Articles
Lousy Congressional Leadership-5 things leaders need to do to move forward | Business Leadership
The mess our politicians are making of our economy through their inability to lead together is a great reminder for business leaders. "Leader" is more than a title, it is a massive responsibility to those who you expect to follow you. Good leaders are "servant leaders." Great leaders... Have a clear and actionable vision Communicate that vision clearly and simply Gain buy-in on their vision from others Compromise and cooperate to gain buy-in and create as much consensus as possible Get the job done through strong action, cheerleading and encouragement Our political leaders cannot seem to get these concepts. Do [...]
Fuzzy Goals
I am frequently impressed with the fuzzy thinking present in many companies. The lack of clarity as to what they are trying to accomplish in their business is usually reflected in fuzzy strategic goals, lack of alignment between senior management and fuzzy, imprecise execution. Unless leaders are clear (think measurable) about what they are trying to accomplish and over communicate those goals to their employees, how can they expect an aligned and engaged team focused on achieving those goals. Fuzzy thinking inevitably leads to fuzzy action; and what organizations can afford a lack of clarity and alignment in these challenging times?
Leaders Do Big Things
Having recently been with a company that is doing a major plant expansion, I have been thinking about one of the differentiators between market leaders and market laggards. I am wondering if the leaders, in addition to the slow and steady incremental changes necessary of any long-lived company, also focus on doing big things and taking bold action. Many leaders are hunkering down, cutting costs, playing it safe without at the same time pondering what "big things" they might do that may change the future course of their company. Such steps as expand a plant and figure out how to [...]
No Easy Exits
There are no easy exits. There is no reason to think that, after building a successful business with that never-say-die attitude, you can effortlessly detach yourself through a sale or transfer. If you were learning a new skill or sport it would be prudent to take a few lessons. Exit Planning is no different. Have a process, follow the process, and be mentally ready and financially strong. The result will be a legacy business that will enhance the community, keep your employees on the job, and perhaps grow to new heights for everyone’s prosperity.
Are Strategic Thinkers Born or Made?
“What do we have to do today to be ready for an uncertain tomorrow?” Peter Drucker. What’s up with strategic thinking? How important do you think strategic thinking is to the success of your organization? If your answer is that it is one of the most important skills for you, your leadership team and all of your employees to have, you are on the right track. Recent studies have reported that strategic thinking is now the #1 most valued skill in leaders today. For some, strategic thinking comes more naturally. Some people have a positive tendency to be open minded [...]
CFO asks his CEO, “What happens if we invest in developing our people and then they leave the company?” CEO answers, ‘What happens if we don’t, and they stay?”
Wow, I ran across this question--I am not sure where it came from but I thought it poses the question very nicely. If you believe, as I do, that people are the only real assets of any organization-their drive, focus, commitment and creativity, then it begs the question, what is your organization doing to keep and develop the best people and move the others into the right positions or out of the company.