Traditional leadership models focus on action, performance, and results. Leaders scrutinize and streamline critical external resources and activities to get results in ways that are better, faster, and smarter. While these essential objectives will always be relevant to business, a new leadership paradigm is emerging for the 21st century and beyond. While leadership models of the past did not fully address the human side of leaders, we now know it to be the most critical element in creating the ultimate, sustainable success for an organization. In business, the threat is no longer just the competitive “jungle out there” but also the lack of clarity within the leader. With longevity and legacy on their minds, CEOs are now adopting holistic models where thriving replaces surviving, where values of inclusion and collaboration replace the old school of exclusion and competition. In the wise words of Steve Green, a CEO from Savannah, Georgia, “Leadership is not about being the smartest person in the room but getting the smartest people in the room.” Read more »
Leading on Shifting Sand
October 20th, 2011Life Flows When You Let Go….
October 13th, 2011
A friend asked me to go with her to a Business gathering recently and I agreed. My reason was mainly to spend time with her and for a change of pace. It was a nice event at a great venue with delicious hors d’oeuvres and an interesting presentation. There were three people there I knew already. Two were former students in my Coaching Certification course I taught several years ago and one was a business colleague I had not seen for a year or so. It was a pleasant surprise and provided a great opportunity to catch up.
Then I met Bernie Wolford, one of the hosts of the event. I had a delightful conversation Read more »
Introducing The Brilliant Leader Model eBook!
September 8th, 2011
I’ve had a book in my head and heart for years. The challenge has been how to get this book out of my head and into the hands of those who can benefit. Due to favorable events and circumstances, I’ve been able to do just that! I’m happy to announce the book in my head can now be a book in your hands with the release of The Brilliant Leader Model.
Why “The Brilliant Leader Model” eBook?
I have heard a common theme as I’ve listened to clients for the past 10 years. They look good from the outside but often feel empty within. They struggle with how to address that ‘hole in their soul’, as one client described it.
We see structures, institutions, and organizations that have been in place for decades begin to disintegrate or change form. The world-wide economy is imploding, entire governments are crumbling, and leaders are being ousted. Read more »
Grace at the Top – Five Attributes of Brilliantly Successful People
September 2nd, 2011
I continue to be amazed by the graciousness of well known leaders. I am writing a book called Transforming Success into Serenity and am interviewing influential leaders. Many of them are high profile people who are often ‘in the news’. As the interviews have progressed I have noticed some common themes and pleasant surprises:
Generosity
Every person I have asked to interview has said yes. They have generously agreed to meet with me and share what their view from the top is like as well as what has shaped and defined their success. There have been almost no barriers to access to an interview and they shared openly and candidly with little or no reservation. Read more »
Four Traits of Successful Leaders – An Interview with Dr. Betty Siegel
July 18th, 2011Have you wondered what traits are needed to become not only an inspirational and transformational leader, but an ethical one as well? My video interview with Dr. Betty Siegel, former President of Kennesaw State University, reveal these basic traits and how you can apply them toward becoming a brilliant leader!
Four Memorable Quotes from Real-Time Leaders
July 8th, 2011
I’ve had the delightful experience of being able to interview inspirational CEOs and business leaders over the past months as I prepare for my upcoming book. I continue to be amazed and inspired by their stories, their competence, and generosity. I leave every interview feeling energized and inspired and I want to “be better” just by hearing their story.
Below are a few of the quotes that have been memorable:
“Leadership does not accrue to those with longest seniority-but to those who earn it every day.” — Eric Norwood, CEO, Dekalb Medical Center, Decatur, GA
“Leadership is not about being the smartest person in the room, but getting the smartest people in the room.” — Steve Green, CEO and President of Stephen Green Properties, Savannah, GA
How to Live, Think, and Lead with Brilliance! (Part II)
June 28th, 2011
There are multiple facets to Executive Brilliance that allow transformational leaders to Live, Think and Lead with brilliance. The following “to do” list (the second half of two lists about living, thinking and leading with brilliance) will help you achieve that goal. Work on these activities each day and watch how your inner brilliance can positively influence those around you:
- Silence the static noise around you and go within: Develop a daily practice of quieting your mind. Develop inner resources that help you deal with outer circumstances. Take a walk, read a book, take a nap, practice meditation. Do something that is NOT work related. The time away from the hustle and bustle of work will make you even more effective when you return.
- Learn to say “No” and practice saying “No” to time-eater tasks you could delegate: Listen to your inner feelings. Do you say yes when you really want to say no? Go ahead! It’s healthy to say no! Read more »
Are you Reflecting Light or Casting a Shadow?
June 16th, 2011
The giant presence of a lighthouse, topped with a powerful beacon, conjures images of safe guidance and the warning of imminent danger for those travelling by sea. Historically, lighthouses have been used to mark points of hazardous coastline as well as to indicate the entrance to a secure harbor. It is unfortunate that the number of operational lighthouses continues to decline as their purpose is replaced by advanced geo-location technology. Still, the lighthouse itself remains an iconic symbol for a safe journey home and for an illuminated path during difficult times.
Like the lighthouse, a leader is also in a position to provide guidance and to cast a concentrated light on the unseen perils facing people and an organization. Through their personal light do they light the way for others, and from the brilliance at the core of their being are they meant to shine out! Read more »
Reasons Why Poor Employee Performance May be YOUR Fault (Part II)
May 31st, 2011
Last week I discussed one reason why poor employee performance may be the leaders fault. The following are two additional reasons that employee performance may suffer and what you can do about it.
Expectations are Not Clearly Defined
Our experience has shown that across different industries people are hired but the results that are expected from these new employees are not clearly defined. In most companies the on-boarding process is weak and inconsistent. Employees are hired and expected to navigate this process on their own. The results are many times disastrous and expensive.
Consider these examples of expectation misalignment. Many of the companies we work with have expectations of Business Development but fail to explain the parameters or the numbers they are expected to achieve. Read more »
Reasons Why Poor Employee Performance May be YOUR Fault (Part I)
May 26th, 2011
I have recently met with three different companies who are interested in Executive Brilliance’s services and they ALL had almost identical needs and challenges. Top executives at each of these companies expressed the need for assistance in closing the gap between what management expected and how employees were performing. They need their people to step up their game and be more proactive in business development or for their managers to develop employees within their departments. This is especially important as the economy is beginning to improve.
This challenge of aligning expectations and achieving results is so common and pervasive; I thought it might be beneficial to discuss them as YOU are probably experiencing them as well. What we find at Executive Brilliance is most organizations make the same mistakes over and over again and are unaware of what they are doing – they simply know they are not achieving the business results they desire. I’ll start with one common mistake today (along with the solution) and address two more next week. Read more »
