Recovering Leader

Monday LeaderTip: Being Responsible

Troubled times remind leaders of the need to take responsibility. Admitting your part in what went wrong—even when painful or embarrassing—not only moves the situation towards real solutions, but is also a model for those you lead. Integrity is constructive anytime, and is particularly distinctive and valued in today's side-stepping business climate. Stand up and show others how to take... Read more →

Monday LeaderTip: Just Stop Thinking

When facing a tough challenge many leaders find themselves trying to think their way through it. Strangely enough, this approach often leads to repetitive thought and mental dead ends. In fact, research has shown that conscious processing is far less powerful than the non-conscious mind. One of the byproducts of this unconscious "computer" is intuition—a truth-teller when it comes to... Read more →

Ending the Bail Out of Wall Street

A few days ago I posted a piece on the bailout of Wall Street here ("Ending the Fed's Feeding Frenzy of 2008"), and it got picked up by the Washington Times as an OpEd today, so I had to remove it. For those interested, they retitled it: "PECK: The Sins of Wall Street / Government Must Stop Rewarding Failed Leadership."... Read more →

Monday’s LeaderTip: Leeway and Consequences

Leaders have a responsibility to hold themselves and others accountable. In doing that, some tend to cut too much slack hoping more chances / more time will help the person find their way. Others are too quick to pull the trigger, too critical, and barely give people a chance before applying consequences. Operating close to either of these extremes offers... Read more →

Self-aware Leadership Watch: What kind of Board Member are you willing to be?

When signing up for board work--whether paid or volunteer—it helps everyone if you are clear with yourself about how much you’re willing to put into the engagement. Beyond that, you do yourself and others a favor by sharing this with your fellow board members right up front. Know your type . . . Granted there are many levels of participation,... Read more →

Monday’s LeaderTip: Worry

We all worry at times, and leaders are no exception. Worrying is little more than trading your peace of mind for self-inflicted negativity about the future. It’s needless, and the cost of that trade-off is simply too high. Take a hard look at what you’re worried about today, identify your underlying fear, then let the feeling pass through you like... Read more →

McCain and Obama: Accountability First, Then I Might Buy "Change"

Senators McCain and Obama are now each saying they are the "change" candidate. "Hitch your wagon to me," they tell us," and change will come!" They are also tooting their own horns and touting their various past accomplishments. What, no screw ups? As a leadership development professional, I say it's high time both dudes-in-waiting show personal accountability for the not-so-pretty... Read more →