In my last post, I explored the idea of success and how it is defined. But I recognize that there is something at work that may rob you of the sweet joy of success, no matter how successful you are. It is called the Imposter Syndrome. There are a number of coping strategies we imposters employ. I have all of them in my repertoire – and am an expert at a few of them!
Leaders are advised these days to be transparent – but with little guidance on why and when and how. Today’s post looks at why leaders might choose to be transparent, and how to do so in ways that really do help achieve a higher purpose. And we’ll also look at when NOT to be transparent!
Female leaders who command are called names I can’t print. Men who emote are seen as weak and ineffectual. Which brings us to the classic question: Are gender differences genetic or learned? Nature or nurture? Hardwired or socially scripted? Scientists have struggled with this question for centuries. I don’t have the answer, but I do have some observations based on the statistical concept I call the “tyranny of the tails” that may provide some insight.
As I am planning for 2014, I find myself stuck – wallowing in a lack of clarity about big picture questions, like where I want to be in 5 years and where to spend my time and energy in the coming year to get there. If you have times when awaiting the perfect plan is really a procrastination ploy – you’ll enjoy this post.
A dear friend, Marcia Nellans, sent me a little two minute clip filmed in Glasgow, called The Power of Words. I’ve been thinking about it ever since. Spend a moment and tell me the thoughts it provokes for you.
Christmas – Solstice – Hanukah – Kwanza – Boxing Day – New Year’s
No matter you faith or holiday tradition, December and early January are a time of revelry and feasting around the globe, as well as a time of reflection, peace and generosity. As a person who looks more for what we have in common than what divides us, I see five themes that are entwined around these different celebrations. And each is a precious gift.
I tell students in my entrepreneurship courses at Purdue that leaders read. However, the nature of the entrepreneurial process makes it tough to recommend good reads. Those searching for a good idea need something different than those who have found one and are in high growth. Meanwhile, some have built a company only to find themselves stuck with an “ugly baby”. As such, I’ll clearly identify by stage-of-the-entrepreneurial-process what the book is best suited for.
And after reading my list I”ll be curious to know – what books guide and inspire you?
In Leadership is an Art, Max DePree tells us that “buying books is easy; owning them is not.” He goes on to explain that, “Good readers take possession of what they are learning by underlining and commenting and questioning. In this manner they ‘finish’ what they read.” He ends his introduction by saying: “You can read this book quickly; but I hope you cannot finish it quickly. It will be worth a lot more to you if you finish it, if you have truly made it your own book.”
DePree also shares that leadership is NOT learned by reading, alone – and I fully concur. But I also know that leaders who are thoughtful and open themselves to new ideas WHILE they get their hands dirty leading, grow into better and better leaders. My mantra is that LEADERS READ.
My list of top ten comes with a disclaimer – these are NOT for learning to manage or supervise. They are in my area of specialty: transformational leadership.
We are all in throes of massive change – and the reality is that the pace and magnitude of change we are facing is only going to amplify. So having a basic grasp of how change works in organizations is important for us all. Warning: This list will not be for the faint of heart, so I’ll rate it on digestibility. Some will be suitable for all levels, and others for those who like to take a deep dive. And I am always looking for more here – so I’ll look forward to the books you recommend on this topic.
In almost all instances, success precedes promotion. And for most of us, we say yes because we feel, at some level, confident in our ability to tackle the new role in a proficient manner. And then we land the new job, take on the additional responsibility, strike out into new territory. And all that we knew in our last job is suddenly not enough.
As leaders are faced with this reality, they have two basic choices…
Fill out the form to receive the Evergreen Leadership newsletter and be notified about new blogs.
