In a post last spring, I listed Warren Bennis’ leadership skills and in 7 follow-up posts discussed why today’s managers find it hard to do their job without these skills.
But, in fact, everybody needs them in today’s world; they’re the skills that help you live a better life, raise kids and make a better world—no matter who you are or what you do.
Many of my posts touch on the same facts, but we’ll zero in on more how-to information in this series.
Bennis says that “leaders are originals, whereas managers are copies,” but what does that mean to an individual?
Foremost, it …read more

Post from Leadership Turn Image credit: lusi
This is a summing up in a series discussing whether Warren Bennis’ 13 differences between leaders and managers still holds in light of today’s modern workforce.
In a comment on the prequel to this series Phil Gerbyshak said, “I agree wholeheartedly that great managers have BOTH qualities…though I know plenty of average managers who don’t have either. I’d like it required that managers have at least one half of Bennis’ qualities in order to lead a team. Is that too much to strive for?”
On day one Nii said, “Regarding the differences between a manager …read more

I care not what others think of what I do, but I care very much about what I think of what I do.  That is character!
            —- Theodore Roosevelt
Action Plan:  When did it happen that ethics, and doing the right thing, became negotiable?   When did we start admiring businesses and business leaders who didn’t do the right thing, yet made tons of money?  Has earning lots of money now become the new “doing the right thing?”
This week I urge you to take a look at how your work behavior is consistent (or inconsistent) with ethical principles.   Do you live and …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

The close of a year is always a time for reflection and goal setting.  It’s like the end of a chapter in a book — the story isn’t over, it’s just time to move on to the next adventure.
Like most of my readers, I’ve had a year of some successes:

I’ve become a blogger, writing here at Leadership Turn as well as at Flyaway Cafe (my first foray into this medium) and The Seattle Traveler (all about my beloved home city).
I’ve made new friends, strenghtened existing relationships, and relinquished those relationships that were toxic.
I’ve grown and learned and changed — which …read more

The latest Seattle storm raised all sorts of havoc around the area.  Most of us viewed the situation as one to endure, and to get through.  Some people, however, saw the situation as an economic opportunity.
On a street near where I live, a man was selling firewood from his truck while parked off to the side of the road.  I have seen him set up shop here for as long as I’ve lived in the neighborhood, at least 12 years.  I’ve been a regular customer for much of that time.
Usually, I’ll stop by to pick up some firewood, filling up …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

Although the 30-second elevator speech has become one of the required skills to have in your leadership repertoire, I’ve been resisting it every step of the way.
I’ve read all the reasons about why it’s important.  It basically boils down to having a creative, yet solid, answer to the question “what do you do?” and having it practiced and memorized until it rolls automatically off your tongue.  It’s seen as a chance to sell yourself and your skills. 
Many “experts” suggest that you craft your mini-speech in such a way as to capture someone’s attention, pushing them into asking for more information …read more

With the advancing technology of digital cameras and photo editing software, you may have a friend or associate who can step up and take a publicity photo for you.   However, unless your friend has professional equipment and a trained eye, it is unlikely that the photo will rival the quality of a studio portrait. 
If you need a photo in a hurry, this is a good option.  I recommend going for a casual look, then, rather than trying to simulate a portrait.  Again, unless you’re dealing with a pro, there’s just too much left to chance.
Consider a photo shoot showing you …read more

While a studio portrait is not a strict requirement, there are some photo choices that will just NOT do.
It is better to go without a photo, than to use any of the following:

Your high school or college yearbook photo
Your wedding photo, with spouse cropped out
A family reunion photo, with other family members cropped out
Security or ID badge photo
Passport photo
A photo where you are squinting your eyes from looking into the sun
Glamour shot

Next week, we’ll discuss the possibilities for having a friend take a digital photo that would be suitable as a publicity shot.