Posts Tagged "authentic"
The Politics of Capitulation
This article was originally published at AlterNet Capitulate: to surrender unconditionally or on stipulated terms; to give up resistance. When it comes to surrender, just the thought of it is chilling to a political leader on the campaign trail. Campaigns are the closest thing to war most operatives and candidates will ever experience and for the majority, they approach it with the same gusto as if their lives were on-the-line—which is essentially true in their world, as success portends a future in the limelight and failure means ending up with a briefcase full of unrealized dreams and little else. So capitulating on any issue is fraught...
Read MoreLeadership Can’t Happen Until YOU Know Who You Are
Would you recognize your authentic self if you saw him or her? How would you know it is the real you? What is an “authentic self” and why in the world does it matter to your ability to lead? One of the greatest weaknesses, and almost without question at the root of all inglorious downfalls of well-known leaders, is the discomfort they have with who they truly are. Each person is born with a beautifully unique set of talents, skills and abilities and in our early childhood we bring them into the world unfettered. Yet early in our childhood we begin receiving messages, primarily from our caregivers, that reflect back what they think and feel about who we are. ...
Read MoreWeekend Wondering – A Leading Holiday Season
The holidays often bring up the difficult juxtaposition of fantasy meeting reality. From childhood, we dreamed of special days filled with good food, fun times, and wonderful gifts. Often the reality of stressed out adults, parading by relatives rarely seen and toys not quite what we imagined pierced our visions and sent us spiraling into abyss of harsh reality. Before the holiday season gets into full swing, take a few quiet moments to reflect on your dreams for the upcoming festivities. Are you thoughts based in unrealistic childhood fantasy? Have you become an adult Scrooge defending against disappointment by remaining jaded? Are you basing your success during the...
Read MoreWeekend Wondering – Thanksgiving, Families and Leadership
With Thanksgiving around the corner, this weekend is our last before the Holiday Season kicks into high gear. How are you feeling about the Holidays? If you are like most people, a host of emotions trailing back to childhood color our experience of the annual festivities. Thanksgiving has become the time when we gather with family and friends and toast the success of brave pilgrims weathering the challenges of a new world. That is until the food orgy, football games and familial disputes run us into the biggest shopping day of the year. One way to freshen our traditional feelings of thanks this year is to look at yourself and your leadership in a new light. Living the...
Read MoreTen Ways of (Re)Defining Leadership
by: Kathleen Schafer, Founder of Leadership Connection The first question most people ask when they meet someone new is “What do you do?” I sometimes have difficulty answering this basic question. While I am clear about my work, the language I use to describe it doesn’t always communicate its true nature. In large part when we think of leadership, most people still hold images of men wearing pin-striped suits, authoritarian behavior and/or the rare individual who manages to move beyond talk to truly create an impact on the world. In practicing the art and science of leadership development for the past 20 years, I suggest the way to create leaders who...
Read MoreIf We Want Quality Leaders, We Need to Focus on Quality Candidates
Share By: Kathleen Schafer, Founding Principal-Leadership Connection Today is the last day of primaries before November’s general election. In every story I have watched, heard or read about these races and for all the other primary days, the focus is on the supposed “quantifiable”… Who is ahead in the polls? What will a victory for a republican or democrat mean for majorities in the House or Senate? What does the outcome say about Obama and his chances for re-election in 2012? What does this race say about the Tea Party and its chances for future success? Is it any wonder we have elected officials whose primary focus is re-election when the only...
Read MoreMaking the Leadership Choice
By: Chris W. Bell, Director of Interactive Learning-Leadership Connection Many times when I am speaking with others about Leadership Connection, people ask me if leadership ability can be developed. My answer is always an emphatic YES!. Most people doubt they can develop their own leadership ability because they hold some false ideas about leadership. As you learn a proper perspective on leadership, you will see the concrete steps you can take to become a better leader. Leadership itself is the choice to bring all of yourself to a given situation and to be open to and to solicit the best parts of those around you. Inside Leadership Connection, we talk about the concept...
Read MoreWhat makes Leadership Connection unique?
Share By: Kathleen Schafer, Founding Principle-Leadership Connection “Do one thing everyday that scares you.” -Eleanor Roosevelt Being engaged in the study and teaching of leadership for the past 20 years, I have seen a great transition as more and more consultants have entered the field. Once the provence of corporate executives, leadership has become ubiquitous as thousands now offer services designed to help people become more effective in their life. With this flooding of the industry, comes the inevitable question . . . What makes Leadership Connection unique? This blog is part of that answer. At Leadership Connection, we subscribe to simplicity . . . we...
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