Frances Hesselbein is one of my favorite leadership thinkers. She helped reinvent The Girl Scouts of America and it thrived under her leadership. Of late she is involved with the Peter Drucker Foundation and writes and speaks on leadership issues. She is a livewire and a delightful person. Here are some of her ideas I’ve…
DetailsNostalgia is a powerful force. Research shows that we are all capable of creating an idealized memory out of a less-than-ideal past. There are psychological benefits to that, but not when you’re trying to lead people into the future. Obama has, somewhat surprisingly, positioned himself as an old-school Democrat with a bad case of nostalgia.…
DetailsI define leadership as an invitation to greatness that we extend to others. After I spoke this weekend a woman asked me what books I would suggest for parents who want to invite their children to greatness. Here are three of my favorites: Raising Kids for True Greatness by Dr. Tim Kimmel Nurturing The Leader…
DetailsThat’s what you should focus on, says Dan Sullivan, founder of Strategic Coach, a premiere coaching organization. Don’t focus on where you wish you were. Most people focus on where they want to be and become discouraged by the gap between the reality and the desire. To feel legitimately good about your life, focus on…
DetailsDo a friend a favor and recommend a great book to them. My pal Chris Widener called last week to tell me I ought to read Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely. He gave me a synopsis of why he loved it and although I’m very picky about what I read, I took his advice and…
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There is too much knowledge for anyone to know everything. One book claims Athanasius Kircher, a German polymath who lived in the 17th century was the “last man to know everything.” I’ve also read others who believe Francis Bacon, who lived at about the same time, was the last person to know everything (that was…
DetailsThat is a cover headline of Utne Reader magazine this month. I sometimes read that publication for a decidedly different point of view. I didn’t read the current issue; I just like the headline. Your boss isn’t your mom or your dad. And while good managers and leaders support and encourage you, don’t expect them…
DetailsNext to hubris, anger will sink a leader quicker than anything. Right now in the Democratic race, Obama has the upper hand not because of experience or even his superior speaking skills but because of his temperament. He stays calm, focused and seemingly unflappable even when he’s being attacked. He seldom returns the attack but…
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