The Leadership Edge
October 16th, 2007
Summary of Discussion on:
The Leadership Challenge by Kouzes and Posner
Facilitated by Joseph Bailey, LBCC
Present: Joseph Bailey, Debbie Brooks, Tim Fitzpatrick, Dave Harke, Doris Johnston, Michael McInally, Bill O’Bryan, Ginger Rummell, Vicki Smith, Janet Steele, Carie Tribble, Kathy Turgeon, Martha Wells, Paul Workinger
Question: What is it going to take for me to commit to this leadership challenge?
My company’s commitment.
Reading material that helps build a leader from scratch.
A good read.
A diverse group with responses (wish more had read the book…but).
Interesting reading plus robust discussion.
Getting to learn others style to help me grow/improve as a leader.
A wonderful book to read.
The knowledge that I will better myself and my leadership skills.
People that will open up and share experiences and solutions.
Highlights:
This was inspiring because everyone participated.
Some talked about their shortcomings, what they were going to do about it.
Small groups were very effective.
Personal stories are always grand.
Lots of passion here today.
Met new people with perspectives on leadership I can use.
It was a great opportunity to hear from other leaders – their issues, challenges and successes.
Having other leaders, who I respect, talking about how they have struggled at times with leadership issues. In particular, hearing from one participant how he came to the realization that his skill sets that brought him to his position were not enough to take him and his organization to the next level.
Real people (not co-workers) looking at a common topic in different ways, revealing.
Conversation that there are lots of styles and resources available.
Exchanging viewpoints and insights to leadership. Your leadership skills always need to expand.
Insights into how others would “lead” in your shoes based on their past experience and wisdom.
Sell yourself then people will follow.
Collected Discoveries:
Walk around: get to know others and build relationships, sell the passion, open communication
Model the way: showcase the right way, walk the talk
How do you engage those that have been there with new people joining in? so many levels of commitment and knowledge. How do you create passion and buy-in?
How can you carry over leadership skills to your home life; spouses, children, pets! Laying the ground work of core beliefs, and then allowing your children to grow under that.
People are different (think differently), trust they will do the job. It’s all about outcomes, not necessarily how it got done. There are different routes to the same goal.
Expect a good job and reward exceptional jobs.
What will the company (job) be like when you leave? Succession planning, empower others.
Small victories are still wins.
Leaders have passion, communicate passion.
Recognize that at different times you need different skill sets. Recognize change is needed.
Find your voice to take the next step.
Let people know they are important, internal and external to the business. Know the right kind of recognition, stuff and words.
Empathy.
Our perceptions vs. others.
Leadership basics are universal.
Set expectations and the goals, not how.
Allow people to make mistakes.
Communicate.
One unhappy person tells 10 people, one happy tells 3.
Accept change.
There is value in encouraging others, don’t hold anything back.
Create a shared vision.
Leaders and followers. “Wagons ho” Is there a wagon behind you?
Different individuals taking about the same thing provides different insights, perspectives are different.
Don’t forget the power of Thank You.
