So, just got that big promotion, eh? Now, you’re “It.” Big Shot. Grand Poobah. Boss Hog. El Jefe. Shiznit. The Big Cheese. Uppity-Muckety-Muck. She who must be obeyed. Kahuna. Sounds great, right? Finally, you’re a CXO, … [Read More...]
The Brazen Leader
Musings on Leadership, Business, and Things that Make You Go Hmmmm
Brazen
[brey-zuh n]
adjective
1. bold and without shame.
2. shameless.
synonyms
1. Defiant
2. Bold
3. Insolent
“Bold and without shame.” I cannot think of a better way to describe successful leadership today. Too many are taking the milquetoast, timid approach… and they are losing. To quote Bob Newhart, Stop It!
It’s time to take back leadership. To remember that leadership is a responsibility, an obligation and a noble calling; that those who follow us don’t need a buddy, commiserator or simpatico. They didn’t show up looking for a friend—they need us to lead. And that means doing so outwardly… decisively… boldly.
Sure, we should be understanding, and empathy is a hallmark of a successful leader. But being in front means sometimes you get in people’s face. Sometimes tough-love is the best love. And sometimes—just sometimes—it means the loneliness that comes from making the hard calls. The decisions that are best for people and organizations, even if not immediately popular.
It means being bold, and without any shame whatsoever.
It means being The Brazen Leader.
Join me in this journey. I’ll be open, honest and direct; you can be the same. Respond, comment, yell, scream, send smoke signals—whatever works. Dialog can—should—be a bit messy. Let’s do that here.
I stand ready to help in any way.
To find out more about me, my firm, or what we can do to help, just click on the logo below.
Integrity, Courage & Inigo Montoya
Kevin Ross is my best friend and my partner-in-crime at Triangle Performance (how cool is that?) We frequently have discussions on various leadership topics; sometimes over the phone, sometimes via text, sometimes in-person … [Read More...]
My Cheese has Wheels!!
https://youtu.be/B7LQDfskny0 My Cheese Has Wheels! Sometimes change is just a little too "in your face." We need to help people get past -- and accept -- change. Spencer Johnson's book is a great metaphor. And … [Read More...]
Coaching Slugs… What if they just don’t get it??
» Light's on, nobody's home. » She just doesn't get it. » How'd he slip through HR? » The 80/20 rule... Or, my personal favorite... » A waste of time. As egalitarian and "fair" as we sometimes hope to be, … [Read More...]
Motivate without Moolah
How can I motivate without a budget? Simple – use your leadership skills and lead. Some simple tips to consider… Be honest and become really trustworthy. Do what you say you’ll do. Remember always: … [Read More...]
Weathering the Storm
https://youtu.be/LLAq1-VQANw Weathering the storm -- whether climate or business -- requires us to do some things purposefully: 1. Be in charge. Lead, decide. The buck stops with you.2. Lead now, panic later. Frazzled … [Read More...]
Leave criticism at Wal-Mart
I was recently asked a question on Quora: Is there a difference between giving feedback or giving criticism as a leader? What are the main differences? Huge differences. Most have to do with intent and desired … [Read More...]
Ok, Debbie-Downer… BE POSITIVE!
https://youtu.be/Mfxg77vW3O8 … [Read More...]
Monkey see, Monkey do… Leading by example, like it or not
A funny thing… when speaking with leaders and managers in most companies, you’ll hear the same thing: “We should lead by example.” Well, yes, but… You already lead by example. All leaders lead by example, every single … [Read More...]
25 Leadership Hacks & Tips
I was just doing some thinking on a plane ride recently (not much else to do). Often, we are our own worst enemy, sabotaging our efforts with our own behavior. Though added resources (people, money, etc.) seem to an answer … [Read More...]