Recovering Leader

McCain versus Obama: Casting Your Vote Wide Awake

What is the true nature of the choice on the ballot before us? In these crazy final days before the presidential election, the campaigns are furiously trying to put it in stark contrast. They are piling on false comparisons: "It’s about hope versus fear," "experience versus danger," "ready for office versus learn as he goes," "more of the same versus... Read more →

Monday LeaderTip: Leadership in Uncertain Times

Leaders who view uncertain times as full of opportunities tend to position their organizations ahead of the pack. Significant time and effort are wasted by those who buy into conventional worries and popular fears. Asking "What are the new possibilities presented by this situation?" allows for discovery and innovation, even in the face of stiff headwinds. In fact, the more... Read more →

Election 2008: Coaching Tips for Mud-Weary Voters

Admit it: with 26 months of scalpel-sharp talking points and weasel-worded promises, the campaigns have worn you down. Given the prolonged tsunami of campaign mud ("Socialist! Terrorist! More of the same!"), and pandering ("We’ll do healthcare for all, lower taxes, fix the economy, and end the wars at the same time!"), it's no wonder the polling numbers are so close,... Read more →

Monday LeaderTip: Words versus Actions

Leaders must be able to depend on their people—especially the commitments they make. Yet when there's a pattern of delay, intervention is required. Looking at their behavior, as opposed to relying on what they've told you, is a great starting point. Share your observations about the disconnect between what they are saying and doing. Then give the person permission to... Read more →

Monday LeaderTip: Unconventional Wisdom

When facing a tsunami of difficulties, leaders steer clear of the "conventional wisdom." Albert Einstein said: "You cannot solve a problem from the same consciousness that created it." While human nature is to dig in and wait out the storm, leadership requires actively embracing the unusual. That means clearing your head of your own core notions / assumptions, enlisting the... Read more →

OpEd Published Today: "Financial Firms Need Nutrition Labels"

Thanks to the Christian Science Monitor Editorial Team for publishing my OpEd piece (online today, print tomorrow) entitled: Financial Firms Need Nutrition Labels. Click here to view the article -David Peck Read more →

Last Night's Presidential Debate: Leadership Lacking

As I watched the stilted Presidential non-town-hall town hall debate last night, I saw a number of opportunities for great leadership to happen, yet safe answers and swiping at each other ruled the evening. Brokaw: “Are you saying to Mr. Clark (ph) and to the other members of the American television audience that the American economy is going to get... Read more →

Monday LeaderTip: Participating and Observing Simultaneously

When participating in key conversations, try to spend part of your attention observing. No matter how engaged you may be, send a small piece of your focus above the scene to take in the discussion, as if from a birds-eye view. This enables you to notice and correct your own issues, see things from more sides, determine what’s truly needed... Read more →