Leading by Listening? What a concept!
... and, of course, who better to embody this powerful attribute than an orchestra conductor?Imagine listening like a conductor, appreciating every note and intonation ... recognizing that the bass section…
Strategy is what you choose NOT to do!
By now, you know that the Sunday NY Times Corner Office series is oft-quoted here to highlight varying aspects of leadership that flow from Adam Bryant’s conversations with notable CEOs and business leaders.
This week he interviewed Drew Gilpin Faust, the first female President of Harvard University. Communication is a critical factor in her leadership style, and I can concur with the extraordinary importance this has in a university setting, having spent 6 months consulting with UCLA. The university community is a diverse governance conundrum with many cooks and few bottle washers, so communication is vital across all of the constituencies and leadership platforms. It’s no less important in your organization but the style required in a university setting sets a high standard for what’s required from all business leaders.
She also emphasizes the value of MBWA … the leadership tactic of “Management by Walking Around” mentioned often here. She also emphasizes (more…)
Answers are good. Questions are better!
I regularly read the Corner Office column in Sunday's NY Times because the CEOs being interviewed invariably identify important leadership components that are valuable reminders of issues often overlooked. In…
CEOs: Be a General … and a Scout
I have mentioned on many occasions the Corner Office series in the Sunday NY Times which features an interview by Adam Bryant with a prominent CEO. The questions are consistent but invariably reveal an important reminder of key elements of leadership.
In a recent interview with Jim Rogers, CEO of Duke Energy, Rogers explained how important it is to be on the front lines, to employ the MBWA concept that keeps you in touch with what’s REALLY going on. He also emphasizes a point made repeatedly in Sword Tips … that a strong leadership team is an invaluable cornerstone of successful leadership. In an unusual reference, Rogers mentions it in the context of time management … that he can’t get done what’s on his plate unless he has built a trusted team, clearly shared the company strategy with them and demonstrates his trust in their ability to succeed.
A final reminder is a bugaboo for most business leaders … (more…)
Try me now – hire me later!
I have always advocated the "try 'em to see if you like 'em" theory of hiring whenever you can pull it off. Business Week has written this week about Test Drives…