Recently Dan McCarthy asked if there was a leadership crisis or is it a branding issue and I’ve been stewing ever since. (Please take a moment to read the post and the discussion.)
I’ve been stewing not so much because I disagree with Dan’s individual points, but because I disagree with the whole leadership-for-the-chosen-few attitude prevalent since the end of WWII.More than that, I am vehemently against the leader-as-a-silver-bullet school of thought.
The extent of this attitude has become glaringly apparent and the Presidential election is the highest profile example.
Yes, I voted for Obama, but not with any expectation that he could …read more

You have to have confidence in your ability, and then be tough enough to follow through.
                                    — Rosalyn Carter
This week’s action plan:  It’s easy to believe in yourself, when everyone around you believes in you as well.  But how often is this the case? 
Sometimes the people around us are looking to poke holes in our theories, subvert our decisions, and undermine authority.  How easy it is then to question our abilities.
Put a system into place today, so that you have the support you will need tomorrow.  Whether it’s a pep talk that you can give yourself, a series of affirmations …read more

One of the new features here at Leadership Turn involves moving the leadership thought for the week to Monday.  While originally I thought that a little mid-week motivation was a good thing (and it is), I really wanted to do more than just share a thought.  I wanted to challenge all of us to work and focus on what the thought meant, and how we could introduce it into our business and personal lives.
Today represents that change.  I hope the thought brings you motivation for the week, but more than than, I hope you accept the challenge which follows. 
Really great people always see the best …read more

Do you frequently find yourself involved in verbal battles with other people?  If so, defensive communication may be part of the problem.
Defensive communication occurs when one party to a conversation feels threatened, attacked, or is trying to protect their self-image.
Oh sure, we all react defensively on occasion, and it is, in fact, a legitimate defense mechanism.  But when all our communication carries the taint of defensiveness, it can ruin both personal and professional relationships. 
If you have a goal of eliminating defensiveness in your own communications, as well as not provoking it in others, consider these ideas.

Keep a communication log with details about …read more

All too frequently today, people are starved for a little praise.  Whether we are willing to acknowledge it to others, or even admit it to ourselves, we all need a little praise in our life.
Awhile back, Milo wrote a post about his belief that a leader should not give someone a pat on the back because they need it, but only because they deserve it.
I disagree.
My leadership approach is different.  I believe that an effective leader learns how to best motivate an employee, team member, volunteer, etc., and then uses that information to help that individual succeed.  And sometimes, that …read more

When you a part of a team at work, or part of a committee in your community, your individual actions reflect on the greater team or committee.  Like it or not, how people view you is how they view your team or committee as well.  They reflect on your relationship with the team, and, in turn, the relationship with the team to the company or community.
Make sure that your words, appearance, and actions, reflect positively on your team and organization.

Have you ever obsessed about something to the point where it took on a life of its own?  Where a small irritant became bigger than life?  When that one irritant consumed a disproportionate amount of your time?
When this happens within a team environment, it can destroy your individual productivity and motivation, as well as poison the relationships within the team.  Ultimately, the whole team will suffer.
Since it is inevitable that irritants will arise when working closely with others, how can you guard against the “mountain out of a molehill” scenario?
The first thing to do is identify the source of irritation or …read more

“Watch your tone with me, young lady!” 
I heard that so many times when I was a teenager.  I’d grumble back, always under my breath, “I don’t have any tone,” or “What tone would you like me to use, then.”  Thanks goodness neither Mom nor Dad ever heard me.  Or, if that did, they just chose to let it go.
Unfortunately, many of us continue to use “that tone” on into adulthood, injecting it into our business relationships when things don’t seem to go our way.  Just as it was annoying and rude when we were younger, it is equally inappropriate (and …read more

Never underestimate the value of a compliment.
A compliment, given sincerely and publicly, shows regard and esteem for the recipient.  It builds goodwill, appreciation, and frequently a willingness to go the extra mile.  You will be seen as someone who cares about other people and their accomplishments, and not just your own.  Humor can be helpful in delivering a compliment, but should never be used at the risk of lessening sincerity.
A compliment given in a backhanded manner, or followed up with criticism, will be treated for what it is – a blatant attempt at manipulation, a simple put down, or the …read more

No matter how hard we may try to avoid a volatile situation, there will come a time when you have to deal with an angry person.  Whether it’s a boss, co-worker, team member, associate, employee, customer, or even a friend, at some point you will have to handle both the anger and the underlying issues.
Arguments and healthy debates are a vital part of life, and learning to handle anger at a low level stage, can generally keep it from escalating to a problem.
While it’s easy to think that anger is the other person’s problem (and it may well be), anger …read more