Archive of Pascoe's Potshots
LEADERSHIP: THE ROLE OF THE CHAIRMAN
published: 2010-03-08
Boards get a lot of flack and it's not surprising. They're the shareholders' representatives. And, in corporate crashes (think Enron or Royal Bank of Scotland), boards are often judged as having been inadequate or worse. But the issue is broader. Even boards of successful companies (and not-for-profits) are frequently seen as not adding sufficient value. So, what's the problem? From personal experience of doing governance reviews, I believe it's more about board leadership and hence operational effectiveness; less about the issues of individual or group honesty and independence, which tend to attract the headlines and legislation.LEADERSHIP: BREAK THE HABIT
published: 2010-03-01
A recent article in The Economist ("The three habits ... of highly irritating management gurus"*) focuses on generalisations that gurus pass off as wisdom. The article makes plain that many of their "new" ideas are old; and, most of their case examples lack merit. For me, though, the absurdity is expecting you to replace your own default behaviours with theirs. Why swap one set of habits for another, when leadership should be about problem-solving: working out what to do in a specific situation that brings together a particular group of people and a particular set of business challenges. It's about something new; not what worked elsewhere or for someone in a different situation. It's certainly never about a single approach. So, are you a guru-child or your own leader?LEADERSHIP: YOUR KEY TO ORGANISATIONAL AGILITY
published: 2010-02-22
What would you give to achieve higher revenues, more satisfied customers and employees, improved operational efficiency and a faster time to market? That's what Donald Sull of McKinsey & Company offers if you achieve organisational agility. He defines it as identifying and capturing opportunities more quickly than your rivals. He quotes the heightened volatility of recent decades - and the acceleration during the GFC. But, what does this mean for you as a leader? Here are some thoughts.LEADERSHIP: TRUST ME, TRUST ME NOT
published: 2010-02-15
In his first year as Prime Minister of Australia, Kevin Rudd enjoyed unusually high poll ratings. He represented a change of both priorities and approach that many voters welcomed. That was 2007. But now in 2010, a survey of five capital-city talk-back hosts* gives us the following quotes. He "talks about taking tough decisions, but I don't think our audience necessarily buys that he's made any tough decisions." "They see his language as contrived, his personality as plastic and they don't think he's got a sense of humour." They "can't understand what he's on about." Assuming you're past the honeymoon phase of your current leadership role, what are people saying about you? What do they want you to do differently? Here are six actions I've read that journalists or other commentators have suggested for Kevin Rudd in recent months.LEADERSHIP: DEMONSTRATE SUCCESS NOT HUMILITY
published: 2010-02-08
When someone commented to Winston Churchill that Clement Atlee was a modest man, he famously replied that Atlee had "much to be modest about." I suspect Churchill (in contrast to gurus like Jim Collins) would find the current fashion for bland CEOs unacceptable. Collins says the best are "humble, self-effacing, diligent and resolute souls." Diligent and resolute sound good to me and my four decades of business involvement say they're needed characteristics. But, humble and self-effacing contradict my experience. Some CEOs cultivate quietness and consultation but that's not the same as being humble or self-effacing. So, what kind of CEO are you; and, is it working? Here are some things to ponder.LEADERSHIP: FOR GOODNESS SAKE MOVE ON
published: 2010-02-01
As John Maynard Keynes so aptly put it "The difficulty lies not so much in developing new ideas as in escaping from old ones." An example is how old technology always colonises the new. Initially, TV news was just talking-heads - radio newsreaders filmed reading the news. Until, of course, producers realised the new medium allowed them to cut away to the accident, political leader or fashion show being described. Today, many businesses struggle to reinvent themselves online and exploit its new and hugely different potential. Is the same true of your leadership? Are you stuck in old approaches - even some perhaps, which may never have worked all that well for you? Here are six things to check.LEADERSHIP: POWER AND PURPOSE
published: 2010-01-28
US decline and China's inexorable rise are much talked of. But, in a recent article, Josef Joffe* concludes his rebuttal thus. "Gainsayers will still dramatise China's growth rates as a harbinger of a grand power shift. But as the 21st century unfolds, the US will be younger and more dynamic than its competitors." Whether right or wrong, it's an important issue. And, his arguments have resonance for the durability of leaders, as well as nations. He stresses the requirement for "requisite power and purpose." If asked, would your colleagues say you still have these?LEADERSHIP: DITHERING IS DANGEROUS
published: 2009-11-30
Barack Obama is doing it tough. Few US presidents have faced so many parallel challenges. At home, the GFC has continuing work-out issues and healthcare remains unresolved. Offshore, there's Afghanistan, Copenhagen, Iran, China, Russia and Israel - and they're just the big ones. Sadly, there's rising concern about his capacity to decide and act with courage on a number of these. This is not just from rabid Republicans but also fair-minded commentators at home and abroad. While you and I face tiny leadership challenges by comparison, how would people say you're doing? Here are some thoughts to guide your thinking - and actions!LEADERSHIP: WHEN GOOD-TO-GREAT IS ONLY LUCK
published: 2009-11-23
Business gurus and their books are full of magic formulae for achieving business and career success. It's alluring: we all want to succeed. And, they often clothe their advice in research across hundreds of companies or thousands of leaders. Very impressive on the surface. But, at bottom, it's all just another medieval philosopher's stone - promising to transmute stodgy lead into winner's gold. Lovely words but not for real. And, all too often, later review will indicate this "great" company has now slipped back, and that exemplary leader has fallen from grace - or, worse, is doing time. But is there something we can learn here?LEADERSHIP: THE POWER-DRESSING PARALLEL
published: 2009-11-16
Before I meddle with your mind, let me meddle with your wardrobe. What are you wearing today? And, why? When dressing this morning, you probably had a choice in your closet: suits, casual stuff, even beach wear. And, you made a selection. Perhaps you thought: where am I going; and, how do I want to come across? Appropriate dressing isn't a default action of grabbing the first thing you see. And, effective leadership is similar. Conscious choosing; not what worked in a different situation; or, what your boss used to do. But what's right for leading your current people in their current situation. So, why's that so difficult?LEADERSHIP: BRIDGING FROM TRAINING TO TRACTION
published: 2009-11-09
I remember my first skiing lesson. A cold sunny morning, in a shallow bowl, above the then tiny village of Obertauern in Austria. A German friend was showing me the basics: standing up, snow-ploughing, turning and so on. I felt safe and we had the place to ourselves. But, I remember even more vividly my first attempt to get down the mountain. The learning didn't seem to work. I had the theory but no plan for the reality of steeper slopes. And, for the next week, I made a fool of myself - with much time spent face down in the snow. Sadly, it's often like that with leadership: what you take from the training sessions doesn't translate quickly enough to the steep slopes of day to day leadership. So, what can you do?LEADERSHIP: BE SPECIFIC AND PRACTICAL
published: 2009-11-02
Twenty years ago, which was also twenty years into our marriage, my wife and I nearly separated. But with professional help, we reviewed what we each wanted and how this could be achieved. We set goals and negotiated actions. What saved us was specifics, not general principles. In most areas of life, the principles are pretty obvious. However, the specifics are what's tough and personally challenging. And, that's particularly true of leadership, which is perhaps a strange sort of legalised polygamy. A relationship between a leader and his or her followers. So, like many marriages, it may need some help - and here are some thoughts.LEADERSHIP: 7 HABITS OF HIGHLY INEFFECTIVE MANAGERS
published: 2009-10-26
I'm no techo, nor a digital native. But Langdon, V|E|C|T|O|R's technology manager, tries to educate me. And, recently forwarded an article by Nari Kannan from www.it.toolbox.com* - and, I've borrowed its title for this Potshot. It's a play on a famous book title and the seven negative habits he lists are all too common - and, not just in IT. So, why not check below and rate yourself - and see what options you have to overcome such habits!LEADERSHIP: ARE YOU AMATEUR OR PROFESSIONAL?
published: 2009-10-19
Heading for work recently, I ran into a neighbour I don't see very often. He was leaving for his Wednesday, early-morning game of golf. I noted his smart, all-weather jacket and his bag of high-quality clubs. Clearly a serious player, I thought. But, from our brief conversation, I soon learnt that though he'd played for years, he was still a hacker. Sadly, many of us are like that with our leadership. We do it every day and we've been at it for years. But we make little improvement. We're paid (and are therefore professionals) but we lead unthinkingly, like total amateurs. So, what do serious golfers and leaders do? And, could you do the same?LEADERSHIP: BEING UPBEAT IS A CHOICE
published: 2009-10-12
"Today, it's all about confidence" is a comment I heard this week from a friend, who runs an industry association. And, he's right. More than ever, leadership is about having the courage to drive for success. Market signals are ambiguous. So, people's conclusions are driven by personal bias. Bears are super-bearish, and seeking a cave for the economic winter. While optimists see early signs of growth and are leading their cattle out to the new pasture. So, how would your team label you: an optimist or a pessimist? Are you seeking a cave or stepping out? And, if it's a question of attitude, what can you do?LEADERSHIP: NOT ANOTHER ASSESSMENT TOOL
published: 2009-10-05
A CEO recently showed me a tool she's considering - to help lift her own and her team's leadership effectiveness. She asked what my criteria would be for choosing such a tool. I highlighted the five listed below. How do tools you've used measure up?LEADERSHIP: BEWARE SELF-DELUSION
published: 2009-09-28
Half a dozen times in the last 20 years, I've worked with a CEO, who'd completely lost touch with reality. In discussing strategy, they believed themselves as informed and proficient as they'd been in their prime. Whether talking about customers, markets, technology or staffing, they knew it all - and, worse, felt no-one was ready to succeed them. But, in each case, their colleagues (particularly their immediate team) saw the fading powers - and the growing self-delusion. So, how would your team rate you on objectivity versus conceit? Are you honest about your strengths and weaknesses - and your use-by date? Here are six check-points.LEADERSHIP: FOR BOTH NOW AND LATER
published: 2009-09-21
Bad times are tough for everyone. Fewer sales, lower margins, cancelled contracts - and, yes, lay-offs. We're each under pressure - trying to find new customers, offer extra service, get bills paid, cut costs. In sum, improving our effectiveness (in achieving goals) and our efficiency (in delivering them). Doing more and doing it better - but with less! This is true whether we're an engineer, front-line salesperson or work in the canteen. But, it's doubly true for leaders. You have to inspire and motivate people more than ever. You've got to be a leader for today and tomorrow - not yesterday. Which are you? Here's how you can find out.LEADERSHIP: DON'T WAIT FOR THE MUSIC TO STOP
published: 2009-09-14
How's this? Eighty percent of CEOs expect big changes in their companies' strategies and operations this year! In a calamitous downturn (trashing markets and businesses), people expect organisational change. Well, I'd be concerned if they didn't! The same report also worries about succession. Two thirds of candidates won't be ready for 12 or more months. But, one third being ready seems OK to me. Surely, the real issue is raising performance of all leaders - NOW and in their current jobs. Not playing musical chairs! So, what's your plan - other than waiting for the music to stop? Here are some thoughts.LEADERSHIP: THE LOWEST-HANGING FRUIT
published: 2009-09-07
To the question "Why aren't things going to plan?", a cynic commented "Because there ain't no plan." And, from time to time, this afflicts all aspects of business. The well-conceived launch is modified so often it ends up having no real plan. The technical upgrade is derailed by a system failure and morphs into a series of ad-hoc adjustments. The long-planned acquisition becomes overrun by legal and ego battles, and key conditions get forgotten. The results: time and cost overruns; and, crashed performance. But, for leadership, most people don't even start with a plan - of actions to ensure people will want to deliver a successful project. And, that's why leadership is the lowest-hanging fruit of performance improvement. And, it's also high-energy fruit, affecting all business functions.LEADERSHIP: NO MORE ABSTRACTIONS, PLEASE
published: 2009-08-24
Politicians talk in abstractions - about future growth, long-term sustainability, equal access and so on. And, voters love it. Why? Because we each interpret their generalities to suit our own needs and desires. For me, "growth" may mean a job; for you, more infrastructure; and, for the government, a higher tax base. Sustainability and access: well, they mean a million things to a million people. This may work well on the campaign trail. But not day-to-day in business. Your people need to know exactly what you have in mind: not only for the division but also for them. So, how clear are you? What would your team say? I personally must own up to being too abstract in a recent Potshot. Let me explain.LEADERSHIP: BEING THE BEST
published: 2009-08-17
They say history's written by the victors. But, in business, the victors also win the customers, gain market share and make the best profits. Sounds good to me.
LEADERSHIP: STOP THE HUMAN SACRIFICES
published: 2009-08-10
As a king, commander or leader in Ancient Greece, you'd sacrifice an animal before a major journey, battle or personal undertaking. And, perhaps visit the priests and oracle at Delphi. But today, decision-making is mostly more rigorous and analytical. Planning replaces hoping. But, not in leadership. Many leaders still base their actions on oracular generalisations from gurus - or acolyte consultants. And this involves human sacrifice. Their team members may not be dead physically, but they are organisationally: frustrated, unmotivated and unfulfilled. Sound familiar - for you as a follower or as a leader? So, who are the sacrificial lambs in your organisation? And, what can be done?LEADERSHIP: THERE'RE ALWAYS CONSEQUENCES
published: 2009-08-03
Come year end, how will you judge your own performance? And, that of your team members? Does everyone have clear and measurable goals? More importantly, are they taken seriously? And, if I fall short, are there real consequences?
LEADERSHIP: HOW MUCH DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE?
published: 2009-07-27
We often speak of some part of our organisation running "like a well-oiled machine". But, we all know business lacks that precise and reliable machine-like character. It's organic, changeable and often unstable. Unlike an engine, it's not bolted to a chassis or floor. It floats in a larger organic pool of economic, competitive and regulatory influences. No wonder, therefore, people find it hard to measure (and justify) leadership investment. But, if you've found some good metrics or trustworthy business-performance stats., please let me know (timothy@vectorleadership.com). In the meantime, here are some arguments to consider.LEADERSHIP: IT STARTS WITH LEADING YOURSELF
published: 2009-07-20
It's a wry statement but true: every overnight success is preceded by ten years of slog. A serial entrepreneur said this to me recently. He was talking about his current business venture that's struggling to get traction. But, the same statement also applies to leadership. Getting to the top is a testament to discipline and courage. At each stage, the discipline to make a plan. And, the courage to implement it. Do you have that? And, know what it means today?LEADERSHIP: FOR SURVIVAL AND BEYOND
published: 2009-07-13
Apart from the paramedics, surgeons and undertakers of the business world, the rest of us are struggling. Only bankruptcy specialists and their like are thriving. Sadly, I'm not one of them. So, I keep fighting; but, I also focus on life beyond the slump. Why? Because we can all learn something from people who've survived gulags and similar camps. The secret is not strength or youth, but vision of a different and better future. So, would your staff say you think beyond surviving the current quarter? And, even if they're impressed with your "fire-fighting", do they sense you're leading them somewhere worth going in the future? From recent discussions, here are some pointers I've heard for leaders to consider.LEADERSHIP: LESSONS FROM TIANANMEN SQUARE
published: 2009-07-06
Most of us would rate the Chinese Communist Party as both tough and inflexible. And, we'd be right about tough. But, wrong about inflexible. Reflecting on the twentieth anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre, here are some quotes from the May 30th edition of The Economist. "After the massacre, the Communist Party set about transforming itself." And, today, "the outcome is a wholesale reinvention." If colleagues reviewed your leadership over the last two decades, would they report "wholesale reinvention"? Or, more of the same? And, if the Chinese Communist Party can change so radically, what can you learn from it?LEADERSHIP: HOW SERIOUS ARE YOU?
published: 2009-06-29
In the years before his conversion to Christianity, St Augustine of Hippo is quoted as having prayed: please make me virtuous but not yet. Similarly, many of us want to be better leaders but won't invest the effort and energy necessary to shift how we operate. So, let's check other areas in which we've all changed in recent years - and contrast these with how (if at all) we've upgraded how we lead those we rely on for the success of our projects.LEADERSHIP: ARE THEY RIOTING IN THE STREETS?
published: 2009-06-22
Social networking sites and TV screens have been alight and aTwitter in recent times with voters rampaging through Teheran, Shiraz and Isfahan. These historic cities have been host to massive leadership disaffection and revolt against an apparently rigged appointment. Such disturbances have few parallels in business life. But, many appointments cause concern; and, often leaders lack full support. If we polled your team, how would you rate? What are early warning signs you should watch for?LEADERSHIP: OF MID-LEVEL AND FRONT-LINE TEAMS
published: 2009-06-15
Team leaders split their time between "leading" and "doing". But daily pressures (particularly now) drag leaders towards the latter: getting things delivered, resolving technical challenges, responding to HO demands, and keeping the admin. flowing. Too often, they stop leading; and, become managers at best or merely operatives at worst. Sounds familiar?LEADERSHIP: LOVE IN A COLD CLIMATE
published: 2009-06-08
Nancy Mitford's novel ("Love in a Cold Climate" - dealing with British high society after the Second World War) is not serious reading. But its title is apt for one of today's most serious leadership issues: making staff feel valued and cared for. So, what have you been doing? If asked, would your people report feeling important to the future of your business? Would they say you care about their well-being and challenges - at work and in their personal lives?LEADERSHIP: MULTI-TASKING THROUGH THE DOWNTURN
published: 2009-06-01
Hands up anyone who wants to be a business leader today! No-one? I'm not surprised. If you run a big organisation (particularly in financial services), you're clearly a crook. If it's a small business, the banks won't roll your loans. And in between, you're still a dirty capitalist; and, surrounded by staff fearful for their jobs; and, with customers who've probably already opened the window and jumped. So, what's your leadership strategy going to be?LEADERSHIP: INNOVATE - BUT CAREFULLY
published: 2009-05-25
Check out these quotes! "Your planning process is superb." It's "excellent ... a very simple but very effective management tool." And, the resource material is "the best stuff I've seen." Yes, I'm showing off. These three recent comments refer to our online Leadership-Action-Planning tool. And, they're from: the CEO of a web-based business; the local head of a global investment bank; and, the CEO of a specialist insurance business. Sounds good. But, we're still struggling for uptake. So, how's your own (product and process) innovation? In tough times, innovation's key. But, it comes with challenges. So, let's review the lessons.LEADERSHIP: IN DRASTIC ECONOMIC TIMES
published: 2009-05-18
Let's start with two fundamentals. First, what's the only thing a leader must have? Yes, followers! People willing and committed to do what's needed. Second, how are people feeling these days? Happy and assured? Not the ones I know. More like: frightened for their jobs; concerned about mortgages; worried for parents about to retire. So, how do you need to lead, if you want these people to follow?LEADERSHIP: THE ART OF LIBERATING TALENT
published: 2009-05-11
An article in The Economist (October 5, 2006)* highlights the value of "brainpower (both natural and trained) and especially the ability to think creatively." It states that "the value of 'intangible' assets - everything from skilled workers to patents to know-how - has ballooned (since 1980) from 20% of the value of companies in the S&P 500 to 70% today." Also that "the proportion of American workers doing jobs that call for complex skills has grown three times as fast as employment in general."
LEADERSHIP: PROVIDING THE NECESSARY RESOURCES
published: 2009-05-04
Speaking of the Battle of Britain, Winston Churchill immortalised the heroic few, whose bravery saved the lives of many. History is full of similar (but often less upbeat) stories. One that comes to mind is the WWI landing at ANZAC Cove in Turkey, where bungling by Churchill and other leaders left a small contingent of Commonwealth troops outnumbered and under-resourced. Many died in attempting the job they'd been given. In terms of your own leadership (particularly in the current downturn), what would your people say about your provisioning and support - in the context of what you've asked them to do?LEADERSHIP: A QUICK COVER-UP
published: 2009-04-20
Warren Buffett famously quipped that it's not until the tide goes out you find who's been swimming naked. He was referring to financial risk-takers. But, he might as well be talking about leaders. With the tide rising, we all look fine. But with the lake sucked dry, we may be caught. So, as you stand in front of your team today, do they see you clad - or threadbare? Are there holes where it's better to be covered?LEADERSHIP: REBUILDING PROFITS
published: 2009-04-14
Today, businesses and jobs are under threat. Life's tough. People are frightened and distracted. Sound familiar? But what about tomorrow's opportunity? Getting revenue, productivity and profits rising again. What would that take? From my experience, the key is leading your people more effectively. Nothing has greater leverage! It's up to you to stop the depressing and downbeat news from outside eroding workplace commitment and enthusiasm. And, how would your people say you're doing on this? Not well, OK or great?LEADERSHIP: G20, GEE PLENTY
published: 2009-04-08
Committees are often the worst way to get things done. Particularly in nervous times. And, the pre-G20 vibes were net nervous. There was positive energy (particularly from Barack Obama) about working together to restore financial and economic vitality. But, from others, finger-pointing - for example, at bankers and, more generally, those with "blue eyes". And, insistence (from Nicolas Sarkozy) that it would be his solution or none - with a walk-out threatened for good measure. And, as always, cries for legislation and regulation - noisily slamming stable doors after the credits have bolted. Sadly, it's often no different in business. When things go bad, there can be a rush to blaming - and backside covering. Also, pushing personal solutions. So, how have you and your people behaved in the downturn?LEADERSHIP: NEITHER BORN NOR BRED
published: 2009-04-06
What do Kim Jong-il, Margaret Thatcher, Bill Clinton, Carly Fiorina, Dick Fuld, Lakshmi Mittal and Conrad Black have in common. Yes, fame (or infamy). But, not necessarily life stories. For me, the link is their role as potential exemplars in the debate about leadership being either the result of "nature" or of "nurture". "Nature" being about genes, family and early life; "nurture" about job experience and training. So, which is the dominant driver of your leadership approach?LEADERSHIP: AVENGING ANGELS OR GADARENE SWINE
published: 2009-03-30
Dramatic economic downturns inflict pain both widely and deeply. People lose their jobs, homes and self-worth. No wonder they join in seeking scapegoats. Tearing into Bernard (Ponzi) Madoff in America or Fred (the Shred) Goodwin in Europe deflects our own pain. But, as a leader, how much time do you spend reviewing your own responsibility for what you've experienced recently - for your own organisational and systemic failures?LEADERSHIP: WHICH HALF IS WASTED?
published: 2009-03-23
As Sam Wanamaker famously said: I know that half of my advertising dollars are wasted ... I just don't know which half. He might equally be talking about leadership training and development. Checking Amazon, I find they have over three hundred thousand titles under "leadership". And, how many have you read? Or should you? Perhaps two or three! The key test: does this one give me a tool to diagnose what my team needs from me, in their current circumstances and facing their particular challenges. Anything else leaves you reliant on theory or anecdote. As a leader, you practice a craft: customising your leadership actions. Not borrowing, copying or mass-producing! And, the output has to be a personal Leadership Action Plan. So, how would such a tool look? And, what does it need to do?LEADERSHIP: HAS GEITHNER GAGGED?
published: 2009-03-16
The US Treasury Secretary, Timothy Geithner, hasn't asked my advice. But, he looks as though he needs some. He's like a stalled driver on a railway crossing and the runaway financial express is already on top of him. His lack of resolve is worrying both Americans and investors across the world. Obama's land of "hope" and "yes, we can" is at risk of becoming a desert of "nope". Many CFOs (and their CEOs) face similar challenges - albeit smaller. So, how are you going? Perhaps this advice may be of help to you as well!LEADERSHIP: TWILIGHT OF THE GODS
published: 2009-03-09
Richard Wagner's Ring Cycle ends with Valhalla, the lofty abode of the gods, collapsing in flames into the rising tide of the River Rhine below. And the stolen gold, whose theft triggered the gods' downfall, sinks beneath the flood back into the hands of its rightful owners, the Rhine Maidens. It takes 15 hours (and four operas) to tell this story. And, it's all rather reminiscent of the recent boom and bust of the global financial system. Pride, dishonesty and rejection of basic good sense. So, how in our new and darker world of business leadership should we all behave?LEADERSHIP: KEEPING H.R. AT THE TOP TABLE
published: 2009-03-02
Let's start with two anecdotes. First: I was recently talking with a client, with whom I've done business strategy work and who's keen to try our Leadership Action Planning tool for himself and his team. Notwithstanding current conditions, their business is growing and profitable. It's well-run and operates in an online retail space that's gaining market share. But, he's initiated cautionary cost-cutting; and, is wary of starting a leadership program at this time, even though he recognises its merit and its relative cheapness (given it's also online).LEADERSHIP: WHAT'S YOUR PLAN?
published: 2009-02-23
High (often unreasonable) expectations await newly appointed presidents - whether taking the helm of a company or a country. For President Obama, this is multiplied manyfold. His personal story, and the dreams it creates for others, breaks hugely with the past. And, he steps up in the face of challenges of hurricane proportions. How will he go? Sadly, if his current economic and financial initiatives fail, the dreams of many may end almost before they're born. So, let's take stock of your leadership (of your team, project or business): how difficult are things going forward? And, what the hell are you doing about them?LEADERSHIP: A BROADBAND APPROACH
published: 2009-02-16
The Brookings Institution claims the US gains 300,000 jobs for each one percent increase in broadband penetration. And, two European consultancies see 2m new jobs by 2015 from increased broadband access*. That's the good news. But, what about the bad? What's the upside (and downside) of broadband for your leadership - and your job?LEADERSHIP: LIFT YOUR GAME OR LOSE YOUR JOB
published: 2009-02-09
Do the math. Ericsson, Microsoft, UBS and BHP (to mention just four global companies) are each retrenching thousands of workers. Unemployment in New York is rising at the "fastest pace on record". Job losses in Singapore may "triple in 2009". Small businesses are closing in every Main Street. Across the globe, millions of people are losing their jobs. And, for every ten workers, one leadership position disappears as well. So, what are you doing to be sure you're not the next leader without a role?LEADERSHIP: YOUR FISCAL STIMULUS
published: 2009-02-02
Whether you're President Obama or the leader of China, France or any other country, you’re currently struggling to craft or manage a stimulus package that’s both effective and efficient. Effective in creating growth and jobs; efficient in doing so without waste. There’s no point giving money that isn’t spent, gets into the wrong hands or takes years to impact. OK, but what about your personal stimulus package? In these times of retrenchments and cut-throat competition, what are you doing (and investing) to grow as a leader and keep your job?LEADERSHIP: A LESS WOBBLY GELI
published: 2009-01-26
Manfred Kets de Vries, creator of GELI (the Global Executive Leadership Inventory), is a leading leadership thinker. He's teased out the so-called "soft" human aspect of leadership. But, this aspect is actually the "hard" one: more complex; and less trainable. And, that said, I think his GELI could do with more gelatine!LEADERSHIP: AVOID NEW YEAR'S IRRESOLUTION
published: 2009-01-19
Every year's different. But, 2009 looks like being really different. For many, the most challenging year ever. So, let's cut to the chase: as you return to work, which of your stakeholders is most frightened - in relation to their dealings with you and your business? Is it customers, employees, suppliers or, perhaps, your bankers? And, what are you going to do to ensure they don't abandon you?
LEADERSHIP: BUT, I LIKE PEOPLE LIKE ME
published: 2009-01-12
If you were putting together a football team, would you select only people, who play the same position? Probably not. But, that’s what we often do with business teams. No, let's not ask Jenny, she's rather different, and she's not an engineer; and, Fred, he’s only interested in sales. We don’t want anyone who rocks the boat – in other words, with different or confronting views.
LEADERSHIP: THE FRUGAL OPTION
published: 2009-01-04
Carlos Ghosn, global head of Renault Nissan, talks up "frugal engineering". He sees it as key to delivering affordable cars in emerging economies like China and India. But, what does he mean? And, by extension, what would "frugal leadership" be?LEADERSHIP: COACHING AND SELF-COACHING
published: 2009-01-03
Think of your favourite sporting figure! Who's their coach? Call to mind how they watch each play or shot – then gently (often almost invisibly) send a message: to relax, focus, push harder or whatever’s necessary. It's powerful stuff.
LEADERSHIP: OF GENERATIONS X, Y AND Z
published: 2008-12-28
School teachers often teach - and, therefore, have to lead - students of a common age. But, most of us lead teams covering a range of ages. So, why the fixation with the leadership needs of Generation X or Y, or any other letter of the alphabet? An effective leader engages people of all ages - and types. And, I'll bet X and Y are as diverse as any group.LEADERSHIP: RECESSION BUT NO DEPRESSION
published: 2008-12-21
Times are tough - economically, but also psychologically. Calls to a national executive counselling service are up 25% year-on-year, according to a report I read today. And, training and development budgets are getting the chop. We're all under pressure: to maintain business performance, cut costs and hold our jobs. There’s no easy answer, but being smart beats being depressed.LEADERSHIP: LEARNING FROM NET GENERS
published: 2008-12-14
In 1997, Don Tapscott published "Growing up digital" - and coined the name "net generation" for the natives of the online world. Now 11 years on, and after a two-year survey of 8,000 people (born 1978 to 1994) from across 12 countries, he's published "Grown up digital". He concludes that on average Net Geners are smarter, quicker and more tolerant of diversity than the decrepit oldies like the Baby Boomers, let alone the dodos like me, familiarly known as Veterans.LEADERSHIP: SHARP TOOLS FOR HARD TIMES
published: 2008-12-07
What's the leadership equivalent of reaching for your Swiss Army Knife, and selecting the right blade? It's creating a plan, and populating it with appropriate leadership actions. Actions relevant to current challenges, not old ones. Actions that convince people and build commitment. Things that work, giving traction in this tough new environment.LEADERSHIP: AND, THE OBAMA CABINET
published: 2008-11-30
As President-elect, three of Barack Obama's earliest appointments have been: Treasury secretary (Timothy Geithner); Director, National Economic Council (Lawrence Summers); and Director, Council of Economic Advisers (Christina Romer) . Why these roles, and why so quickly?LEADERSHIP: THE V|E|C|T|O|R PROMISE
published: 2008-11-30
V|E|C|T|O|R Leadership® is an online leadership action-planning tool. It helps you do two things: first, diagnose what your colleagues need you to do, if they're going to follow and support you; and second, turn this into a plan. Sounds simple - but it's not often done. The cost: as little as $75 - and you can update your plan, email it and access lots of resource material. It's certainly new, and we believe unique.LEADERSHIP: ARE YOUR CARROTS FRESH AND SWEET?
published: 2008-11-24
As children, we learnt about rewards. We got dessert, if we finished our spinach. We went to the fair, if our rooms were tidy. It's not surprising therefore that as adults, incentives still work for most of us.
LEADERSHIP: YES, SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF
published: 2008-11-17
You won't become famous by being efficient. It’s too mechanical. But leaders are brought down by the opposite. Inefficiency is something your detractors can point to. It annoys – and offends – people. No one likes their time being wasted.
LEADERSHIP: STAY AHEAD
published: 2008-11-10
If you can’t keep up, you're part of the problem not the solution. And, this is true for leaders, as for anyone else. If you don't understand how your business works today – the market trends, new technologies, economic drivers and so on – then, people won't want to follow you. As in a primitive tribe, they’ll leave you to die.
LEADERSHIP: BEST PRACTICE
published: 2008-11-03
Benchmarking and intellectual property are modern buzzwords. No business plan or conference is complete without them. But, as with all jargon, they're more talked of than seriously applied. Why? Because, application is hard work. And, benchmarking leads to comparing my company, division or team with others. And, that's potentially embarrassing. So, let's talk but perhaps not do too much.
LEADERSHIP: BEAT THE BUST
published: 2008-10-28
The Sage of Omaha, Warren Buffett, says the downturn is going to be both deep and long. Global central banks have caught the falling knife of financial collapse. But, there's blood (and shredded reputations) on the floor. And now, the real economy is in for a bad time. Customers are already delaying purchases; banks are loathe to lend - even to good businesses; and, no-one knows what the next fright will be.LEADERSHIP: PROFIT'S NOT A DIRTY WORD
published: 2008-10-27
Without profit, cash dries up, investment stops and the business fails. For CEOs, profitability and its supporting measures, such as cash flow and return on investment, are a constant focus. They’re the business's vital signs: corporate blood count and heart rate. And, particularly important for small businesses with thinner reserves.
LEADERSHIP: THE MIDAS TOUCH
published: 2008-10-20
The legendary King Midas had a special gift. Everything he touched turned to gold. Sounds great, but it wasn’t good for his diet - and he died. However today, having the "Midas touch" means the ability to make money. And, many business leaders have this special skill. They smell what's profitable and what's not.
LEADERSHIP: CUSTOMER PROFILING AND MUCH MORE
published: 2008-10-13
I've got clients I've worked with for decades. This may reflect badly on their judgement. But, for me, it’s a source of great pleasure. I understand them and their organisation; and, how they think; what they value; when to listen and when to talk; and, in some cases, when to shout. This enables me to add greater value.
LEADERSHIP: ACT AS AMBASSADOR
published: 2008-10-06
Nature abhors a vacuum. Particularly, an information blackout. And, if you let one arise, it may quickly fill with "good stories" put about by competitors and enemies.
LEADERSHIP: ALL TOGETHER NOW
published: 2008-09-29
Which do you prefer: an afternoon at the football; or, an evening at the symphony? Either way, you'll see teamwork in action. And, perhaps that's the reason so many highly effective leaders have experience of team sports or other team activities.
LEADERSHIP: WINNING THE WAR FOR TALENT
published: 2008-09-22
I use taxis a lot. On rare occasions, I step in and am immediately struck by the cleanliness and polish, the smooth running engine, and the useful gadgets the owner has added. He or she is normally very polite and clearly proud of their chariot. And, such cabs instead of aging tend to get better with time.
LEADERSHIP: THERE ARE NO TROUBLESOME EMPLOYEES
published: 2008-09-15
In a recent leadership survey, respondents told me their most common problem was dealing with difficult employees. People, who for one reason or another, didn't want to sign-on, cooperate or pull their weight. This is interesting, since the only thing a leader has to have is followers. So, if any are opting out, then I’m not a leader. At least, for them. Hands up if you’ve ever had this problem! I have, and all too often.
LEADERSHIP: WHERE ARE WE GOING? AND, WHY?
published: 2008-09-08
Alexander the Great is one of history's great leaders. Two thousand years ago, at the head of his Macedonian army, he unified Greece. And, then led a combined army to conquer their ancient enemy, the Persians. The objectives were clear and it all made sense for his generals and troops. However, after four years, he was still dragging them eastward - arriving eventually in northern India. But, his army no longer cared. Alexander was forced to turn back.
LEADERSHIP: THE ROAD TO SUCCESS
published: 2008-09-01
We've all done it: rushed to the shops and come back without something. And, there's always a reason: someone distracted us, or the phone rang. But, the real reason is we didn't have a list. That simplest of plans.
LEADERSHIP: FIRST, CREATE THE SKELETON
published: 2008-08-25
Our skeleton provides the structure for our body. Without it, we’d be a wobbly heap of flesh on the floor. The same is true for organisations. If the structure isn't clear, it's hard to make things hold together. What am I responsible for? Who's my boss? Who are my peers? Who are the subordinates I'm responsible for? These are amongst the first questions we ask in relation to a new job.
LEADERSHIP: A GOOD MIRROR IS THE BEST MENTOR
published: 2008-08-18
When I pass a mirror, I often check how I look. Vanity? Probably. Yet, it may tell me to straighten my tie or tidy my hair. But, what I need more than a snapshot of my appearance is a mirror showing me how I behave; and, its impact on others.
LEADERSHIP: EDISON NEVER STOPPED TINKERING
published: 2008-08-11
New ways often bring new words; or reinvigorate old ones. "Betterment" is a case of the latter - and something every leader must deliver. A strategic rethink may set a whole new direction for your business. However, between these major shifts, there's lots of room for innovation and upgrades. That's betterment.
LEADERSHIP: CREATIVE DESTRUCTION
published: 2008-08-04
General Motors was once a paragon of American business. It's now in serious decline. Its plight illustrates what a famous economist called “creative destruction.” New industries, products and services rise to prominence; but, later lose their traction. Horse-drawn carriages gave way to automobiles - ushering in gas stations but destroying buggy-whip manufacturers. Gas guzzlers had their time on the road, but were overtaken by energy-efficient compacts. And now hybrids; and, so on.
LEADERSHIP: SCALING THE CLIFF FACE
published: 2008-07-28
We've all seen the graph. Starting low at the left, it rises little over the centuries. Then, in the last hundred years, begins to rise at an alarming rate. And today, climbs almost vertically – whether plotting the number of patents, the sale of mobile phones or the growth of online commerce.
LEADERSHIP: BUILDING TRUST
published: 2008-07-27
We all believe in honesty. And, for most of us, this disbars stealing from colleagues or our employer. But, what about failing to pull our weight on a team project or using work time to pursue personal interests? We've all done it. And, in that sense, I haven't always been honest. And, that's possibly true for most of us.
LEADERSHIP: WHAT IF THE WORLD ERUPTS?
published: 2008-07-21
The chameleon lizard changes colour with its environment. As a leader, you have to do much more. When the world changes, you have to transform your organisation and how it operates. Otherwise, it may fail. And, to start the organisational change, you have to change. New situations bring new leadership challenges.
LEADERSHIP: MAKING CHANGE POSSIBLE
published: 2008-07-14
It's lovely to sit and dream: imagining a better future. But, it takes energy to work out how this might be achieved; and, the real work begins when you have to start organising and implementing.LEADERSHIP: DELEGATE? OR JUST STOP IT
published: 2008-07-07
When did you last reprioritise your diary? But that's the easy part. When did you actually stop doing something? Dropped, finished, gone! That's the tough one.LEADERSHIP: THE SMALL BUSINESS SUPERCHARGER
published: 2008-06-30
For many small business owners, survival is an ever-present issue. There are so many challenges. Finding customers. Delivering the product or service. Holding good staff. Managing cash and so much else. What's the key? To staying afloat - and, more importantly, growing and succeeding?
LEADERSHIP: THE HEROES ON THE FRONTLINE
published: 2008-06-23
Talk to any soldier and they'll tell you it's frontline troops, not generals, who fight the battles. HQ may set direction and define key goals but it's platoon leaders and their troops, who go there. They're the ones, who reconnoitre, take territory, dig in and fight. Now, business isn't warfare. But, the metaphor has its place.
LEADERSHIP: STAND TALL AS THE BEST MANUFACTURER
published: 2008-06-16
My father had an engineering business - making furnaces and other products. And, I worked summers in factories, while studying engineering. So, I love that hot, noisy world of clanging metal as it's formed and worked with presses and punches.
LEADERSHIP: IT'S WHAT YOU DO THAT COUNTS
published: 2008-06-09
Action is the language of leadership. As elsewhere in life, it's what you do that counts. Yes, you need to meet with people and talk a lot. But, the bottom line is "walking the talk." Action, not theory.
LEADERSHIP: THE MISSING LINK IN BUSINESS PLANNING
published: 2008-06-02
Why do organisations fail? Or, succeed? Breakthrough technology may help. So can low-cost production. Or, superb marketing. But behind all this, one finds leadership. Whether it's Murdoch, Gates or Mittal driving growth and achievement; or, Wagoner, Lay or others causing their companies to stumble. But, their's are huge global businesses.
LEADERSHIP: FINDING YOUR "SILVER FOLLOWERS"
published: 2008-05-26
Think of the all-time favourite stories. Many describe a heroic journey: a man or woman leading colleagues in pursuit of an exciting goal. In comparison, being a leader in business is not usually heroic. You don’t have to fight dragons or dive to the bottom of the sea. However, as leader of any team, you share one thing in common with the legendary leaders. There’s no journey, if people won’t follow.
LEADERSHIP: BURN THOSE CENTREFOLDS
published: 2008-05-19
Jack Welch, Carly Fiorina, Warren Buffett! These are the centrefold players, big-ticket stars, the leadership fashion models. We read their names in leadership articles. Why? Big names sell subscriptions. But, the Fortune 500 companies employ just 500 chief executives. So, what about the rest of us, with names like yours and mine, that most people never hear?
LEADERSHIP: SIX KEY WORDS
published: 2008-05-12
To understand Italian opera, you only need five words - or, so they say. Here's the list: morte (death), amore (love), maledizione (curse), adio (farewell) and andiamo (let's go). Supposedly, these will guide you through any romantic tale.
LEADERSHIP: LIFTING MY GAME
published: 2008-05-05
How was your last leadership performance review? And, feedback from colleagues? Was the employee survey result less positive than you'd like?
LEADERSHIP: GETTING THAT JOB
published: 2008-04-28
What's the secret to being chosen? Sadly, there's no one answer. But there are sensible pointers. The right experience and qualification; presenting well; and, writing a good resumé. But years of experience (as both an executive and consultant) tell me the acid test is record of consistently delivering results.
LEADERSHIP: THE SEEDS OF FAILURE
published: 2008-04-21
Think of big corporate disasters you've known or read about. What was the cause? Bad strategy, wrong business model, inefficiency, bad luck? Not in my experience. Most often, the core issue is flawed human beings - and, at the top.
LEADERSHIP: A STEP UP FROM MANAGEMENT
published: 2008-04-14
Are you a leader or a manager? And, what's the difference? For me, the distinction is one of degree not kind. Most managers spend time leading; and, leaders also manage.
LEADERSHIP: IT MAY BE O.K. TO BE A WORKAHOLIC
published: 2008-04-07
There are times when we stretch ourselves to breaking point. On top of our regular commitments, a parent gets ill, a child’s in trouble, a project goes pear-shaped. For short periods, it’s possible. We push to extreme; then, re-balance.LEADERSHIP: IT'S ABOUT LEADING, NOT READING
published: 2008-03-31
Throw out all those books on leadership, and the pile of articles on your desk! Reading what other leaders do (or recommend) is like going to the movies or watching TV. It’s entertainment. Sometimes inspiring but mostly irrelevant - and soon forgotten. Most of us don’t need to be General Patton or Rupert Murdoch. We just need to lead that team we see, talk and do things with every day at work.LEADERSHIP: WHAT'S IN A BRAND?
published: 2008-03-24
The article "Building a Leadership Brand" (HBR July/August 2007) is excellent. Assuming, that is, you’re a CEO or HR strategist in a major global corporation. In other words, a few hundred people. But, what about the rest of us: working in smaller organisations, or leading our own businesses? And, worrying daily about delivering products and services, dealing with staff and hoping to improve productivity and profits?LEADERSHIP: PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE
published: 2008-03-17
The article, "The Making of an Expert" (HBR July-August 2007), is worth reading if only for one line: experts are always made, not born. And, as the authors stress, this is as true for business leaders as sportspeople, scientists and artists. But how? Years of "practicing intensively"; focusing on "tasks beyond your current level of competence and comfort"; and, having a coach not only to guide you but "help you learn how to coach yourself."LEADERSHIP: THINKING IS OFTEN THE LEAST OF IT
published: 2008-03-10
"How Successful Leaders Think" is a classic HBR article: big-name leaders (yes, Jack Welch is there), a handful of anecdotes (passing for evidence), a strong metaphor (we can all understand) and a simple diagram. A revolutionary idea and leadership made easy. Except that the core "opposable" thinking (thesis/antithesis/synthesis) is as old as time, as is also the CEO’s unique integrative role across conflicting needs of individual business units, functions and market groups. But, above all, leadership is about much more than thinking.LEADERSHIP: WHAT THE HELL IS AUTHENTIC?
published: 2008-03-03
"Discovering Your Authentic Leadership" (Harvard Business Review, February 2007) is like a 20-minute, personal-growth workshop. All the feel-good, righteous stuff is there. You should be self-aware and authentic. Don't try to be like anyone else. Find your own life story and build on that. Ensure you've got life balance. Well, all that's fine so long as it finds you on parade and taking leadership actions others will esteem and follow. And, in this regard, my experience (from three decades of consulting and leading) says there are other factors as well. Like being passionate and driven, market savvy, technically proficient, tireless in the service of your team and, yes, at times even angry and unfair. Generals Patton, Napoleon and Wellington weren't heavily into self-awareness. Nor are many CEOs – including ones I've known and admired. Nice is certainly valuable, but not sufficient.LEADERSHIP: FOUR PRINCIPLES OF ENDURING SUCCESS
published: 2008-02-25
People love lists of dos and don’ts. And, why not? They often contain useful hints. And, a good example is Stadler’s article “The Four Principles of Enduring Success” (HBR July/August 2007). He follows in the footsteps of others like Jim Collins (of Built to Last and Good to Great), who analyse the performance of lots of companies and draw simple conclusions to explain why some excel and others fall behind.LEADERSHIP: ADAPT OR DIE
published: 2008-02-18
At university, a friend decided to compete in the Modern Pentathlon. He was a good athlete and swimmer. But, knew nothing of pistol shooting, fencing or show jumping. I was no sportsman, but had grown up with horses and done some fencing. So, he asked for tips. And, asked another friend about shooting. From these slim pointers, he worked with the team coach and became quite accomplished - and very quickly.LEADERSHIP: CARVING UP THE BUDGET
published: 2008-02-11
Frugality is admired. And, necessity (as they say) is the mother of invention. But often, too much is made of scarcity. The extreme being the romantic notion of the starving artist slaving in a garret and producing works of enduring social value.