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We’ll be posting original articles and musings as well as great reading I’ve discovered on this page. So keep coming back for the latest in excellent resources in leadership and organizational development.
- » Top 10 Things to Look for in a Consultant
Whether you are in a government, not-for-profit, or corporate organization, how can you be sure you are being responsible in hiring your next consultant? Click on the article title to read more
- » Why Survive when You can Thrive?
The most important factor that executives say is critical to thrive in today’s world:
Develop and communicate a strong vision. Click on the article title to read more
Why Survive when You can Thrive?
Organizationally…
The most important factor that executives say is critical to thrive in today’s world:
Develop and communicate a strong vision.
Leaders who convey a strong vision are rated higher by their bosses and coworkers on several important factors than those who convey a weaker vision – factors such as the ability to lead change, being dynamic, competence in strategic planning, being farsighted, inspiring commitment, being original, and having a strong executive image.
What does a strong vision look like? Strong visions share three characteristics – they are clear, challenging and ideological. They use clear, unambiguous statements. They use language and ideas that motivate people. And they communicate a general, fundamental, enduring ideal.
Personally…
The ability to bounce back from adversity is essential for surviving and thriving in today’s world and for any corporate leader to succeed over the long term. Adversity and setbacks come from many different sources today: career setbacks – through mistakes and failures or downsizing; personal trauma including illness, divorce, having children in trouble, or a sudden death in the family; problem employees; and injustice related to race, religion, ethnicity or other factors.
Whether you choose to learn from these problems or hardships and emerge ‘thriving’, will depend on several factors. Resiliency is the vital attribute for thriving!
Self-Awareness is foundational; understanding what is important to you, what you do well, what makes your heart sing will enable you to make decisions that align with your values, talents, interests and passion.
Cultivating a sense of purpose comes out of self-awareness and provides you with meaning and confidence to rise above setbacks and use your gifts and resources in significant ways
Flexibility involves the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and not be overwhelmed by them; a willingness to explore a range of options before determining they won’t work.
Positive mental strategies and maintaining physical health are also vital. Resilient leaders don’t blame others or resort to cynicism. Instead they are realistic, optimistic and active.
Social support is critical for ‘thriving’. Friends and family who are candid and encouraging will enable you to confront issues, gain a truer perspective on your strengths and weaknesses and spur you on to thrive.
“Leadership competencies consistent with “responsible” leaders include courage, business acumen, passion, having a life (“you can’t think out of the box if you are always in the box”), compassion, sense of humor, and vision for legacy (instead of vision for activity). A leader should be remembered as a person who designed a society that is educated, environmentally friendly, safe, and economically sustainable.”
~ Giampalmi, 2004