Leading Across Race: So Simple You Won't Do It!

WARNING: This article is not for the timid. It is for those that take leadership seriously. The concept of leading effectively across race, gender, culture and ethnicity is for the elite leader.

Race the "hot button subject," the "elephant in the room," the subject that requires never-ending "dialogue" and no action beyond having another conference. Regardless of what industry you are in, what level of leadership you are currently occupying, public or private sector, now hear this—All people deserve good leadership.

Leading effectively across race is simple. So simple many leaders will not do it. I learned as a young Marine, take the complicated and work hard to keep it simple. In the case of effective leadership across race, I note many take the simple and turn it into astrophysics.

Leading across race for most organizations means employing an army of diversity experts. They are managing diversity. Managing diversity is reactive. It is reacting to complaints. It is responding to requirements from federal and state agencies. This popular methodology provides the executive suite with a warm fuzzy sense of security. The peace of mind from the ability to counter the potential legal action from an employee with a real or perceived foul and safe from federal or state regulatory investigations.   (Read more)

Women Only Groups, Are They Necessary?

I am hearing what is becoming a steady drumbeat that Women Only groups are no longer necessary.

No one asked my opinion. After all I am only a man and a retired Marine Infantry Officer, so I must believe Women Only groups are no longer necessary.

Ladies and Gentlemen, don't buy into the notion that Women Only groups have outstayed their welcome and for some misguided reason are no longer necessary. They are very necessary and will be until women are represented in critical mass numbers at every level of business be it in the public or private sector.

I argue that women need to be active in three groups. Those groups: Women Only Groups, Women and Men's Groups that focus on women's issues, and the larger mixed groups that concentrate on the industry and other pressing issues of the period.

Women Only Groups provide women the necessary sense of camaraderie and a venue to share feelings that men, at best, can only have empathy. They also offer a forum for mentorship and advice on topics men could not even dream of providing meaningful assistance.

Beware, there are some women who argue Women Only groups are counter productive and no longer necessary. I offer that line of thought may be coming from those who never needed a Women Only group in the first place.

CHARGE-ON, Ladies! I have your back.

Tact

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.

Have you ever been around that person that can say "Good morning" and it sounds as though you have just been insulted?

Tact is being able to work with others and not create offense. The tactless person differs from the offensive person in one meaningful way—intent. The tactless person is oblivious to their behavior. The offensive person intends to be offensive.

The tactless can be corrected. The offensive can be removed.

Being a leader requires tact; being offensive requires a new leader.

Current Happenings

August has been a busy month with foundations being laid for an exciting remainder of the year for you exceptional leaders.

• An audio book accompanying the eBook "Leading with Fortitude—The Essentials" is completed. It is available for download via the FortitudeConsult.com website.
• We will launch a webinar series based on the eBook "Leading with Fortitude: The Essentials" in August. The series is short and will provide immediately actionable leadership tips.
• I will be launching a VIRTUAL GROUP EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP COACHING program this fall. It will be advertised soon on the website. Stay tuned.
• A new eBook "Developing Business Leadership Skills: The Practical Guide to Being Effectively In-Charge" will be ready for download later this summer.
• Don't forget to click on the Facebook icon below and "like" the site!