Archive for January, 2009
Abraham Lincoln and Barack Obama: Under the Influence of Women
Good news. According to Barack Obama one of the most important books in his oval office will be Team of Rivals, Doris Kearns Goodwin’s biography of Abraham Lincoln. We are in dire need of a transformational leader like Lincoln who will guide us to a renewed sense of our national character. Only then can we restore the country’s status on the world ... Read more »
Those Aren't Dirty Clothes – They're "Tweener Duds"
Dear Son (or Daughter):
I am so deeply sorry that I have not understood you all these years. Please forgive me. I saw the light when thinking about the following request in the Atlantic Monthly “Word Fugitive” column:
“I’m looking for a word for the items of clothing which sit perched in my bedroom, waiting to be reworn. They are not yet ready ... Read more »
The New Executive: Protecting Against Failure
Forty percent of executives in new roles fail or exit between six months and one year. (Elbin, Scott. The Next Level: What Insiders Know About Executive Success) At six years the retention rate is a slim 40%. The cost to the company is at least $500,000. Major reasons for failure include:
- Inadequate relationship building
- Not understanding the culture
- Lack of clarity about explicit ... Read more »
Leadership Lessons from Abraham Lincoln & Barack Obama: What Their Mother's Taught Them
Good news. According to Barack Obama one of the most important books in his oval office will be Team of Rivals, Doris Kearns Goodwin’s biography of Abraham Lincoln. We are in dire need of a transformational leader like Lincoln who will guide us to a renewed sense of our national character. Only then can we restore the country’s status on ... Read more »
Thank you and Goodbye to George W. Bush
Thank you George W., our now past president, as wells as Messieurs Cheney, Rumsfeld, Rove and Mademoiselle Condi for ensuring the election of Barack Obama. Had your presidential terms been a little less bad, we may not have welcomed with such celebration the inauguration of our 44th President and the first African American to hold this office. We pay homage to all of you for ... Read more »
Less Ego + Shared Mission = Great Teams
Your company’s leadership team is featured in the Wall Street Journal. As you review the published article for the first time you imagine how proud each person will feel as they read,
They have derailed the competition by building an entirely new kind of organization. This isn’t just a newer model it is a better one ... Read more »