Leadership Freak

OCTOBER 30, 2011

Many leaders and managers have a compelling; even perverse interest is fixing things. Average managers solve problems and get results. Great managers build people. A recent conversation with a new manager reminded me that it’s all about people. If you build them, they will fix problems and enhance productivity, not you. If you build them, they [.].

Productivity 238

Productivity Products Management Motivation 238

Leadership Freak

NOVEMBER 4, 2011

The truth is we tell ourselves lies. Lies seem to make life better, they make us feel more useful and in control. I can always tell when I touch the lies people believe about themselves. They deny the obvious and defend the ridiculous. It reminds me of the time one of our children denied stomping up [.].

Leadership Development 216

Leadership Development Development Leadership 216

Leadership Freak

NOVEMBER 1, 2011

Using position to intimidate or manipulate. Believing talent, experience, or skills compensate for preparation. Choosing the easy way for you rather than the best way for them. Overlooking the destructive behaviors of high performers. Withholding benefits or resources as punishment. Avoiding tough issues. Staying the same. Pretending you know when you don’t.

Leadership 215

Leadership Resources Skills Positioning 215

Leadership Freak

NOVEMBER 3, 2011

Confusion is common. Clarity is rare. Confusion and chaos inevitably rule unless someone intervenes. Any fool can create confusing complexity. Successful leaders always fight confusion and find clarity. Clarity is leadership’s secret and most powerful weapon. Clarity allows followers to know where they’re going and how to get there. Without it everyone flounders.

Strategy 206

Strategy Power Succession How To 206

Leadership Freak

OCTOBER 31, 2011

Fear and pain motivate you to stop, run, avoid, or stubbornly dig in. They don’t move you forward, they move you away. Fear and pain may, however, ignite passion to change. Politicians create fear that galvanize constituents around a cause and garners votes. The problem, fear only works for the short-term. It creates a huddling [.].

Short-term 205

Short-term Motivation 205

Leadership Freak

OCTOBER 29, 2011

People remain average because they don’t understand exceptional. A friend of mine recently said, “Maybe average is ok. That’s what most people and organizations are so what’s wrong with it?” We were exploring vision, passion, and excellence. I don’t think he was advocating for average; you don’t have to. He was, however, pushing me and [.].

Organization 202

Organization Leadership Development Development Leadership 202

Leadership Freak

NOVEMBER 2, 2011

Image source I’ve seen frustrated leaders say things like, “That’s the way it’s going to be.” It’s their end game when confused or resistant people push them. It works with two year olds who fear punishment. It works with employees who have a high need to please. Regardless, leadership by decree indicates loss of leadership. Warning [.].

Succession 211

Succession Resistance Leadership Influence 211