Category Archives: Leadership

Expediency, Exigency, and Ethics

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I think it is accurate to state that most of us would say that we live our lives according to an ethical standard. That standard includes such moral virtues as honesty, respect, fairness, etc. Yet, the Ethical conduct of our life is constantly under pressure to bend to the needs of Exigency and Expediency. Three ‘E’ words that make all the difference in how we live and conduct our lives. It is better to live right, and to choose right in advance of exigency than to allow expediency to prevail and push you into actions opposed to your values.

For more on this check out the short video below:

 

Hire People Smarter Than Yourself

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Hiring people who are smarter than you are seems counterintuitive. It seems like, as leader, you should know more than those you employ, about every aspect of the job. That, however, would be wrong, especially in the current age in which we live. Hiring people smarter than you will be difficult if you think you are the smartest person in the room. However, if you can get over yourself, you will soon realize there are a lot of areas where you don’t know the answers. Smart leaders hire even smarter workers who can help the organization move forward.

For more on this check out the short video below:

Making Conversation

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Whether in a group of three to five individuals, or simply one-on-one, the ability to engage in conversation is a crucial skill. I say crucial because this ability is the beginning step in forming a relationship. Almost all relationships have a communication component, verbal or otherwise. Relationships form the foundation of all meaningful human interaction. The best way to develop the skill of conversation is to start from a common point of reference, for instance, sports, the weather, home towns, cars, etc. Building on that, from a perspective of genuine interest, begin asking questions and sharing from your own experience.

For more on this, check out the short video below:

Get in the Right Seat

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Jim Collins in his book, Good to Great talks about the importance of matching your skills and interests with your work. He uses the metaphor of a bus to illustrate the importance of aligning with the right organization and finding the right place within the organization. His metaphor has been used by many to talk about “getting on the right bus,” i.e. make sure you are aligned with an organization or institution which matches your values.

For more on this check out the short video below:

Good vs Great

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Jim Collins in his classic book “Good to Great,” states, “good is the enemy of great.”  He goes on to explain that most people get to the level of “good” in almost any aspect of their personal or professional life, and then tend to slow down on their efforts to improve. There is a sense in some situations where “good enough” truly is good enough, and continued efforts can result in non-productive results.

For more on this check out the short video below:

Leadership Types

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Bob Whitsel in “Preparing for Change” states that there are not only leadership styles, there are also leadership types. These leadership types are much more a part of who you are and are less changeable than leadership styles. Although you likely have a default leadership style, you can change that style of leadership to fit the circumstances or the individuals, you are leading; but not so much your type of leadership.  Below are the basic types.

For more on this check out the short video below:

 

 

Stay in Your Box

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I have a friend whose mantra is: “stay in your box.” By that he means to focus on your own area and don’t get sidetracked into other areas which aren’t your responsibility. From one perspective, this is solid advice. The more you focus on your own work, the more likely you are to be able to complete your tasks with excellence. From another perspective, it can be a career killer. If you become the very best in your “box” but never take an interest in other areas, assisting or contributing for improvement, you may find that it becomes nearly impossible to break out of that “box.”

For more on this check out the short video below:

Politics

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No, this proverb isn’t about politics as it is usually discussed. Politics, when boiled down to its essence, is about the structure and functioning of relationships for the mutual benefit of all, usually through laws, policies, or procedures. Realistically, whenever there are human relationships, you also have politics; the two are inseparable. The more people involved, the greater the significance of politics. Of course, people, being people, twist what is supposed to be for the mutual benefit of all, to the benefit of themselves.

For more on this check out the short video below:

 

Triangles

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Triangles, in terms of relationships, has to do with the distribution of power and manipulation. If you are in conflict with someone, the best resolution comes when you deal with that person, and work out the problem directly. A triangle happens when you go to someone else within the same network and present your case in order to get them on your side and get their help in influencing a decision in your favor.

For more on this check out the short video below:

 

Wisdom

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In the Bible book of Proverbs, Solomon writes “Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding.” (3:13) The book of Proverbs is Solomon’s manual on wisdom. According to Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, the foundation of wisdom is clearly identified: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (1:7a). For “fear” in this context read “awe.” Until we realize how awesome God is, and who we are in comparison true wisdom will be an illusion.

For more on this check out the short video below: