Recovering Leader

Excellence in Leadership Means Being Savvy in Four Systems

Achieving, Relating, Culture, and Influencing: these four “systems” silently but surely surround us in any organization. Understanding each of them is key to maximizing your own contributions as a leader. I share this because most of the feedback I hear on the up-front interviews I do about executive clients falls into one or more of these areas. If I did... Read more →

New: The Recovering Leader Congressional Pledge

Most Congressional Republicans have signed an anti-tax pledge. It's time for a new, constructive pledge—one that puts leadership into politics. Here's the idea... Since 1986 Americans for Tax Reform has “invited” U.S. congress people to sign a pledge they will oppose any and all tax increases for individuals and/or businesses. They will "publicize" those who decide not to sign it,... Read more →

Reinvention and Fighting the Status Quo Fetish

Like those with power in war, politics, religion, and even charities and greater-good enterprises, business leaders share the strong human need to preserve things as they are … to tinker rather than transform. Building modestly on what is, jiggering with it, making small corrections—preserving the status quo no matter what, either deliberately or non-consciously, is the object of our desire.... Read more →

Doing 'Chief Talent Officer' Right

Even as job growth remains sluggish, a refreshing trend among progressive organizations is emerging: treating and investing in your people--your talent--more as assets than expenses. What a concept! Previously I’ve posted my views on the importance of the mindset of that, and today I thought it worthwhile to focus on how to turn that mindset into action. Many are noting... Read more →

Leadership and Getting Real

It's been said, "No plan ever survives its first contact with reality." Achieving a vision or dream requires a leader to be realistic about plans, expectations, resources, people, and circumstances; pilots call it “situational awareness.” You need a clear, open mind, and a sharp focus. It also means standards and milestones to chart your course—and reasonable expectations about progress. When... Read more →

Six Simple Steps to Ensure Your Best

What does it take for you to be doing your best most days? How do happy, effective leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, workers, and athletes manage to bring their A-game the majority of the time? It’s simple: either deliberately or not, they have an index—one that acts as a compass to align / realign them to their best. Before I explain that,... Read more →