Recovering Leader

Health Reform's Latest Lesson in Dubious Leadership

Voting with Republicans to reject the so-called Public Option health insurance plan yesterday, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Montana) revealed a fundamental flaw of leadership when he was quoted as saying, "I want a bill that can become law." This puts pragmatism ahead of necessity, rather than balancing the two, which leaders must do. Yet the stakes are SO... Read more →

Monday LeaderTip: Failure's Opportunity

Failure is a great start. This may seem ridiculous to someone in the throes of a professional defeat, particularly if they’re used to succeeding. Yet at the heart of a loss is an opportunity, one that a leader doesn’t hesitate to seize. While it’s easy to get caught up in negativity, don’t dwell on what others may think of your... Read more →

Monday LeaderTip: Realigning Your Role

Over time, a leader develops into their role, and the role adapts to the leader. Evolution, then, plays a larger part of shaping one’s job than any of our best-laid plans. This practically guarantees a discrepancy between your desired role, and how you spend the majority of your time today. Make it a practice to look at the gaps between... Read more →

Unleash Your People’s Best: Stop Telling Them What to Do

During the course of our coaching work, one Chief Operating Officer client told me: “I need to tell them what to do and how to do it, or the ball will stop rolling.” Guess what? She’s exhausted, hasn’t taken a vacation in documentable history, and her people are frustrated. “Why doesn’t she just do my job for me? She’s practically... Read more →

Monday LeaderTip: Making Amends

When it's time to apologize, a simple "I'm sorry" falls short of leadership. Why not show them how it's done? Explain the lesson(s) you learned, along with better / stronger / different action you will take in the future. People will respond to your transparency with more trust, and less time trying to cover their own butts. Greater effectiveness, teamwork,... Read more →

How About a 12-Step Approach to Health Care Reform?

Given the drunken brawl that is the American conversation on health care reform, it's high time we "...place principles before personalities!" as is said in 12-step circles. Today, I'm sticking closer than usual to the context of my blog--applying principles of recovery to leadership. Why? Particularly after this week of insanity, I hope you’ll agree that something new is needed... Read more →