The Difference Between Great Leaders And Posers
What is the difference between great leaders and posers? This may sound harsh, but the truth is I’ve witnessed far too many people in positions of leadership that wouldn’t recognize an opportunity if it hit them squarely in the face. If you cannot recognize, attract, and acquire opportunities you should not be in a leadership position. Just this week I’ve observed people in leadership roles who…
The No. 1 Thing Holding You Back As A Leader
Leadership isn’t nearly as complex as people make it out to be, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t hard. The big difference between highly effective leaders and those just playing at leadership is often found in their willingness to do what doesn’t come naturally or instinctively. Real leadership begins at the moment you realize leadership has little to do with the leader, and everything to do with…
The No. 1 Way To Spot Weak Leadership
You can spot a weak leader a mile off by simply looking at the types of decisions they make. Not surprisingly, weak leaders pander to public opinion, they manage the routine rather than the extraordinary, and they worry more about being right than achieving the right outcome. Weak leaders seek a safe decision rather than a courageous decision. News Flash: safe decisions rarely are. Great leaders…
5 Ways To Stop Corporate Crazies From Destroying Culture
Like it or not, we are judged by the company we keep. Corporate cultures reflect the quality and character of their workforce, and leaders will ultimately be judged for the leadership and talent choices they make. A primary function of leadership is to steward and guide culture, and when it comes to leadership, crazy is a dangerous thing. So, in today’s column I’ll share some thoughts on how to…
The No. 1 Thing Successful Companies Scale
I’ve often said, “if leadership doesn’t scale neither will your organization.” Experience has led me to conclude there is no greater contribution a leader can make to the enterprise than developing a true culture of leadership. Here’s the thing – a culture of leadership can only exist when leaders understand their primary obligation is to develop other leaders. If leadership is sought after,…
The Leadership ‘X’ Factor That Can Fix Any Business
Businesses don’t fail – products don’t fail – projects don’t fail – leaders fail. I have little use for leaders who can effortlessly call upon the right clichés and buzzwords in conversation, but fail to put into practice what they so frequently wax eloquent about. Words matter; but they matter more when put into action when they become real when they make a difference. If you’re a CEO prone to…
5 Dead Giveaways You’re Not A Credible Leader
Fact: Getting a leadership position is easier than keeping it. Keeping a position of leadership is about one thing, and one thing only; your credibility as a leader – your ability to lead well. Leaders either have credibility or they don’t… Do you? People arrive at a position of leadership in many different ways. Some individuals openly and aggressively seek out positions of leadership, while…
Marissa Mayer: A Case Study In Poor Leadership
In March of 2013, I authored an article predicting the demise of Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer. Here’s the thing – not every talented, successful executive is CEO ready; Mayer is a textbook example of this. It was obvious from the early days, at least to those paying attention, that Mayer didn’t have the leadership chops to pull off the admittedly tough assignment of turning around the once iconic…
5 Bad Leadership Habits To Leave Behind
News Flash – there is no perfect leader. But there’s also no arguing the fact that some leaders are much better than others. So, what’s the difference between those leaders whose career trajectory rockets upward with great velocity, and those whose careers move at a snail’s pace, if at all? The best leaders know when to stop harming themselves, they know when to get out of their own way, and they…
My Picks For The Top 10 CHROs, And Why They Matter
Before I get to my picks for the Top 10 CHROs, I want to give some background on why this list is important, and how you should use it to shape your enterprise moving forward. While every member of the executive team plays a critical role in successful organizations, aside from the CEO, a strong case can be made that the chief human resources officer (CHRO) is the real game-changer. “HR” has…
How To Predict The Future
Life is just plain easier when you can see what's ahead of you. Some leaders clearly have poor vision - their most polished skill seems to be running into brick walls. Other leaders simply possess adequate vision - they avoid the obvious speed bumps, but fail to stand out from the crowd. Then there are those leaders who possess legendary vision - the rare few who can see around corners. What you…
How To Be In Over Your Head Without Drowning
Do you ever find yourself in over your head? If not, I would suggest you don’t spend enough time in the water. The truth is all leaders find themselves swimming in rough conditions from time-to-time. The difference between those who drown and those who become stronger swimmers is little more than a combination of attitude and preparation. It was T.S. Eliot who said, “If you aren’t in over your…
10 Things Every Leader Should Challenge
Innovation, growth and development cannot occur by pretending we live in a world that has long since passed us by. Leading in the 21st Century affords no safe haven for 20th Century thinkers. Old, static, institutionalized thinking will gate the pace of forward progress faster than just about anything. If you want to expose yourself as an out of touch, dated leader, keep trying to address today's…
The Secret To Making Better Hires
Why do so many companies struggle when it comes to making great hires? They overlook the obvious. In other words, the people doing the hiring fail to understand, look for, and qualify the one characteristic that indicates the certainty of a good hire. While companies screen for many things, they often miss the gold standard litmus test – they play a game of chance when it’s simply not necessary.…
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