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

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 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

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

The phone rings.
It’s your human resource office telling you that they need a headshot, and could you get it them ASAP. 
Now what do you do?
If you are already an accomplished senior executive, you probably have a current head shot, and you’ll just ask the human resource department what they need it for and in what format.  They’ll have what they need within the hour.
But what do you do if this is the first time that you’ve needed a headshot?  Or maybe you’re mentor has suggested that it’s time for you to have a publicity photo taken and kept at the ready.  …read more

How we deal with misfortune can make the difference between defeat and victory in our lives.
We’ve all heard stories about Thomas Edison.  He went through thousands of unsuccessful attempts before coming up with the filament light bulb.  When his factory was virtually destroyed by fire, he simply remarked that the disaster provided him with new opportunities to start again, and weeks later he invented the phonograph.
How many of us, when faced with misfortune, have that same outlook as Edison?  We view these misfortunes as failures.  We must learn, however, that these failures, properly handled, lead to great personal growth and professional success.
Here …read more

I’ve written a lot lately about how important it is for us to compliment, praise, and thank others. 
Equally important, however, is learning how to graciously accept compliments, praise and thanks from others.  All to often, we tend to brush aside the kind words of others, either because we are embarrassed, don’t feel worthy, or simply don’t know how to handle it.
The worst way to handle compliments, is to brush it aside with a casual “it’s nothing” or “oh, I don’t really deserve it.”  Those words denigrate the belief and esteem of the person extending the compliment.
We should always honor the …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