Field notes
Field Notes
Our thoughts on current leadership topics and questions.
Agendas surround us. With them, like most things, it pays to be intentional. Leaders shape meaning, focus, belief, and action for others, and in part they do that by shaping the conversation itself.
If leadership is common sense, why does great leadership seem more and more uncommon. If leadership is common sense, why is leadership development a $366 billion global industry? If great leadership is just common sense, then why aren’t we all doing it?
Employees who give more energy, passion, time, expertise, etc., get more time, attention, resources, and opportunities. Start sending a clear message to your stars that the majority of your time and attention is reserved for them.
Whenever scientists make progress related to understanding how our DNA shapes us as humans, some pundit invariably suggests it is only a matter of time until we discover the leadership gene. They predict, with high conviction, that at some point scientists will discover exactly which gene cause some people to be leaders and others not so much. We believe there is more to the story.
Extraordinary leaders know the power of dialogue in building consensus and solidifying trust. Leading through questions produces less resistance and engages people in a way no other message can.
What sets leaders apart from managers? And what skills and qualities can managers focus on to become better leaders?
When you learn the behaviors and routines of well-known leaders, you have something special to replicate. That’s what a role model is really all about ––to do what others do that works.