Leadership, Influence and Self-Deception
In the context of the conversation on “influence,” my friend, Lisa Kohn turned me on to The Arbinger Institute’s work on Leadership and Self-Deception. Not a new book (first published in 2000), but quite useful in this context. The main idea, in any leadership role,...
Everybody into the Pool: Influencing from the Inside
In almost any large organization, there are the folks doing the work that touches customers, and there are the supporting players influencing vital work to make that easier. Except when they don’t. Or, it’s perceived that way. Today, as we stop the music,...
Questions of Influence: Asking Questions that Inspire Results
How can we best ignite change and inspire growth, when we don’t have control? Later this month, I am bringing about 100 folks together to chat about influence. We will create space to share our stories. And take an honest look at how we roll. “Because...
Saturday Salutation: Postcard from the United Nations Youth Assembly
This quote set the tone for the 11th Annual Youth Assembly at the United Nations sponsored by the Friendship Ambassadors Foundation, which I attended this week. The focus was on youth empowerment, and how social networking can be used to create change. “This is...
Portrait of Charisma: Something About Larry
As we have been working through our “Charisma Project,” I have been on the look out for signs of great charisma in every day life, and realized it’s time for me to talk about Larry. Larry Owensel is a professional dancer and personal trainer, and...
Interview with Dan Rockwell, "The Leadership Freak"
One of the most amazing parts of this new journey into writing and blogging is the amazing connections I am making with tremendous leaders. The support of this community is fantastic, and I am growing every day through the people I am meeting. Thank you Dan Rockwell,...Maximize Your Potential: It’s Never Too Late to Grow Great
Over a year ago I had a debate with an old friend around a campfire about maximizing your potential. Since then, I haven’t been able to get his words out of my head. “By the time we are in our 40s our path is set your potential is channeled, you are just...
Happy Talk: Energizing Results Through Positive Words
At times, leaders must be tough. Very tough. We must set high expectations, we must hold people accountable, we must ensure everyone is always striving for more. That works. And there is also the need for “happy talk,” timed well. One thing that I found as...
