Leadership Development

Leadership Tips: Vol. 310

March 12, 2010

Do you have the latest must-have CEO accessory? Aflac president and COO Paul Amos II is among the leaders benefiting from a chief of staff … Motivate a team to produce the desired results by providing them with feedback that goes beyond “what?” “when?” “who?” and “how?” Ask “why?” more often. It’s well worth it, even when time-consuming, says executive Terry Starbucker, who pens the TerryStarbucker.com blog.

Why introverted leaders rule

February 12, 2010

There’s good reason why 40% of executives describe themselves as introverts. From discount broker Charles Schwab to Avon chief executive Andrea Jung, “innies” possess these five traits of quiet leadership:

Is it easier being the leader?

February 12, 2010

Leading is easier than not leading, says Eric Greitens, Navy SEAL, 12-time marathoner, college professor, boxer, White House fellow and humanitarian. The combat veteran used his combat pay and a few vets to launch The Mission Continues, which trains wounded service members for leadership. More than 30 vets have been through the program. Greitens’ goal: 100 wounded or disabled vets as fellows this year.

Raise your game the right way

February 12, 2010

In this second year of high anxiety, here are three ideas you can use as a leader to gain some altitude so you won’t be bumping along the bottom: 1. Do the numbers. 2. Take a walk on the workers’ side. 3. Consult your moral compass.

Stand out from the crowd via LinkedIn

February 12, 2010

Facebook and Twitter may be getting all the attention, but you still need to pay attention to LinkedIn. LinkedIn is important precisely because it is so stodgy and predictable as a business tool. Here’s how to work it:

Give your self-control a longer leash

January 11, 2010

Scientists are discovering that the concepts of willpower and self-discipline may be counterproductive. How so? One experiment at Tufts University indicates that people who are not hypercareful—that is, trying too hard not to say the wrong thing—mess up less often.

Those who can lead, teach

January 11, 2010

What connects Nobel-Prize winning economist Paul Samuelson and NBA championship coach Phil Jackson? Fair question. Both became experts in their chosen fields and benefited from the teachings of others. They both, in turn, dedicated significant portions of their careers to refining what they learned and then passing those lessons on to others.

Do you expect too much?

December 11, 2009

Setting high standards for yourself is good, but here’s how to monitor your level of expectations so you’ll be tough but fair:

Putting your beliefs to the test

December 11, 2009

When put to the test, leaders do what’s right, even if it’s difficult. For longtime environmentalist, Yvon Chouinard, founder and owner of Patagonia, the test came in 1994, when he learned that industrially farmed cotton, which figured in 20% of the company’s sales, required toxic chemicals …

Forced out? Maybe it’s a good thing

December 11, 2009

Imagine being at the top of your career, then very publicly and unceremoniously fired. It happened to Jeffrey Katzenberg, when, as a studio head at The Walt Disney Co., the company forced him to resign. As painful as it was, though, it was one of the most valuable lessons of his career. Why?