Monthly Archives: January 2014

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Every Man For Himself?

Did you notice the title of this post had a question mark at the end of it? The title is asking a question.

Should it be every man for himself in leadership? Should a leader be out for himself? Should the team be out for their own good?

I think you know the answer.

Things get ugly when we're out for ourselves

Image by Pablo Piedra

The answer to the question is of course not. This would reek havoc in an organization.

No one would be concerned how their actions are affecting the bottom line. Or how the company is perceived.

They’d only be worried about their own needs.

Things get ugly when we’re out for our own.

And, yet, how often do we see this type of mindset within companies?

It’s a mindset that’s permeated workplace cultures. And leaders have been guilty of pushing their team members towards it.  Read more...

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25 Leadership Quotes From Martin Luther King Jr.

Today is the day set aside to honor the late Martin Luther King Jr. He’s the man who helped propel the civil rights movement forward.

According to Wikipedia, he was an American pastor, activist, humanitarian, and leader in the African-American Civil Rights Movement. Like many of you, he had lots of titles and roles. He juggled his responsibilities the best he could and left a huge impact on the world, decades after his assassination.

With today being Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I’d like to share with you 25 memorable leadership quotes he’s been credited as saying. Afterwards, I’d love for you to share the post and also a quote of his that you find inspiring.

1. Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. (Click to tweet)  Read more...

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Leadership Is More Than A Business Card

Recently I stepped aside from a leadership post, while still choosing to remain with the organization. This was a process we were engaged in for nearly two years.

Immediately, as the news spread, I was bombarded with questions of ,”What will you do now?”

The implication behind the question said I needed a title or a business card in order to have influence.

I have observed this dilemma in my organization for years. Leaders struggle to let go of their titles for fear they won’t have a platform. Some even invent titles to maintain financial support and influence.

I serve in the non-profit realm. I do realize there are times corporate titles open doors. The type of leadership I am referring to is one of influence. We all know people who have titles, but do not have the respect. Their directives evoke more eye rolling than response.  Read more...

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I’ve Been Using Social Media Wrong. Have you?

I don’t know about you but I don’t claim to be a social media expert. Far from it.

There’s plenty of things I’ve done wrong with social media. You may be doing them too.

I want to be honest today. I’ve been using social media wrong. I’m sorry. I want to change and I want to help you avoid the social media mistakes I’ve made.

Even Twitter fails at social media

Image via Manoel Lemos

Social media is a new beast in the internet world. Sure, it’s a couple of years old but it’s still finding it’s foothold and it’s purpose.

Sites like Xanga and MySpace have come and gone and evolved.

So has Facebook, Twitter, and (the new kid) Google+.

And everyone is trying to figure out how to use social media to the best of their ability.  Read more...