When I was in the Army I learned that military life was long stretches of boredom interspersed with moments of trouble, tension and even terror. Interestingly enough, leadership follows a similar pattern. On most days leadership involves doing what is necessary to keep the ship floating and running properly. Decisions are usually straightforward and are […]
“Do It My Way Or I Am Leaving!”
All seasoned managers have faced this dilemma. An employee, (sometimes talented, sometimes not; sometimes experienced, sometimes not), threatens to leave if he or she does not get something they demand. It may be a promotion, a bonus, a pay increase or some other desired result. But the threat is always the same: these employees put […]
Leadership Nugget #24: Bad Management Or Unethical Decisions ? You Better Know The Difference!
As I look back on my career in leadership there were two decisions made above me that caused me to question whether or not I could comply with what was asked. Was management above me making an unethical request or were they making a horrible decision with which I was in total disagreement but which […]
Where Does The Credibility To Lead Come From? Part 4: Thoughts On How Credibility Is Gained And Lost
According to Jim Clifton, President and CEO of Gallup Corporation, “A staggering 75% of the American public believe corruption is “widespread” in the U.S. government. Not incompetence, but corruption. This alarming figure has held steady since 2010, up from 66% in 2009.” There has never been a time that credibility and trustworthiness of leaders has […]
Where Does The Credibility To Lead Come From? Part 3: Professional Sources of Credibility
One of the most important and visible sources of credibility is how a person adds value on the job. Being masterful at one craft lends credibility to a person since they not only know what to do but follow it up with action. While this credibility arises out of the work a person does, it […]
Where Does The Credibility To Lead Come From? Part 2: Personal Sources of Credibility
Leadership is in disrepute and the situation is getting worse. It is the purpose of this four-part series to explore the sources of credibility that provide leaders the right to lead. The complete credibility model will be presented in part four. Part 1 of this series addressed the fundamental core from which credibility arises – […]
Where Does The Credibility To Lead Come From? Part 1: The Foundation of Credibility
Leadership is in disrepute and the situation is getting worse. It is the purpose of this four-part series to explore the sources of credibility that provide a leader the right to lead. The complete credibility model will be presented in part four. Leadership does not just magically appear. A mysterious leadership anointing does not fall […]