnison is CEO of Korn/Ferry International, the world’s largest executive search firm.   Regardless of your level within your organization, the book’s introduction provides excellent content for discussion with and among your leadership team:   “As the leader,

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During a recent interview and discussion, I asked Gene Kirtser, President/CEO of ROi a wide range of questions regarding ROi’s role in improving the performance and success of those they serve. Gene will be presenting and answering questions at the upcoming Healthcare Supplier/Provider Institute meeting, April 9-10, 2012 in Las Vegas. Kirtser’s 3 highest priorities

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Tony Schwartz, President and CEO of The Energy Project and author of Be Excellent at Anything, addressed a critical leadership principle in a recent Harvard Business Review blog titled Why Appreciation Matters So Much.  No leader who desires leadership excellence can ignore this critical success factor:   “Whatever else each of us derives from our work, there may

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It was Sunday afternoon November 20, 2011.  I had just completed an hour-long workout at home on my recumbent bike.  As is true with most people, I was feeling relaxed and invigorated after a good workout.  Just as I was enjoying a refreshing glass of cool water, my cell phone rang. My first thought was,

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Improving professional relationships by improving conversations with those whom you do business, is always an excellent leadership strategy… as well as an excellent investment in your future.   CBS Money Watch recently published an article featuring 21 ways to improve conversations, thereby improving personal and business relationships.  The list includes asking questions such as:  

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Seth Godin, the best selling author and world-class marketing thought leader recently wrote a blog post that is well worth sharing.  The blog provides excellent perspective and food-for-thought for 2012 and beyond.  I encourage you not only to read, but to take appropriate action as suggested by this particular blog post, which was titled Trustiness: “We’re all

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Words can be piercing, memorable and life-changing… whether positive or negative.  Words can lift people up… or tear them down.  Some words, whether written or spoken, will never be forgotten.  Words can and will strengthen or destroy priceless relationships.  Words can truly make a difference in people’s lives. It is not the number of words,

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The November, 2011 Harvard Business Review, “How I Did It” section contains an interesting and thought provoking article that, in my opinion, all healthcare leaders would do well to read, and carefully think about.  The article is written by Kevin Peters, President of Office Depot and leader of all Office Depot’s retail stores throughout United

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I received a very kind and thoughtful email a couple of weeks ago from Harla Adams, a colleague of mine who is the now the CEO of National Institute for Healthcare Leadership.  Years ago, I hired Harla as a part-time temp.  At the time she had no formal management or leadership degrees or experience, and

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“Let’s eliminate all the ‘I’s.  Just say what ‘we’ will do.” “Shorten sentences and words.” This excellent advice came from one of the most admired and respected American leaders of the past half century, maybe the entire century.  A man who inspired his colleagues and fellow citizens.  A man who communicated with style, eloquence and

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I recently received some excellent leadership advice from WALKTHETALK.com.  Absolutely excellent leadership advice for any situation, in any industry, now or in the future.  Follow this simple advice (not so simple to apply and live!) and you will dramatically improve the positive impact and positive results from your leadership!   “Dear Leader,   Here are

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I continue to be amazed by the number of emails, phone calls, or contacts via business and social networks I receive from people who, according to many of them, “are now networking… looking for a new, better or different job.” Please don’t get me wrong.  I am always honored to assist and serve personal and

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