Last week, I wrote about Dolores the PhD science student, and the power that her tenured leadership lab researcher had over her teaching assignments, research and future career. Dolores spoke (her) truth to his power. I promised that I’d share the sequel. If you consider times when you perhaps challenged authority, you might anticipate that … Continued
When I say “leader,” you likely see a speaker. You likely see someone separated from the crowd, perhaps facing them. That was me in my lecture last week to 80 non-MBA graduate school students. But add a couple elements to the picture. Before I began speaking, I asked for a couple volunteers to take careful … Continued
I had the wonderful opportunity to present to a cohort of leaders at a major corporation last week. The group of 75 came from around the country. They had been selected based on their upwards trajectory at the firm and their promise as leaders. Can you picture them, looking good and proud and enthused. I … Continued
Thanks for the comments and emails about last week’s blog on Aunt Linda and leaders like her who convey in words and behavior, “I’m so glad you’re here.” I am so glad you are here today with Read2Lead! In contrast to last week’s positive message, sometimes we get into situations where the last thing we want … Continued
About ten years ago, Duke Coach K for Krzyzewsky was cast in a commercial where, with his nasally Chicago voice he said, “I’m not a basketball coach. I’m a leader.” And, indeed the term leader is bounced around almost as much as the leather ball itself. I offer you a case today. I wish I … Continued
3 quick stories of leadership with the same moral – and music – to the stories. “Men and women on the street” was a favorite segment on my radio show Everyday Leadership. Problem was none of my student assistants wanted to put a microphone in front of unsuspecting people in parks, at the mall, on … Continued
Read if there is division in your world. If not, skip it. Two stories. 4 points of view. Please see if you can withhold judgment. Story 1. A dear mentee and friend. He’d spent more than a handful of years in prison for a crime he committed as a teen. He’s an inspiration to me. … Continued
For almost 20 years I’ve been writing this blog. When I wrote my first book I came to see “everyday leadership” as the simplest banner for my point of view. I have always sought to distinguish authority figures from leaders. You don’t have to have a title to lead. I’ll never stop making these three … Continued
Last week (Bosses: Check the Wiring) I wrote about how my wife Jennifer had been asked by a group to speak about the election and, how when she asked me to be a sounding board for her as we drove to the event, I (somewhat rudely) balked. I instead asked her to consider letting me … Continued
I took a big step for me on Sunday, leading up. Next week, I’ll share why it wasn’t so easy, and why it might shed a little light for you, as you lead up. Today I want to tell the story and extract two lessons for people in positions of authority. My wife Jennifer and … Continued