Comments

I have been teaching Situational Leadership for a while now in my current organization and in prior ones. In every organization the call for something new in leadership training has been heard. You know, "We want something, new more trendy." I answer, "Why, we haven't learned this lesson yet. In order to lead you have to pay attention to those actually doing the work."

Thanks for the verification and inspiration.

Posted by Mark Finfrock at May 23, 2008 12:07 PM

The Robert Altman quote definitely captures it perfectly. I particularly like the use of the word "allows" as it describes the leaders most critical role of enabling the team to excel. Leaders create the work environment, provide the time, training, tools, information, and many other resources necessary to develop and continually increase the teams capacity to work smart, productively, and effectively. I guess that's where my aversion to the word "empower" comes from. I can give you the "authority" to do something, but if I don't give you the tools to do it I'm setting you up to fail.

Great stuff...!

Posted by Dave Wheeler at May 24, 2008 12:15 AM

I speak frequently on the subject of leadership and rarely get the question on what's new and trendy but rather what's effective. I like what you mentioned about leaders make others think the sun will come up the next day. I believe the most effective leaders are those that by example paint a picture of reality that helps others to achieve their dreams, advance their goals, and see themselves as an integral part of forward progress especially when they are in a situation of uncertainty or uncomfort.

Posted by Kaplan Mobray, Author 10Ks of Personal Branding at May 24, 2008 9:59 AM

Leadership is best illustrated by Sir Alex Ferguson – Manager of my beloved Manchester United. This man has just won yet another double – the English Premiership and the European Champions League. Sir Alex personifies everything that Tom Peters describes in this video clip.

I cannot believe there is a BETTER leader anywhere in the world than Sir Alex.

He has been the leader at the biggest football club in the world for 22 years now. He is a young 66; his trophy winning record is second to none in football history and he ALWAYS promotes his front liners – i.e. the players - as the reason for the success of the club.

Sir Alex roots and upbringing go back to a poor part of Glasgow, Scotland. He had no management training whatsoever but has turned into a leadership icon due to his ability to get the best out of the people around him – we will not see his like again.

Posted by Trevor Gay at May 24, 2008 12:02 PM

I can recommend a great book on 'leadership' to you all... the book is "I am right you are wrong" by Edward de Bono and published by Penguin. He talks about moving from rock logic to water logic. He is of course on about dichotomies... he is on about our insistence on either/or decisions... he is on about the importance of our ability to 'think' and most importantly to think for ourselves....

Good leaders in any field provide us with a framework for action - within that framework are models... the models are based on concrete ideas, these ideas can be prototyped as actions, as prototyped actions they can be tested and re-tested until they fail... then new models can be innovated, developed, etc... But the framework for action always remains the same...

Trevor I admire Sir Alex enormously! Sir Alex (the Man U legend) has a long lived framework for action - in 2008 he possibly has the best team he has ever had but they are still being led in the same way - that is the Sir Alex Way!

Returning to de Bono and what I believe are his brilliant insights into what constitutes a leader... I remember reading a missive by de Bono on Chinese Art.... he points out there that it is the spaces that define the work... those beautiful lines of black ink would have no meaning if it was not for all the space around it...

Good leaders, for me, know what, and where, space is needed to create the form and function of their team, corporation, community, nation, etc....

But having watched a great many government, corporate, community, etc - what I think defines leadership the best is "the total lack of it!"

I have come to learn more about the true value of leadership and leaders by watching my son progress with his representative teams in Volleyball.. I have learned great lessons from what I can not see... When we see, or experience, the total lack of leadership then we instantly know what is missing - but knowing what is missing is the easy part, providing the missing bits (be it spaces or black ink lines!) is the most difficult yet interesting part of this caper.... Trevor that is the genius of Sir Alex he provides the ink strokes and the right amount of space around them for it all to work in sync like a beautiful piece of Chinese Art.....

Richard

Posted by Richard Lipscombe at May 24, 2008 5:50 PM

Hi Richard – great comments. I am a fan of Edward De Bono’s thinking – particularly about simplicity and six thinking hats.

One of the amazing things about Sir Alex is how after over 30 years in football management he is still hungry. He still applies the lessons he learned as a shop steward in the shipyards of Glasgow where he had to work part-time to supplement his meagre earnings as a pro footballer in the days before the mega wages footballers now earn. In those days he first found himself as a leader when he fought ‘management’ in battles on behalf of underpaid and generally ‘abused’ front line colleagues in the ship building industry in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s.

As you know Richard I have been blessed enough to exchange correspondence with the great man Sir Alex. Despite the image projected by the media for many years he is a very humble, caring, family man. In fact he still doesn’t really understand how come he is such a good leader. His humility is amazing. For instance I know of a Boys Brigade Group in our local Church and Sir Alex wrote a two page personal letter to them about his days as a child when he was in the Boys Brigade and how that helped form his views of life.

'Managing My Life' is the Autobiography of Sir Alex and if we are serious about REALLY wanting to understand what makes great leadership that book is well worth a read. A WARNING HOWEVER … Anyone looking for some academic theoretical leadership theory shouldn’t bother to read it. There is not one word of academic theory about leadership in its 472 pages. The book is just full of common sense, simplicity and results through doing stuff.

Posted by Trevor Gay at May 24, 2008 6:40 PM

Why are coaches of sports teams always held up
as examples of leadership?
Stop it unless there are lots of examples (more than anecdodal , (sp?))
of sport team coaches turning companies around or
running the human genome project or developing the A-Bomb or something truly significant.

"Baseball is just like anything else that is like Baseball" -
Yogi Berra

Posted by frank at May 24, 2008 8:58 PM

Trevor- "common sense, simplicity, and results through doing stuff"? Outstanding and a book I will definitely find and read.

Theories and knowledge are a marvelous thing but knowing what to do alone really doesn't one any good. Knowledge applied is expertise. It would appear that from the superior results Sir Alex has achieved he has applied his knowledge and lessons learned from life pretty well.

Thanks you sir for the tip!

Posted by Dave Wheeler at May 24, 2008 9:08 PM

Just a thought, I'm thinking coaches of sports teams are held up as examples of leadership because, like any business leader, they begin with a vision or goal, take their most valuable resource (people), and develop and build them into a top performing team that have the kills and ability to achieve it. Leadership and people skills aren't business pr industry specific...they can transfer real well job to job.

Posted by Dave Wheeler at May 24, 2008 9:26 PM

After college, I first moved to southern California to live and study with a Metropolitan Opera singer and then later moved to New York to continue study. I spent countless hours in the library at Lincoln Center listening to music and watching videos of rehearsals and performances of The Metropolitan Opera and The New York City Ballet when George Balanchine was the choreographer. When TP spoke of the choreographer and dancer and the leader who deals in hope, I thought of the many videos I watched and the wonderful books I read, notably Prodigal Son: Dancing for Balanchine in a World of Pain and Magic by ballet great Edward Villella.

Balanchine was indeed a dealer of hope, although some might say his leadership and choreography pushed dancers to the limit that physically and emotionally broke their spirits and bodies. His choreography seemed to defy laws of physics, taxing the bodies of dancers and creating beauty beyond belief, giving hope to dancers that their bodies as instruments of art could defy laws, entering the realm of magic and wonder. I was mesmerized by his creativity, his musicality, his discipline and his brilliance that “painted portraits of excellence” in motion.

As a manager of a rather large mixed use hotel, I used some of these same defying techniques which resulted in hope with my staff, especially the housekeeping staff as there were great issues there which affected our image and sales. The outcome was great. I sought to elevate the way in which housekeepers thought about themselves, instead of focusing on their jobs. This in turn resulted in greater performance, pushing themselves to outer limits. They became the focus and not the job. The focus was not on changing beds and cleaning rooms, but on them.

The New York City Ballet biography of Balanchine notes that instead of focusing on plots, he focused on the dancer; this brought forth the plot and created innovative movements based on the bodies and particulars of each dancer. Villella was lettered in baseball and a championship boxer. Balanchine recognized this, though perhaps not initially, and began to choreograph pieces for him with his athleticism in mind. The result was stellar! Villella’s performances were great sublime artistic athletic feats! As a choreographer, Balanchine generally de-emphasized plot in his ballets, preferring to let "dance be the star of the show." While focusing on staff instead of tasks may not be novel, it is nevertheless a good reminder that it brings personal creativity, innovation and an abundance of hope to those we lead.

Posted by Judith Ellis at May 24, 2008 11:03 PM

Frank...there is something that rings terribly true in your comment. I do believe, however, that there are many forms of leadership in that there are many professions and ways of seeing things. But servanthood is the obligatory function.

Richard...your comment "what I think defines leadership the best is 'the total lack of it!'" (who said this?) is rather obtuse to me. What does this mean...really? Does the notion embody being the leader as opposed to enacting leadership?

Posted by Judith Ellis at May 24, 2008 11:33 PM

Judith... Of course it is obtuse and yet it is what I say to myself, family, and friends a lot lately... Why? Because I find a total lack of leadership in politics in my country, at my client sites, at my son's sporting events , and indeed almost everywhere I look... Is this a bad thing - this apparent lack of leadership? NO! Because no matter what I think the important thing is life goes on!!! The whole issue of leadership is something of a hoot to me! My only reason for commenting here was to support 'young Trevor' because he has been singing the praises of Sir Alex for such a long time on tompeters! Richard.

Posted by Richard Lipscombe at May 25, 2008 3:49 AM

Frank – thanks for your comments – appreciated –you may be right about some sporting leaders in the US but your comments do not apply to Sir Alex.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s record as a leader is much more than anecdotal I assure you. He has completely turned around Manchester United – the biggest football club in the world - a multi-billion pound buisness. When he was appointed 22 years ago the club had not won significant silverware for over 24 years. In the last 22 years under his leadership the team has won 30 major trophies. The organisation has been completely taken apart and rebuilt brilliantly under his leadership. How much evidence does he have to provide?

He completely turned the ‘organisation’ around to the point that Manchester United is now one of the best known and most respected ‘brands’ in business or sport anywhere in the world.

I would say that Sir Alex has been more effective as a leader than Jack Welch who business people seem to think walks on water.

Business turn-around leaders deserve the praise they rightly and regularly receive on this Blog and so does Sir Alex Ferguson – I can’t comment on Baseball but I know my football (soccer)!

And Richard – thanks my friend for the ‘young’ Trevor remark. Maybe I will need to dig out my old student union card to prove my age if I need to get a drink in the pub! You are absolutely right of course about the lack of real leadership – if you want a great example – look no further than Gordon Brown our anonymous Prime Minister when we need him most. I like Gordon Brown and I feel honoured to have had the pleasure of meeting him three times in the last couple of years. He seems a very nice man and an exceptionally ‘competent’ person but a leader? … I agree with you 100% Richard – we are seeing a ‘total lack of leadership’ and the Labour Party are now guaranteed to lose the next election to the Tories – we all know that. Gordon keeps telling us that it not to do with his leadership but it is to do with the economy. Wake up and smell the coffee Gordon – it is your ‘perceived’ lack of leadership and direction.

Posted by Trevor Gay at May 25, 2008 4:38 AM

PS Frank - More 'evidence' here in the Financial Times Management Blog http://blogs.ft.com/management/2008/05/23/sir-alex-ferguson-a-great-manager/

Posted by Trevor Gay at May 25, 2008 6:49 AM

Trevor...did the Yogi Berra quote distinguish between American and non-American sports leaders, aka coaches? (Is Frank from the US?) Berra, by the way, is such a knighted one, given such a system of knighthood, in the US. (A system, if I might add without disrespect, that historically distinguished between knighted ones and serfs which may have over time been diminished, leaving a mere relic of its oppresive and distinguished past. Sir Alex's rise, as you have pointed out, may indicate a changed core system, as well as a great many other indicators. Again, there is no disrespect or criticism here. Personally, I love the country and its people.) There is a sweeping sense of indictment in your comment that annoys just a tad bit.

Frank's comment seems to have more to do with siting other examples of such figures and perhaps these figures having broader influence on those other than those whom they coach. Do sports leaders have affect, for example, on global economies? I'm, however, of the mind that wherever positive leadership is found it's a good thing. Positivity breeds positivity. But perhaps it's an extreme elevated platform that coaches are given that Frank objects to here or anywhere. So, the notion of what is done over there may not be applicable. No love diminished...at all.

Another thought...maybe the continued praise of such a one, deservingly or not, causes others to say "OK, enough already." (By the way, I do not feel as such.) The continued accolades of Sir Alex, without doubt, has caused Richard (a good man he seems!) to seek to support your continued praise of the Knighted One here. Much appreciation to Sir Alex for his rise and spirit of excellence and servant leadership. But I have hope that we will see the likes of him again and again all over the world ad infinitum.

Posted by Judith Ellis at May 25, 2008 9:03 AM

Richard...from your comments here I know that you will continue to keep hope alive and be a leader instead of merely espousing leadership lip service. I wish continued over-taking blessings to you and yours. Life is beautiful.

Posted by Judith Ellis at May 25, 2008 9:14 AM

And, Richard, what you think DOES matter. "As a man thinks in is heart so is he." It is thoughtful servant leaders who aren't afraid of stepping out that will change governments, clients, and junior sport teams. If great leaders did not think they could make a difference I would hate to think of what the world would be like today.

I am most greatful for the brave servant leadership of so many that have gone before us and those brave ones who are present today in word and deed. We are all leaders in one way or another for others are always watching us, even when we are unaware of their gaze. I am conscious of this and want to lead well by serving others personally and professionally. Some times I fail miserably and other times I am quite successful.

Posted by Judith Ellis at May 25, 2008 9:27 AM

Thanks Judith – good response. A few quick bullet point replies in the interest of brevity as I have already said enough about Sir Alex:

• I certainly did not mean my comments in any way to be an indictment of anyone – merely praise of Sir Alex as an iconic leader
• I don't think Sir Alex is being 'elevated' - his achievements are on the record for all to see – no 'elevation' just 'celebration'
• I argue Sir Alex has had as much effect on global economies as many of the business people we ‘fete’ on this site

I will now be quiet :- )

Posted by Trevor Gay at May 25, 2008 9:28 AM

Thank you, Trevor. Please explain further (in bullet points if desired) the influence of Sir Alex's effect on global economies as compared to say a great servant leader of a multi-national company who might effect along with his/her team GDPs of other countries. I don't think sport would have the same effect as technology, manufacturing, medicine, clean water etc in many parts of the world. Sports are more of a hobby in such places.

I repeat: all forms of leadership is great if it has positive influence on others. Leadership that gives hope as TP so beautifully pointed out is laudable, even if other abilities, such as presidents who miss the mark as economists, are lacking. I just wonder about the extent of leadership in this discussion as it relates to global economies even in countries where sport is not big business and the "many business people we fete on this site."

Your being quite is not desirable :-)

Posted by Judith Ellis at May 25, 2008 10:28 AM

I see leadership as taking as essentially taking a nothing and making it a something. Can a football coach do this? Can a choreographer do this? Yes they can. Can I learn tips and tricks from either one that I can apply in my day to day and get results? Absolutely. Is a successful sports leader any less of a leader than a person who leads a multi-national corporation just because they are in the sports/entertainment industry? No. In fact, given the book sales and speaking fees many of them command it's obvious more than a few people think that's the case. I for one welcome Trevor's sharing his thoughts on Sir Alec because I share many of his thoughts and views on leading front line folks. That the book is short on academic theory but long on simplicity and common sense is a plus given how I'll apply what is learned. I can elaborate on theories ad infinitum, but it's the application and execution that's the most important. In business, we often we wax eloquently on how we agree with one's particular theory or position but talk and do even less when it comes to the "why's" and "hows" to take action.

Leadership isn't defined by your profession, it's defined by what you do as a person and measured by the results you achieve. Debating one's validity or qualifications to be a "leader" based on their profession surely can be done. But what's the point? Knowledge applied is expertise. Sir Alec is definitely someone who has it and someone we can learn a thing or two from regardless of our own position or industry. George Balanchine might be the same. Now if the discussion turned to how they did it...that is where the "value" is.

Posted by Dave Wheeler at May 25, 2008 1:02 PM

Hi Judith

Great exchange and given your blessing I will not remain quiet :-)

Forbes magazine reported earlier this month that Manchester United has been named as the world's richest football club for the fourth year running. Its value of just over £900m tops that of Spain's Real Madrid, which has a price tag of £646m, according to Forbes magazine. In comparison, the most valuable US professional sports team is the NFL's Dallas Cowboys soccer club, which Forbes recently said was worth some £754m.

I don’t think we should under-estimate the impact that sport has on the global economy and on people. Manchester United is a global brand and I suggest the club is better known in many parts of the world - and touches more people - than many businesses.

Economic prosperity begins – at least in part - from psychological ‘prosperity’ and I am convinced the two words 'Manchester United' provide hope and an outlet for millions of people worldwide who struggle economically and socially –I celebrate that.

I fully support your assertion that ‘all forms of leadership is great if it has positive influence on others.’ - My point about those we ‘fete on this site’ was merely to point out that Sir Alex’s leadership has touched many millions of people world wide and he is up there with the very best in any business setting world wide.

Ask a thousand ordinary people around the world if they have heard of Jack Welch of GE or Sir Alex Ferguson of Manchester United - my guess is Sir Alex and Manchester United would win by a country mile.

Sport can certainly learn from business. And business can sure as hell learn from sport – I still believe we should look more to sport for our leadership lessons.

It is 7.30 pm on a wonderful Sunday evening in Shakespeare’s County, England and life is indeed wonderful – thank you God!

Posted by Trevor Gay at May 25, 2008 1:29 PM

With due respect, Tom’s and everyone else’s definitions of leadership are actually opinions that are answers to the question “What are the traits of a great leader?”

In the context of leading people, a leader is someone who’s elected by those s/he’s leading. Only once a person is a leader, can we debate whether s/he is a good leader or a bad one. If a person isn’t elected by those s/he’s leading, that leader is a dictator, by definition.

This might seem like pedantic nit-picking, but it’s not, because leadership and dictatorship are systems as they involve interactions between people. Once you have systems, you have emergent properties. Leadership systems (ie, ones in which leaders are elected) have freedom as an emergent property; dictatorship systems have fear as an emergent property. Freedom forms the bedrock of our nations, and that freedom comes only because leaders have to be elected.

To everyone who disagrees that leaders must be elected, I would ask: would you be willing to give up your right to vote FOREVER, if you were assured that someone who fitted your definition of leader would be installed as head of state FOR LIFE? Equally, would everyone else agree to your choice of leader?

Napoleon is often cited as an example of a great leader. But he was effectively a dictator-for-life, who had installed himself emperor of France and had turned the country into a monarchic police state. Let’s say you had the choice of living in France with the great Napoleon as unelected ‘leader’ for life, versus living in the US, taking your chances with whomever the democratic system threw up. Which country would you choose?

Posted by Chetan Dhruve at May 25, 2008 1:36 PM

Hi Dave! This one is for you. In the funk of the talented Billy Preston, "Nothing From Nothing Leaves Nothing."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQ5-BTdcqjk&feature=related

This is so true in love or business. We have to come to each and every relationship or work environment with something. Enjoy!

Posted by Judith Ellis at May 25, 2008 1:42 PM

Trevor...psychological prosperity? Now, that a construct! I appreciate your notes about the psychological or financial prosperity that United Manchester and Sir Alex brought/brings, but I see you were remiss in addressing the more important point made on the significance of sports leaders and executives on multi-nationals with relations to the GDP of say underdeveloped countries where sport is not profitable.

Dave...I see that you have successfully summed up the thoughts of an array of comments here well. But you seemed to have not acknowledged comments on servant leadership which entails valuable actions. I do not think anyone hear values eloquence above valuable actions. I must say, however, as there is nothing new under the sun, how one expresses an idea may in fact produce greater actionable results in others.

While your bias for action is appreciated, words are never to be devalued. Even seemingly meaningless trival didactic misconscrued misguided ones can teach. I'm all for free speech. It is the power of words to influence and change that is the basis for everything. "In the beginning was the word..." Can we even have an idea or action without words? It can be posited that impulses are also driven by words, even though, by their very nature, they are supposed to be actions minus thought. Somewhere thought was applied if not at that very moment, prior to it at some other moment.

Chetan...I appreciate your thoughtful analysis. I believe it was TP who said that leaders are thrusted into such a position when they are compelled by an inner drive to bring about change.

Posted by Judith Ellis at May 25, 2008 2:10 PM

I write and speak on leadership and here's a few definitions, ranging from the technical to the metaphorically provocative:

Leadership is about the generation of a climate where people feel confident about ‘thinking the unthinkable’ and doing stuff about it.

Leaders make and engage others with strategic decisions under conditions of high uncertainty of means, ends or both means and ends.

Motivation is 'drugging yourself', whereas Leadership is about 'drugging others'. This is not blind fanaticism. Fans follow you over a cliff, whereas, followers tell you before it's too late.

Peter Cook

Author 'Sex, Leadership and Rock'n'Roll - Leadership 'tamed' through rock and pop culture'

Posted by Peter Cook at May 25, 2008 3:24 PM

Peter...I love your first and second definitions of leadership and leaders. The drugging bit, I'm not certain of...but a sincere thank you, nonetheless.

Posted by Judith Ellis at May 25, 2008 3:48 PM

Trevor...I'm not sure if leadership is so much about how many people have heard of a particular leader but about actionable results that make a difference. Now, these results could be in many forms i.e., finanical, spiritual, and as you have said psychological. But there must be a beginning. I am of the belief that all things are possible if we first believe.

The results that seem to matter most are those that move from feel good to actions, more than merely temporary jubilation for say a team's win over another. So, if Sir Alex or any leader can make a person believe through merely watching a team when a game that anything is possible and that belief is translated to actions that produce change no matter how small, this would indeed be good. It would at least be a start.

I must say, however, that any temporary moment of my Michigan Wolverines spashing the living daylights out of Ohio State has great value...no matter how fleeting.

You have my blessings, Trevor, to continue further. Do I have yours?

Posted by Judith Ellis at May 25, 2008 4:07 PM

Of course you have my blessings Judith - this is a great discussion and you must keep pushing your Michigan Wolverines :-)

The late Bill Shankly - a football manager in the UK once famously said ''Football is not a matter of life and death - it's far more important than that”

Sir Alex has changed many people’s lives directly and indirectly. He has given hope to millions of Manchester United fans worldwide. His leadership and coaching skills have transformed people like David Beckham. Beckham was an immature, inoffensive young man from a pretty rough part of London and is now a world icon who is making a huge difference to lives of so many kids worldwide in his work for UNICEF and many other charities – not least his own soccer schools here in the UK designed to give free football coaching to kids from deprived neighbourhoods – to give them hope and build their self esteem. Ask Beckham who was his greatest influence – it will be Sir Alex. There are numerous other world famous football stars who will credit Sir Alex with the same influence.

Last Wednesday evening Manchester United won the European Champions League Final in Moscow and millions of Man United fans watching TV all over the world were - like me – riveted to the match.

At the end of the match at 1.30 am in Moscow we saw Sir Alex dancing a jig in the pouring rain. He had a huge smile; he embraced every one of those young players he has personally mentored and coached; He clearly ‘loves’ them all.

There is no doubt in my mind I am seeing the life of a leadership legend unfold who has already influenced and changed the lives of millions of people for the better by his actions as a leader – and he will continue to do so for a few more years yet I hope.

Posted by Trevor Gay at May 25, 2008 4:26 PM

Judith... You are too kind... My experience - hate to use that word about myself - has taught me that leadership will arise when it is needed and subside when it is not... I am not talking here about bullies - they are always present if they are allowed to thrive... I do not have many regrets in my life but I regret the amount of time I have spent - and still spend today - trying to influence the people who lead my country (I even went to work for one Prime Minister and I am now working to help(a dubious claim on my part) another to make it to that position of influence)... Why do it? Regrettably I care about the unintended consequences and the intended consequences of public policy on people's lives... I care who is the leader but only because of what they might DO or do actually DO not because of who they are... I care about their Actions not their Words... I agree Judith with your position that words do matter but a discussion of leadership is something that I can not take seriously at all - it is a joke to me...It is a good discussion to have in a pub over a few beers - but it is meaningless! As for the idea of training someone to be a Sir Alex or a Bobby Kennedy or a Mao - the whole notion is ludicrous.... Leaders arise and some are good and some are evil... But none were trained to be what they became along their journey... Tom Peters is right here when he says leaders are the same now as they were BC... What I have seen of them, both men and women, tells me that they are a mixed bag of brilliance, arrogance, charm, wit, patience, determination, self importance, ego, humility, insight, tolerance/intolerance, passion, drive, energy, enthusiasm, humour, perseverance, spirit, courage, ..... Can you really teach people all that? What a hoot!!! I have a wry grin on my face as I write this rather long missive... I was always asked when I worked for the leader of my country, corporation, public service department, etc. a very simple question.. Who will be the next person to lead us? I always had a very simple answer - "I don't know!" The more important question no one ever asks me even to this day - except my beautiful wife - "will she be in any good?" My answer is the same "I don't know!"... Will the person I am advising make it into the top job - I believe he will because he has many of the attributes I listed above (including a huge ego) but will he be a good leader? I truly don't know! Judith what I can tell you with absolute certainty is that I believe Obama will be the next US President... Why? Because Americans want change and thus the Chattering Clusters have formed into Chattering Clans who will vote for him till the cow's come home! Mc Cain could still win the White House if and only if he can get into local districts and campaign very hard (showing his humility & humanity) to the Chattering Tribes who fear change and thus want the reassurance that John and all his experience (or Hillary Clinton for that matter ) would bring them. Would any of those three make a good leader? I don't know! But in the case of Barack Obama the whole world (yeah you bet we all care about this election) is about to find out.. I would like to end as I began by saying this whole discussion of leadership is a real hoot and it really does not matter what I think or say about any of it... Richard.

Posted by Richard Lipscombe at May 25, 2008 5:20 PM

Judith...thanks for the reminder of the fabulous Billy Preston. Years ago when I was learning to play the drums I practiced for hours to his song "Outta Space". The point is well taken and believe me something I take with me to the job daily. It's interesting that you should pick his music to illustrate a point. I am often reminded of his song "Will it Go Round in Circles" in some of these discussions. Billy Preston, a great talent taken far to young.

I guess the reason I don't often address certain points in these discussions is because I either agree with them or use them already...it's a given. I don't have to explain leadership in my job, I just do it. I try to "teach" it the same way I learned it...by letting those I lead "observe" a person whose words and actions match. I clearly value words and how they are used as you have often heard me say that "credibility" is my most important capital. Which means my actions are equally important. I don't talk to my team about servant leadership because it's how I do what I do. If there is anyone thing the military style of leadership teaches you is placing your folks first....period. We are a team, we might have different roles and responsibilities but we hare the same goals and accountability for achieving them. Words make it work for sure. It's what you say, how you say it, when you say it, who you say it to. I'm not sure that I understand what you mean by the "I must say, however, as there is nothing new under the sun, how one expresses an idea may in fact produce greater actionable results in others." however. If I took it to mean there is nothing I can say to get others to produce greater results, I would partially disagree. Any idea expressed by a leader, followed with the four most important words in any organization "WHAT DO YOU THINK" has the potential alone to do it. If you say this in a work environment that folks know permits them to be actively involved in planning and decision making, you will enable them to learn more, do more, and be more. The words can produce a thought, the work environment can ignite the flame.

Trevor might have one person who respects and admires his work more than me but that would be about it. Simplicity is the essence of success on the front line, that's why his words resonate with me because I have done business that way and seen it produce results for years. Actions truly speak louder that words and get better results! I have to understand the concepts, they learn them through application. I don't subscribe to the "class-ism approach to leadership. If you are taking a nothing and making it a something you are doing something I can learn from. Choreographer, football coach....it doesn't matter. I think if you model your leadership approach based on that Golden Rule thing that is a great start from the people perspective. Simple? Absolutely. Researched? Who cares? It seems to be effective when credibily applied.

There is a line from the movie Risky Business, one that contains a very living room unfriendly word that I will paraphrase ..."Sometines you gotta say what the "heck"...and make your move," Try it and if it don't work, try something else. A bias for action,,,I like that!

Posted by Dave Wheeler at May 25, 2008 6:12 PM

Thank you, Richard, for your words. While I understand your thougths here, I must say that my reading about great leaders since my early youth has had a profound effect on how I lead today. Equally as important or perhaps more important are the great leaders that I have always had around me, namely my mother, older brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles, teachers, and elders of my church. I have learned from reading about great leaders in books and magazines and watched such leadership by example in those around me. I do not agree with you that such discussions are a hoot! For some, they may be life-altering or at least the beginning of change.

Regarding our presidential elections, I will unequivocally cast my ballot for BARACK OBAMA, fully believing that YES, WE CAN! I have respect for the work of the others, but he is without doubt my pick for the next president of the United States. The world is indeed watching and how we go about our selection not only matters to us but to the world at large. We are aware of this. John McCain seems like a decent man, but I just believe that his time has passed. He may go on with distinction as a senator as may Hillary Clinton. A real change is needed and BARACK OBAMA, for me, is the one to bring about such change.

With regards to experience, there have been many such people with tons of experience that have not lead with wisdom or discretion. For example, Hillary Clinton's lack of such fundamental discretion when she spoke of "obliterating" Iran was simply mind boggling for me. As was John McCain's impromptu song "bomb, bomb Iran." This kind of lack of wisdom is not what's needed neither is race baiting fear mongering ads and the like. We want, the world wants, real change. And when do we want it? WE WANT IT NOW!

Trevor...you posted a great quote here some time back about when a relatively newcomer was asked about his experience that was quite clever. Can you post it again? You know the one, eh?

Posted by Judith Ellis at May 25, 2008 6:17 PM

YEAH! DAVE! "WE'LL GO ROUND IN CIRCLES" IS REAT! My syblings are all older (I'm the youngest of 12) so believe me, I grew up on these songs! Such songs, having derived from earlier R&B greats, are the foundations of many popular music genres.

Posted by Judith Ellis at May 25, 2008 6:23 PM

Dave...I love your Risky Business quote...tons! I also love your "what do you think?" Such an invitation is always inclusive, welcoming indeed.

Posted by Judith Ellis at May 25, 2008 6:27 PM

Dave...The nothing new under the sun expression was meant to indicate the importance of how things are said to evoke necessary actions, as we are all saying again much of what has already been said before. This being so, the importance of how something is said, including context and coloring--evoking images, becomes paramount for understanding and necessary change.

Posted by Judith Ellis at May 25, 2008 6:41 PM

By the way, while I love the song, "We'll Go Round in Circles," I HATE circular discussions. They drive me crazy!

Posted by Judith Ellis at May 25, 2008 6:45 PM

Hi Judith - Is it this one? - “Yes I know I am young and inexperienced but it is a fault I am remedying every day.” - William Pitt on becoming the youngest Prime Minister in history at age 25 in 1783.

Dave - you are too far too kind my friend ... thank you nonetheless.

Posted by Trevor Gay at May 25, 2008 7:01 PM

Judith... thanks again for your kind comments they are much appreciated... I too learn a lot from wise people around me - it is one reason I miss my grandmother who passed away many years ago, she was the great matriarch of our family - and of all the things she and they taught me over the journey of my life there is just one that seems relevant here... be careful what you wish for.... I trust that Obama is all and more that you think he is but we will all have to wait and see... it will be a nervous time for me when he enters the White House... I will take careful note of who he picks as advisors - I know that truly great leaders have great advisers.... the truth is not everyone is wanting change - on my estimation at least 40%-60% of Americans probably do not want the changes you want and they certainly do not want it now... what about 90% want is an end to G W Bush in the big house... what 60% + want even more is economic and social stability, jobs for themselves and/or for their kids, lower energy prices not higher, an end to the carbon economy and to Americans' addiction to oil, more free trade not less (to bring down the rising cost of food and goods), affordable and 'delivered' health care for all, a practical end to the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars, etc... Do you have a leader who can deliver all that plus the changes you seek whatever they may be... is Obama the one? I hope he is for your sake! Richard....

Posted by Richard Lipscombe at May 25, 2008 7:32 PM

That's the one! Thanks, Trevor!

Posted by Judith Ellis at May 25, 2008 7:48 PM

Thank you, Richard. As I was writing my last comment to you I also thought of the importance of advisors and the selection of the VP. Thanks also for hoping for my sake that Obama gets to the White House. I, however, hope that he makes it for the great American people and people worldwide.

Posted by Judith Ellis at May 25, 2008 7:54 PM

Who among us out there are leaders? If so, have you read The Black Swan or have at least gotten it? TP says, "READ IT! DAMN IT!" I see why. I began it yesterday and its GREAT! I posted a comment today a few posts down that I hope will be read and responded to.

Let me forewarn thin skin ones among us or risk adverse leaders (are there such people here?) that I think it is important to address seemingly fraught issues in order to advance. (No worries...it's not so bad. Read on!) I do hope, however, that I am forever fair in my views, seeking to understand many sides of the same issue. If not, you may always set me straight and I will always listen. Whether I agree remains to be seen :-)

Posted by Judith Ellis at May 25, 2008 8:10 PM

Judith- thank you twice. Once for clarifying the "nothing new under the sun" observation, I can now agree with you 1000%, coloring, context and making the case for the why is essential for change. No one disputes the decision is mine to make. The simple act of asking what they think is their opportunity to get involved and have a say in the way we work. The second thank you is for the link to the Billy Preston songs on YouTube. I re-discovered one song that is perhaps the most beautiful love song I've ever heard. It was the "With You I'm Born Again" duet with Syreeta Wright. I was saddened to read in the comments that she too has passed away. It also happens that my favorite song of the Christmas season is "O Holy Night". There is a video of a Billy Preston and Aretha rendition of that is the absolute best.

Trevor- the issue is not my kindness. It is, in my opinion, your correct-ness. We might have gone to different schools at different times but we sure have learned a lot of the same lessons.

Posted by Dave Wheeler at May 25, 2008 9:36 PM

Judith.... If you are into "black swans" (they are common where I live so we do not give them much thought) then the leadership of the emerging oil states (crude oil is a bubble asset right now not unlike sub-prime loans were a few years ago and the price could go beyond $US200 per barrel in the near future with the $US sinking like a stone!) with all their wealth becomes potentially much more interesting than who sits in Oval Office of the White House... as is leadership in China, India, Iran, Russia... who will lead these emerging powers - what do they want to do with all that wealth and power? I do not know the answers... but the answers to who leads those entities might foreshadow some black swan events.... as I say this is all a hoot - I have enjoyed it but it is a pity I did not have a beer with you all while we were doing this... Richard.

Posted by Richard Lipscombe at May 25, 2008 10:37 PM

Dave...cooome...oooon...maaan...why couldn't you do me the favor of putting at least one of those songs on this site as I so generously did for you? OK! OK! I'll find them, as I most certainly remember them well. Thanks for the memories.

Posted by Judith Ellis at May 26, 2008 12:28 AM

Richard...not to be a bore or party pooper, but I afraid that I have never acquired a taste for beer of any kind, even more the thick larger of Germany. I will, however, drink with a great merlot or chardonnay. Let's at least raise a glass in honor of this Chattering Clan and Chattering Tribe. Thank you.

I must say that I am not sure yet if I'm really into black swans. I have never seen one nor am I fully convinced of Mr. Taleb's argument, although I am greatly impressed with what I have read so far and would too recommend it as TP has done so outrightly. There is great clarity, style, and intelligence in what I have read so far. My hatt is off to Nassim Nicholas Taleb!

Don't know if the wealth of oil men will become a black swan as it has been a talked about fear for sometime. I believe the notion of "Black Swans" rightly determine things that are not expected. We see this coming, hence, all the talk about alternative energy for these past years. But with respect to who leads the nations mentioned in light of its potential wealth and power may indeed blindside many, creating Black Swans.

It most certainly still does not remain a hoot, considering especially the gravity of global leadership decisions. God Bless the United State of America. God Bless the World.

Posted by Judith Ellis at May 26, 2008 12:46 AM

PS...with regards to the wealth and power of nations, there is still the exporting and importing of culture to consider. America has not only been powerful because of its leadership in so many areas such as manufacturing, science, and technology, its leadership influence can also be seen in its music, movies, and cultural hybrid style that is uniquely American. E Pluribus Uman: Out of Many, One. But what I will most certainly agree to is that many nations have taken a turn in becoming a "super power" in prominence and this too shall undoubtedly pass. History proves this from ancient history to the present.

Posted by Judith Ellis at May 26, 2008 1:03 AM

Judith .... I will drink to that with a nice drop of merlot or pinot noir (Seville Estate 2003 or 2004) grown, bottled, and sold to me at the cellar door by my affable neighbour... Unfortunately I lived in or around politics for far too long so I have fried my brain - that is partly because there were always unexpected events (mainly the unintended consequences of our policy setting and actions in government - the less charitable commentators would always try to pin it on our general incompetence) but with 20/20 hindsight we could usually work out what might have been done to limit the damage... Richard.

Posted by Richard Lipscombe at May 26, 2008 1:09 AM

Agreed, Richard. It's actually 2:21am and I should probably get some sleep. Good night or good morning wherever dawn or dusk finds you. And...I will most certainly drink to that nice drop of merlot or pinot noir. The thought is nice indeed. I love a great Australian reisling wine, somewhat sweet and quite smooth...but refreshingly crisp.

Posted by Judith Ellis at May 26, 2008 1:25 AM

I'm really going to bed soon. It's now 3:10am But, Dave, I tried to embed the duet with Nat King Cole and Billy Preston when he was 11 years old. (Embedding disabled, but check it out on youtube!) Billy Preston actually began playing organ for the gospel great Mahalia Jackson when he was a mere 8 years old. Can anyone say child geniuses?

Now, Mahalia Jackson...she was quite the leader, refusing to sing popular music after being offered millions and appearing in movies in roles honorable of her talent, never playing that of a maid. But I'm not hating on them either. Hattie McDaniel, who played Mammy in Gone with the Wind, said while others were hating on her for playing the maid, they were being one. No hate either way. We do what we gotta do when we gotta do it!

Here is Hatttie McDaniel's Acceptance Speech delivered on January 29, 1940 at the 12th Annual Academy Awards:

"Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, fellow members of the motion picture industry and honoured guests: This is one of the happiest moments of my life, and I want to thank each one of you who had a part in selecting me for one of their awards, for your kindness. It has made me feel very, very humble; and I shall always hold it as a beacon for anything that I may be able to do in the future. I sincerely hope I shall always be a credit to my race and to the motion picture industry. My heart is too full to tell you just how I feel, and may I say thank you and God bless you."

Great leaders are humble.

Posted by Judith Ellis at May 26, 2008 2:22 AM

Judith- my apologies. Here are the links. The first is the song with Aretha, the second with Syreeta Wright.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ArqHPNoniSA

http://youtube.com/watch?v=0q2cgB_yH6w&feature=related viagra jelly uk

Posted by Dave Wheeler at May 26, 2008 3:04 AM

It's interesting that when we talk of leadership we think of people.

I am more and more interested in the concept of ideas being a form of leadership. THe comments about Ed deBono, one of my heros, reminded me of this. Sure you need a leader to think up the ideas in the first place and you need people to drive the implementation but there comes a point when a powerful idea transcends a person and becomes a form of leadership in it's own right.

An idea has two advantages over a person. 1) it can influence more people in more places and in ways the original person never dreamt of. 2) it has no time limit.

I know we are very Pro action on this board (and rightly so) but a powerful idea makes our collective lifetimes of action seem pathetic in comparison.

The faiths of this world are a cracking example of this. (I mean no disrespect when I call faith an idea - I know it's a lot more than that to many)

Are Ideas a more powerful form of leadership than action?

Posted by PaulH at May 26, 2008 4:15 AM

Paul - A great observation – ‘ideas’ = ‘leadership’ I am no expert but it seems to me that all ideas have a person behind them. Some originators of ideas will become regarded as leaders only in subsequent times – not necessarily at the time of the idea.

Posted by Trevor Gay at May 26, 2008 6:32 AM

Paul...I appreciate the premise of your comment. But while it sounds like a bright idea, who's behind that idea? A person. You. I think it's, in fact, quite silly to attempt to extricate people from ideas since they are powered by people. The extricating of ideas from people makes the idea lifeless. Ideas need people as fish need water. They are inseparable.

Leadership can be messy, but everything that purports to be such is not; anything dealing with people (which is everything...who creates technology? who services it?) can be so. The philosopher, Nietzsche, whom I love and regard highly in spite of contradictions, as I strongly believe that leaders must hold variabales singularly, writes that we are "All Too Human." This being so...there is simply no getting around people. So, it's best we deal with one another with all of our brilliance, delusions, beauty, and shortcomings.

Brilliant ideas are timeless, ageless, without nationality, and without real ownership...as we are all partakers, making them our very own in our very own way....as we see it. But there are are simply no ideas without people. (Who cares the idea forward? Who enacts it?) Another great thing about people and ideas... from people with ideas spring other such people with ideas. The circle is endless...all powered by people.

I appreciate your comment, Paul. But I disagree with it. I am, however, totally with you in that "a powerful idea transcends a person." It's the latter part that's somewhat troublesome as you assert that an idea "becomes a form of leadership in it's own right." I'm opposed to the de-personalization of ideas from their source presented here. People lead. Ideas are formed by people. Ideas will never have life or light without the breath of people.

Posted by Judith Ellis at May 26, 2008 9:33 AM

Thanks, Dave. I must admit that I went to youtube shortly after visiting this site and watched a ton of videos...what a trip down memory lane it was! While watching video after video, I came across the embedded ones as well. Thanks, anyway! I finally got to sleep around 5:00am. I may be a little late to the family barbeque today. I'll be needing a nap. But it was a worthwhile trip!

Happy Memorial Day, TP! Thank you, sir, for your service. On this day to honor our men and women, those who have fallen, those who have served and those who now stand, may God bless America and our troops, especially on this day. May there be peace worldwide.

Posted by Judith Ellis at May 26, 2008 9:56 AM

Judith- I did the same and I agree...Spinners, Four Tops, Main Ingredient, Supremes...memories for days. Dang I'm getting old.

Posted by Dave Wheeler at May 26, 2008 1:40 PM

Dave and Judith …. Now you have really started something!!!

I’m on my own trip down memory lane. The first Album I bought with my own money after I started work in 1969 was a Tamla Motown collection of classic hits … my two favourite tracks on that fantastic album were both by Jimmy Ruffin – ‘I’ll Say forever My Love’ and ‘What becomes of the broken hearted?’ ….. I wonder whatever happened to Jimmy – he was my favourite Tamla Motown artist. I had the pleasure of seeing Jimmy James and the Vagabonds a few years ago … Ahhh memories indeed …

Posted by Trevor Gay at May 26, 2008 5:00 PM

PaulH... Correct ideas are more powerful than action... Why? Because without the ideas behind (should that be in front of) our actions we are all just monkeys playing in the jungle... You are correct all the religious leaders are known now for their ideas and in one notable case for a few miracles as well I hasten to add... All the quotes on this site are here because they contain the essence of a good idea - ie faith, hope, trust, imagination, intellect, etc... But to give you a simple example of why ideas are the basis of leadership (some call it thought leadership) I give you this simple story from my country. This is simple story about a brilliant politician (later a PM of the country) who became known as the best Treasurer in the world - yeah he was on the front page of everything.. Why? Because he floated my country's exchange rate... Now he deserved all the accolades he got for taking that ACTION and in doing it he showed the type of leadership we all can admire... BUT this was the same politician who ranted and raved in the Parliament against this idea when in opposition - he claimed "the sky would fall in" should the then government move to open exchange rates. Why did he change? He changed because he is a smart guy and when he saw all the work done by advisers and public servants (the idea gurus and real leaders of my nation at that time) he took a 'fire, aim, ready' decision to do what he helped to totally block for years... I am totally with you and that is why I recommend deBono to anyone who is serious about the topic of leadership.... I agree with deBono who is trying to get all of us (all us monkeys to come down from the trees and to sit and ponder things and how they might be better in the future) to think for ourselves..I would also recommend you read 'Mao the unknown story' by Jung Chang and Jon Holliday and published by Johnathan Cape 2005 to get a different perspective on the art of leadership (the cost to others - including those in his own family -of his leadership is horrendous).... Mao is a story of ego and personal ambition gone mad...You and I have seen plenty of examples of this type of leadership on a smaller scale... Leaders are not all knowing, not all the brightest ones going around, and not all benevolent... Tom this is fun!!!

Richard.

Posted by Richard Lipscombe at May 26, 2008 5:17 PM

OH...YEAH...TREVOR! Talk about leaders of Funk and R&B! Pop too! Way Cool! Now, I'm from Motown and believe me, even though, I was a 5 or 6 years old at the time, I really grew up with this music. The two songs you mention are great-- not to mention the 'fros, platforms, colorful shirts with big collars, and bellbottoms!

Did you wear any of this stuff...minus the 'fro...of course...but then again, a very good friend of mine, David DiChiera, Founder and General Director of the Detroit Opera House, is Italian, and he has always sported a 'fro, though more contained today. When I see pictures of him during that period I think...how cool is that!

Posted by Judith Ellis at May 26, 2008 6:15 PM

Simply beautiful, Richard. Thank you very much for your words. The entrance of your story brings light.

Posted by Judith Ellis at May 26, 2008 6:28 PM

Judith – wonderful days aye?

In reply to your astute question about ME ever wearing 'fros, platforms, colourful shirts with big collars, and bellbottoms ….

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Let’s just say I’m glad digital photography was not around in those days .... therefore I’m happy to admit any ‘evidence’ is not publicly available ….. That is … as far as I know :- )

Posted by Trevor Gay at May 27, 2008 5:57 AM

Trying desperately hard to get the image of Trevor with an afro out of my head......

Posted by PaulH at May 27, 2008 6:53 AM

Great post and a lot of good comments.

Just wanted to add my two cents - although I think Tom stated this a while back: I also like the image of the leader who is define as he (she) who takes the first step where the group wants to go.

Posted by Steve Robert at May 27, 2008 7:36 AM

PAULH...LOL! LOL! LOL LOL! LOL! LOL! LOL! LOL!

Posted by Judith Ellis at May 27, 2008 7:58 AM

Brilliant Paul – I love to see humour on this Blog so thanks my friend! I hope the image didn’t put you off your breakfast too much :-) I always say it’s really not compulsory to be miserable at work. Business doesn’t have to be serious all the time. Here is my official statement to my colleague TP Blog commenters, the world and his friend on this matter;

‘This was at a time in my life (as a good politician would say) when I was searching for meaning. My decision to wear the ‘kipper’ tie, the bell bottoms and the platforms in the early 1970’s was influenced I’m sure by the odd pint of Courage Best Bitter and other substances (which like most politicians I didn’t inhale) I trust my ‘coming out’ in this way will stop endless media harassment for me and my family so that I can now be left alone to get on with my life.’ – Trevor Gay aged 55 and three quarters and founder member of FCS - Folically Challenged Society.

I think we are all entitled to one or two fashion disasters in life ... Mind you, I’m still repeating them thirty years later!! I am to fashion what Margaret Thatcher is to the comedy business.

Great banter Paul and Judith – thanks again!

Posted by Trevor Gay at May 27, 2008 8:32 AM

LOL, Trevor! Recently, I saw a picture of John O'Leary on Trevor's blog http://www.simplicityitk.blogspot.com/ where he's being interviewed. (Great interview guys!) Is his 'do kind of 'fro-like? I'm sure he, being the Rock and Roll musican that he is, probably had no problem sporting 'fros, bellbottoms..dare I say...make-up? By the way, I LOVE John. He's a great guy!

Posted by Judith Ellis at May 27, 2008 9:00 AM

Steve...I like the notion of the leader taking the step where the group wants to go as opposed to should go--slight difference in context here but to me a notable one. The former is inclusive, the latter perhaps somewhat arrogant. I have no problem, however, with a leader leading, it's a matter of how.

I hestitated before posting this comment because we may have gone to the extreme one way, as in the direction of political correctness, where every word is measured and scrutinzed, where context and good faith are not considered. But I hope the gist of my comment is understood in the broader sense. Leaders listen for context and assume good faith in others.

Posted by Judith Ellis at May 27, 2008 9:30 AM

Sorry to join this party late! Watching Tom's video clip reminds me of the leadership model I was introduced to when I first entered the world of work as a member of a hard-working business team - a rock & roll band. In that model we, the band members, hired and fired our leaders, our "business managers." Management worked for - and was accountable to - the team/group/organization (the band). We, as band members, recruited and hired our management, gave it benchmarks to achieve (securing us a record contract), and fired management if it didn't produce, consistent with our performance agreement. We even "auditioned" managers and gave them a chance to show us what they could do before we signed any paper. (One band I was in shamelessly played two nightclub managers against each other - which enabled us to perform at NY's Bitter End and LA's Troubadour 40 years ago this summer.) I realize that some aspects of this model don't work in mainstream business where management recruits, hires, and pays the workers but I believe we must retain the spirit of it. Business leaders need to remember they work for the team, the organization, the workers - not the other way around. How might the dynamics of work change if more workers could hire and fire their management?

Judith, in the 60s and early 70s I had a SERIOUS 'fro. They called me the "white Jimi Hendrix." Had the bell bottoms too.

Posted by John O'Leary at May 27, 2008 2:28 PM

I have taught leadership for many years and have searched to simplify the concepts. I have witnessed many a well trained "leader" undermine their ability to lead by simple poor decisions. How can they make a better leadership decision at that moment-of-choice? Finally, after many years I developed my own "working" definition of leadership that can guide me through that 12-second moment-of-choice window we face every day. L=WD. Leadership is enhancing the Worth of others so they can make sound Decisions. I will assure you if you use this little formula you will make better "leadership" decisions.

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'Business leaders need to remember they work for the team, the organization, the workers - not the other way around.'

Outstanding remark John (aka Jimi) - I'm with you 100%

Posted by Trevor Gay at May 27, 2008 2:56 PM

HEEEEEEY!! JIMMMMMI!!!!

Posted by Judith Ellis at May 27, 2008 3:32 PM

I wonder on leadership! Thinking in flow never equates to think statically, taking lateral thinking along with many that are supplemental with each others is a great step forward.

While increasing automation rampantly grows nonlinearly, Does the leader do the same? While increasing Artificial Intelligence grows explosively, While increasing Robotics (chiefly those not so easy to be seen by civilians and non scientists), Does the leader do the same? Let’s take an example important to all. Does a 1999-leader behave the same as a 2002-leader, having taken placed Sep/11?

The rover to Mars landed on May 25, 2008. It traveled about 142,000,000 miles during seven months. Does the NASA leaders do the same as others leaders? In fact, I know-having the literature for it-that in NASA from Mission Manager to Maintenance People to Astronauts MUST BE endowed with critical, unprecedented knowledge, which it is sine a qua non.

Do they use (i) more energetic people, (ii) more change-driven mind “carriers”, (iii) more inspiring folks, and (iv) more knowledgeable experts (maintenance, mission manager, astronauts)? I just wonder!

While there is more staggering interplay between (a) biotechnology, and (b) nanotechnology, Does the leader do the same? I truly wonder since I have the perception that definitions require some touch-ups.

Incidentally, there is a great lack of leadership all over. It’s worrisome. Some good examples are great to illuminate others. In the mean time, life does go on. What kind of life does the civilization would like to have by the DEEDS
(TALKED WALK) of true leaders?

Posted by Andres Agostini (Andy) at May 27, 2008 3:36 PM

John, thank you, sir, for a great response. I too am sorry you joined this party late. But we're most happy you could join us.

Posted by Judith Ellis at May 27, 2008 3:37 PM

Is there really a lack of leadership in buisness? For example, there seems to be a big focus on this website on great hotel service.
To me, holiday inn express is as good as it ever needs to get - at least until the energy crisis is solved. It seems like to me that a good leader doen't just lead well, a good leader
would be able to choose problems to solve that actually matter and then go and try and solve those by getting people inspired. There are plenty of great sports teams and restaurants and supermarkets and personal music players -
We need leaders who can solve real problems by motovating people to do something about the problems - great ball teams are nice to have, but we are killing people over oil because we have no real leaders.

Posted by frank at May 27, 2008 4:15 PM

Marshal Mathers "Eminen" probably sums up a lot of what is at issue with leadership today even though he chooses to lace it with dark humour (you can be funny and have a real point to make too can't you Trevor?)... Mathers is a star in large part because he has seen a lot of modern urban life "up close and personal" and he sings about life's struggles in a very poignant way... He does not duck the issues of the day he does not dance neatly around ideological clashes, the failure of men to deal adequately with feminism, gay rights, aging, etc.... He is a deep thinker with a very acute sense of timing and a piercing sense of humour... For me Eminen makes it 'real' when he sings about the issues of leadership facing men in particular but people in general in the world he grew up with... Listen to the lyrics of his battle (ie battle as in American urban battling with your lyrics not with your fists) score 'The Real Slim Shady'... His constant refrain in that song says it all for me about personal accountability, responsibility, integrity, and leadership... "will the real slim shady please stand up please stand up please stand up".... Very few people allow their 'real slim shady' to stand up and therein lies the reason we have so many people running around the world trying to define leadership, running courses on it, mentoring others about it, etc... It seems anyone who has not yet confronted their 'real slim shady' and thus come to terms with who they really are is free to lecture everyone else on the definition and meaning of leadership... Those who know their 'real slim shady' (their darkside and all its ramifications for who they are and can be!) are too busy being either geniune leaders or singing songs to entertain us... I must still be musing about my 'real slim shady' because I am not a leader and I can't sing.... Richard

Posted by Richard Lipscombe at May 27, 2008 6:05 PM

Richard...Hmmm? Where to begin with Eminem? I'm going to pass except to say that he is a good musician who wasn't raised in what would be considered the 'hood, though Warren, Michigan where he grew up is most certainly not the suburbs in the purest sense. But he most hung out in the 'hood and learned many beats and rhymes. The movie, 8 Mile, was great! Did you see it?

I respect Eminem as a musican and actor, but as a leader? That's dubious...indeed. And to be quite frank, I don't think yours or my "real slim shady" should be on display, though I value honesty and truth. Simply work it out daily. Work your stuff out. This work will show and leadership will then arise. Singing about it and doing the necessary work is not inherently synonymous.

Posted by Judith Ellis at May 27, 2008 6:36 PM

Trevor- In the words of the Hues Corporation and their song Rock the Boat..."Rock on with your bad self"

It seems our lives again somewhat parallel each other. I couldn't sport a "fro", but I had a shag and I was indeed one polyester sporting, platform shoe wearing, disco ready dancing machine. I used to spend a great deal of time in the Philippines and you could get clothes tailored ridiculously cheap. Of course, like the Scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz, you lived in fear of coming into contact with cigarettes because one ash gets on you in polyester, you're gonna combust spontaneously for sure.

Those were the days...I feel like I'm about 127 years old for the first ten minutes of the day, look like I'm about 85. But it was indeed a good time and I learned a lot. The best advise I ever ignored? "If I would have known I was going to live this long I would have taken better care of myself". Being of the Follically Challenged persuasion myself, a question. Does having to pay full price for a haircut bug you too?

Posted by Dave Wheeler at May 27, 2008 7:56 PM

Dave...LOL! LOL! LOL! LOL! LOL! LOL! LOL!

Posted by Judith Ellis at May 27, 2008 9:09 PM

Judith I have an 19 year old son so how could I not see 8 mile... I would not say I loved it.... shocked by it ... concerned about those in Warren and the 'hood'... but yeah I was totally impressed by the sheer honesty of it... I believe that most men of my generation lack honesty, integrity, guts, and transparency... I believe that my generation of men have let down the next generation of men - we have not modeled good leadership for this next generation... I know nothing about what goes on in Warren or the 'hood' and so I have to bow to your knowledge and understanding of all this stuff Judith but, it seems to me that in the 'hood' the Chattering Clusters are brutally honest with their messages... there the Chattering Clans are engaged in 'battles' (with smart lyrics not fists but some times also with guns) were due respect is accorded to the victor... there the Chattering Tribes are the only sanctuary for young people who feel dispossessed of their sense of belonging to a coherent society with any true sense of social justice.. in the 'hood' is where "the rubber hits the road"... slogans, wise quotes, political correctness, and nice to have ideologies do not 'cut the mustard'.. there you better know who you are and what you really stand for or you are going suffer... there leaders emerge quickly and disappear just as quickly... there leaders live for the moment, die in an instant, produce music from their soul, make fun, love, money (legally as musicians and in other ways) on any given afternoon.. None, not one, I hazard to guess ever went to a Tom Peters Seminar to discover what leadership really means... these are front liners too Trevor - who is helping them to be heard... do these front liners have all the answers? no I do not think they do but I am guessing they have a few solutions to questions that I have never ever thought about.... aren't they a valid example of leadership? Richard...

Posted by Richard Lipscombe at May 27, 2008 9:16 PM

Richard...I did not grow up in the 'hood, but as my uncle had a very large church in the 70's which was my great-grandfather's church, of about 10,000 people, there were many congregants of various backgrounds so I got a great exposure to various kinds of people from different socio-economic backgrounds and lifestyles up close. Your deference is admirable, I guess, but I can't speak from first hand knowledge about what goes on in the 'hood, though I have great empathy for such neighborhoods. I probably, can, however speak with perhaps more assurance about the 'hood more than a gentleman from Australia.

Regarding your generation of men who have let down the next generation, it is still not to late for redemption. Leaders can arise at any time through their actions to repair broken relations and infuse hope into what sometimes appears like a lost generation. Many young people are doing well; many others are lost. Young men and women are looking for examples.

Just today, I met a young girl who came with her dad, who was doing masonry work on one the houses. She looked young. I asked her how she was and wondered why she wasn't in school. She obviously was not ill, for she had come to do the final clean up on the house before my clients moved in Thursday. Well, she dropped out. She, in fact, lives right in the same area that Eminem grew up in. I flatly told her in front of her dad, her mom passed 3 years ago, that I would not hire her unless she went back to school and finished. But I also told her that I would tutor free charge throughtout the summer.

We made an agreement. I would help her with school and hire her for clean up duty on the houses for the summer. She was to call the Warren Board of Education tomorrow and find out when she could enroll in the summer adult education classes. She could work for me in the summer ONLY if she did this. We shook on it. When I returned later on, she beamed with excitment, running to me saying, "I called! I can enroll in classes in June and I can get my high school diploma and graduate with my class. I don't have to get a GED. I'm going to be a nurse!" She showed me her cell phone which had the number of the Adult Education with today's date and time. I was so happy for her.

Before I left I gave her a cash bonus and told her how proud I was that she did not wait until tomorrow to call. She made a conscious decision to improve her life today and this was admirable. I thought, "never put off tomorrow what you can do today." This kid made my day. We are led even when lead.

Posted by Judith Ellis at May 27, 2008 10:56 PM

Do or die situations require unusual responses. We are generally not dealing with situations that could cost us our lives on a daily basis as are many people in the 'hood or war zones.

As leadership entails decision-making, these guys and gals in the 'hood and war zones, are, in fact, leaders. Some survival techinques, however, may not be appropos to everyday corporate life. Your point, however, Richard, is well taken.

Am I talking waaay too much? I will now politely be quiet. Thank you all for a great discussion.

Thank you TP and staff for the forum.

Posted by Judith Ellis at May 27, 2008 11:06 PM

One other thing, please...thank you so much TP for your great leadership that spans the globe. We honor you.

Posted by Judith Ellis at May 28, 2008 7:52 AM

Following on from John O'Leary's post:

Sorry to join this party late! Watching Tom's video clip reminds me of the leadership model I was introduced to when I first entered the world of work as a member of a hard-working business team - a rock & roll band. In that model we, the band members, hired and fired our leaders, our "business managers." Management worked for - and was accountable to - the team/group/organization (the band).

Well, John, we are on the same planet here with respect to rock bands and management! You might enjoy 'Myths and Riffs of Creativiity at www.youtube.com/petercook2001

All the best / Rock on!

Peter

Posted by Peter Cook at May 28, 2008 4:18 PM

Great stuff, Peter. Thanks.

Posted by John O'Leary at May 29, 2008 10:43 AM

Judith- what a remarkable act from a remarkable individual. There are few things I respect more than a person who walks the talk. One who acts consistent with their words, one who serves others if you will. How many other lives will be touched and changed by what you did to make a difference in this young lady's life? I am confident the answer will be many. "We are led, even when we lead." Very profound and very true. Thank you Judith for the reminder that the whole "it takes a village" approach is alive and well in at least one community today.

Posted by Dave Wheeler at May 29, 2008 10:00 PM

Dave...my daily question to the thankfulness of life is to ask myself: what have you done today that has blessed someone else? I look for ways to be kind daily. I look for ways of excelling way beyond what is comfortable for me daily. I look for ways of spreading the love daily. This is my active daily search personally and professionally. Many days I am successful, other days I am not. Thank you for your kind words, Dave. It is important to encourage each other and you have most certainly done so.

viagra for men 100mg Posted by Judith Ellis at May 30, 2008 4:10 AM

Richard...based on TP's discussion of Servant Leadership by Robert Greenleaf, on my doorstep yesterday, this book arrived. For your consideration here is a passage from the introduction. I thought of you and our recent discussion here.

"But, alas, we live in the age of the anti-leader, and our vast educational structure devotes very little care to nuturing leaders or to understanding followership. If there is any influence, formal education seems to discourage such pursuits. Educators argue, speciously I believe. that such preparation is implicit in general education. If that is true, how can it be that we are in a crisis of leadership in which vast numbers of "educated" people make such gross errors in choosing whose leadership to follow, and in which there is so little incentive for able and dedicated servants to take risks of asserting leadership?"

Have you read this book? I'm sure you have. I'm only at the introduction.

Posted by Judith Ellis at May 31, 2008 5:15 PM

i dont know...

Posted by adam at September 18, 2008 5:01 AM