Character

How Ike exerted his influence

May 15, 2014

Best known for warning of a growing “military-industrial complex,” President Dwight Eisenhower also played a central role in stopping the anti-Communist witch hunt called McCarthyism.

Jackie Robinson, the infielder who in 1947 broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball, knew that winning is important. “It kills me to lose,” he once said. “If I’m a troublemaker it’s because I can’t stand losing.”

Leadership Tips: Vol. 414

April 29, 2014

Do what you know, as Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine do … Demonstrate the epic leadership of the Sioux … Think as big as Elon Musk.

No power plays for this bank CEO

April 23, 2014

As president and chief executive of Tangerine—formerly ING Direct Canada—Peter Aceto could act like most big bank CEOs and cultivate an image of aloofness and power. But he does the reverse.

Word to the wise: Stay on task

April 16, 2014

Stanford business professor Jeffrey Pfeffer looked at the research on power. Then he zeroed in on elements the powerful possess.

Lead by getting out of your head

February 21, 2014

A young executive was enough of a bully to (a) be nicknamed “the monster” and (b) require a leadership coach. Shown evidence of his crabbiness and temper, he was surprised, expecting to hear how smart he was …

Go ahead, say it: ‘I don’t know’

February 21, 2014

The next time you do not have an answer for something, say, “I don’t know,” and then smile pleasantly or sheepishly, and wait for a response.

On never giving up

February 12, 2014

Imagine getting kicked out of not one but two rock bands that both went on to become icons of their era. That’s exactly what happened to Jason Everman, once the second guitarist for Nirvana. Eventually, he became an elite member of the U.S. Army Rangers and Special Forces.

Starbucks CEO takes a principled stand

February 5, 2014

Howard Schultz, CEO of Starbucks Coffee Co., has a reputation for speaking his mind. His strongly voiced opinions help shape the company’s image.

Setting the standard for quiet influence

January 27, 2014

Think of a take-charge CEO and you may envision a loudmouth barking orders. But that’s not necessarily the right way to lead. Quieter, more measured leaders often succeed as well.