Follow Me—Or Else!

New and exciting ways of failing in leadership positions surface on a regular basis these days. I have noticed a growing attitude in newly minted executive leaders and first-time supervisors that are surprisingly onerous. The attitude is a subtle arrogance. It is a ‘do as I say because that is the way I want things done' attitude.' Better said: Follow me, or else! The thinly veiled threat communicated loud and clear.

Follow me or else is clearly not the right way to build a following. Too many new to leadership positions, regardless of level, are resorting to this methodology. I have written quite a few articles full of leadership tips and sound advice. There are more articles providing sound leadership guidance found on the Internet than there are one-ounce drops of water in the Pacific Ocean. I suspect the advice is not taken because it's free advice, an odd foible of the human nature.   (Read more)

Women Are the Future, and The Future is Now!

Ladies and Gentlemen, the cliché "The future is now" is known by most of us. And in business, across the spectrum of business public to private, non-profit to for-profit, the key to ensuring a successful future is WOMEN!

I have documented in numerous articles the accomplishments of women that support my argument. You can find many of those articles on my website.

I have a few names that continue to prove my point; organizations with women at the helm are in great hands. Gentlemen, you may not know any of these names, it may be a good idea to "Google them" and see how the future is playing out in front of our eyes. Then ask the question, "How do I get more women in leadership positions in my organization?" It is smart business. And you did not get to where you are by not being smart.

The names? Clara Shih, CEO of Hearsay Social. Deborah Ale Flint soon to be Executive Director of the Los Angeles International Airport. And Maya Rogers, CEO of Hawaii-based Blue Planet Software, yes IT! I need to mention three more, Maj. Lisa Jaster, the third woman to complete U.S. Army Ranger School and CPT. Kristen Griest and 1stLt. Shaye Haver, the first two women to complete Ranger School.

These incredible women continue to validate my argument that women make the best leaders, and they are the future. Where are the women in your organization? My question is not just for men run organizations. There are some women run organizations that, oddly enough, are not as welcoming to other women aspiring to leadership positions.

The future is NOW, and the key to being successful deep into the future is WOMEN!

Win the Battle Lose the War

I am often asked for leadership advice based on my Marine Corps experience for use in business. This section is providing short leadership tips you can use in becoming an Exceptional Leader. Being good on any given day is easy. Being exceptional requires daily effort. Enjoy the read.

What is the best way to win a war? The answer is simple—don't start a war.

No one wins a fight. I have a client, who, faced with the situation of a dissatisfied customer went through great pains to prove he was right and the customer wrong. Oddly enough, the client could not understand why he lost his long-term customer. He was stuck in the mindset that he was safe in his argument, and his customer would clearly see the error of his, the customer's, thinking.

That is like crossing at the corner of a busy street at night in dark clothes without looking both ways before you cross. You can't understand how you were run over. After all, you were in the crosswalk and totally in the right. Now you are right in the hospital.

Take on battles that will provide a value-add for both you and your opponent.

Leading is often best summed up by that great philosopher Sgt Stryker "Life is tough, and it's tougher if you're stupid!" Sgt. Stryker is a mythical character played by John Wayne in the movie "Sands of Iwo Jima."

Leading is not for everyone.

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