Posts tagged ‘business’
Times change. Good leadership doesn’t.
Alex Pollock
Ever wished that change would take a holiday? You’re not alone. I once heard someone say, “If you’re not confused, you’re not engaged,” words of solace to those struggling to navigate the maelstrom of change that is life these days.
(As a member of the LP era, I must confess that I’ve found myself looking for the Dramamine on many an occasion…)
Despite the ways in which our world has transformed over the past few decades, there are some things that neither time, nor technology, nor culture has altered. Leadership, it turns out, is one of them.
In their latest book, “The Truth About Leadership,” researchers James Kouzes and Barry Posner propose that the context of leadership has changed dramatically since they began their research in the early 1980’s but the content of leadership has not changed much at all.
They reveal 10 leadership truths, fundamental to effective leadership:
-You make a difference
-Personal credibility is foundational
-Values drive commitment
-Focus on exciting future possibilities
-You can’t do it alone
-Trust rules
-Challenge is the crucible of greatness
-Lead by example
-Best leaders are best learners
-Leadership is an affair of the heart
At times we just need to stop inventing new stuff and dedicate ourselves to perfecting the basics. What do you think these fundamentals should include? What are some of the timeless qualities of a good leader?
What’s good for you is good for your career
Alex Pollock
A few years ago I attended a workshop designed to equip employees to perform as “corporate athletes.” It was a powerful few days that centered on the idea that human beings need four sources of energy to operate at their best: physical (sustainability), emotional (security), mental (self-expression) and spiritual (significance).
The workshop replaced the old concept of work as a “marathon,” with the image of work as a series of “short sprints.” I left this workshop with the information necessary to improve my performance and resilience on the “sprints,” and the resolve to make some lifestyle changes.
I was reminded of this workshop recently while reading, “The Way We’re Working Isn’t Working” by Tony Schwartz, who wrote that “organizations undermine high performance by forever seeking to get more out of their people” instead of implementing ways to get them “freed, fueled and inspired to bring the best of themselves to work every day.”
The research by Schwartz and his colleagues at the Energy Project affirmed and advanced the actions for sustainable high performance I had been introduced to years earlier. These actions included:
- Adequate sleep: We require 7-8 hours of sleep each night to be fully rested.
- Take regular vacations: We are healthier and more productive when we get a break.
- Regular exercise: A daily mix of aerobic and strength training is desirable.
- Eat regularly: Never skip breakfast or lunch, and eat a diet of low-fat proteins and complex carbohydrates.
- Take regular breaks: After 120 minutes of effort, take a break.
- Focus on one thing at a time: Multi-tasking is ineffective
In reviewing these recommendations, I was saddened to acknowledge that some of my good intentions have evaporated over time…but it’s not too late. Any advice for me on things you are doing to be better equipped for success on the corporate track and what makes them stick?
