Inspiring examples of leadership are vital oxygen for individuals, organizations and communities. Seretse Khama’s life is a compelling story. In 1925, at age 4, Seretse was named successor to his father as chief of the Ngwato people who lived in Bechuanaland, a protectorate of Great Britain. By design, his childhood education was in South Africa […]
Crystal Clear
Recall the most important conversations you’ve had in the past year? I bet you were very honest and maybe very careful. Because you and others knew the matter under discussion had serious implications, it’s easy to imagine them as intense. Radical transparency is a tough topic because both employing it and avoiding it can have […]
“Best in Class”
Best In Class I’ve had the chance to work with some really amazing people. I bet you have, too. Some of those who come to mind were bosses, some clients and others are valued colleagues. Here are a few signs from those that make my “best” list and why: He holds people accountable for bad […]
10 Good Questions on Strategy
10 Good Questions on Strategy We all face external factors that change fast, frequently and unpredictably. Regardless of sector, work is intensely dynamic. Are your strategy development and related planning processes responsive enough? Re-tool and Refine Strategy marshals the resources and actions that enable an organization to secure intended results. Strategy is crucial to the […]
Mandela’s Virtues
Mandela’s Virtues For nearly 30 years, Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for sabotage and promoting revolution. And, at 71 years old, in barely just ten years of activity, Mandela secured a peaceful launch of a democratic South Africa. The long, useful life of Mandela has given us an important leadership example. Described by many as a […]
Avoid Strategy Sabotage
Avoid Strategy Sabotage A primary challenge in strategy development is anticipating the future – correctly. It’s a tall order. Strategy creates value. It’s central to every organization and team. Determining the actions most likely to secure your intended results employs strategic planning. Creating strategy, for a program or entire organization, generally requires a series of […]
Relatively Better
Relatively Better he conversation I had with a board member of an influential organization some months ago was troubling. In that exchange, he described behavior of senior management as incompetent. Later, he said “But all these organizations are a mess.” No Worse Than Jones Relativism is a common discard. You can set the bar anywhere […]
What Matters Most
What Matters Most Imagine yourself in a business strategy course your senior year in college. Assume you had a “perfect” 4.0 average grade and were determined to keep it. With the final exam approaching, you’d likely spend many days and nights studying. You would probably memorize formulas or calculations, review notes, attend cram sessions and […]
Behave Magnificently
Behave Magnificently Howard Zinn was an impressive person. He was an academic historian, author and social activist. He is well known for his best-selling book: A People’s History of the United States. The People’s History is distinct because it offers a brilliant alternate perspective – from those oppressed. Although his parents were Jewish immigrants and […]
Strategy 101: Make Great Choices
Strategy 101: Make Great Choices If Chicago is your destination…what’s the best route to get there? Part of the answer depends on where you are now and what resources you have. Creating great strategy requires a series of practical and coherent choices. If you have plenty of time, modest resources and like to travel by […]