Character is the most important ingredient of leadership. I often use the analogy of a structure in describing leadership where character is the foundation. Without a strong foundation of character our leadership can be weak. We often describe...
Read more“Crucial Conversations” by Patterson, Grenny, McMillan, and Switzer
If you work or live with or near other people you probably have occasions when crucial conversations need to take place. A crucial conversation is defined as a discussion between two or more people where stakes are high, opinions vary, and...
Read moreCharacter Beats IQ 53-5 in Thrilling Leadership Bowl
OK, it is the middle of November and as the college football season moves towards the playoffs it gets more interesting, so I couldn’t resist the playful title. But there is a real point to this article. It is that leadership is more dependent...
Read moreMiddling Leaders Give Answers, Good Leaders Ask Questions
When someone on our team brings us as leader a question, often the best response is “What do you think?” Some people think that asking questions shows weakness. Some leaders do not have the ability to say “I don’t know.” Or they might think that...
Read moreThe Purpose of Business Strategy
The purpose of business strategy is to define how the organization should allocate resources in order to meet its goals and objectives and move toward its vision. Business strategy describes where and how the organization competes. This strategy...
Read moreTactics and Action Plan
The tactics and action plan describe the activities of the organization to implement the business strategy and achieve the strategic objectives. The action plan is the final piece of a strategic management system that translates mission and...
Read moreTransparency and Trust
Transparency and trust are inextricably linked in leadership – transparency on the part of the leader to warrant trust from the constituent. Trustworthiness is a critical character trait for those that want to lead. People only accept the...
Read moreDealing with Discouragement
The natural response when we encounter someone that is facing discouragement is often to double down. It is a human tendency to back away from negative emotions. When we interact with discouragement, there are two common responses: the...
Read more12 Practical Descriptors for Business Strategy
Business strategy is the linchpin between vision and action plans. With a good statement of strategy organizations are on the fast track to success. Without a good statement of strategy organizations can feel like they’re wandering in the...
Read moreInvitation to a Taste of TLP
Effective leadership is built upon competency and character. The Townsend Leadership Program (TLP) has been proven successful as a cohort leadership program that results in both personal and leadership growth. Ken Vaughan, through New Horizon...
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