In the first chapter of his book It Worked For Me: In Life And Leadership, retired General Colin Powell describes the critical importance of each person in an organization knowing their purpose. “Followers need to know where their leaders are taking them and for what purpose.” While “mission,” “goals,” “strategy,” and “vision” are …
I recently had a conversation with one of my colleagues that sparked an insightful discussion regarding leadership. We were examining various leadership strengths demonstrated by highly successful leaders, and started talking about the importance of attracting, recruiting, inspiring, and retaining excellent people within a team or organization. A person, regardless of title, is not a …
Effective engagement builds trust, and trust dramatically improves and maintains effective engagement. It is impossible to build and maintain effective, long-term trust without engagement. It is also impossible to build and maintain effective, long-term engagement without trust. As a leader, what did you do yesterday to improve engagement and trust? What will you do today …
We all have words ringing in our ears. If you take just a moment to think about it, I’m sure you can quickly recall some of those words. Whether it was an offhand comment, a bold-faced accusation, or a gracious and heartfelt compliment – we’ve all been told something before that has lodged in our …
When it comes to work and to life, I believe cooperation wins over competition any day. Even so, a little competition or friendly rivalry can be a good thing, if you channel it right. While unhealthy competition can derail focus, lead to discord, and – depending on perceived “winner” – result in either …
Here is a critical question for a successful life. Are you lighting and reigniting the light and lives of others?
...It was my honor to recently conduct a wide-ranging, one-on-one interview with Michael Dowling in his offices in New York City. The following is a portion of one of several articles published on the America’s Healthcare Leaders website as a result of that interview. To read this and related articles in their entirety, please visit www.americashealthcareleaders.com. …
I am a person of confidence. I have come a long way, overcome many challenges, and met with a lot of success in my life. I’m not boasting by any means – I certainly have made more than my fair share of mistakes, and there are a million things I know that I’m not …
I love good music, and as a musician myself (I taught classical and flamenco guitar for several years), I have a deep respect and admiration for true musical talent and ability. I have been privileged to enjoy countless excellent concerts and symphonies over the years, and I am always so fascinated by all that …
The Leadership Solution Newsletter from news@walkthetalk.com encourages subscribers and readers to share the newsletter with others. I subscribe to this free newsletter and encourage you to consider doing the same. A recent issue was titled “A Crash Course on LEADERSHIP.” I believe the content of this issue is well worth sharing and also well worth serious thought …
Think about it. It is impossible for you to do more than what you can, with whatever you have, wherever you are!
So don’t wait. Start today and everyday. “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”
(Photo © Dan Nielsen – taken in a South Carolina state park)
I respect and enjoy creative people. I have high admiration for their passion, energy and for what they contribute to society. I also know that absolutely no one, including even the most highly creative people, are “self-made” or became who they are all by themselves. We all build on those who came before us and those who have taught, led, mentored and influenced us along the way. Behind and within the most creative are many, many sources of inspiration, education and influence.
...Effective leaders know that they need good conflict management and resolution skills. It’s inevitable that where people are concerned, conflict will happen, and as a leader, it will fall to you to deal with that conflict. But what if there was a better, more effective leadership tool than conflict management and resolution? Author Lawrence …
No matter who you are, where you work, or what your title is, you are in a position of leadership. Title or no title, we all influence those around us with our words and actions, and you’ve heard it said before, Leadership is Influence. As a leader, where is your focus? What is your purpose …
We are in a series discussing and learning from the recently published book titled Great Leaders Grow: Becoming a Leader for Life. The book, authored by Ken Blanchard and Mark Miller is available wherever best selling books are sold. I encourage you to purchase a copy and join our discussion and learning. The book is directly applicable …
Inspiration is more than motivation. Inspiration is greater and more powerful than motivation. A person can be motivated by a number of factors. Fear is a common motivator, and so is money or other rewards. Guilt, or a sense of duty or obligation can also be a motivator. Inspiration, however, is birthed from …
Human beings are relational creatures; we thrive on interaction and attention, and because of our relationship-focused tendencies, we are easily influenced by those with whom we interact. Regardless of how good or bad the influence of our friends, family and colleagues may be, the fact remains that the influence exists, and it effects us …
Every leader receives critique. Some leaders appreciate it, some dread it, and some resent it – but every good leader needs it. In order to truly achieve leadership excellence, you need to learn, grow, mature, develop, and improve as a leader, and one of the best tools for accomplishing this is critique. Without …