In my many years of experience growing, coaching and training leaders, I’ve discovered that it’s seldom talent... or training... or give-a-shit... that makes a leader successful, at all but the senior-most (the senior-most) … [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.
Criticism and Feedback: NOT the same thing!
I had a mid-level manager ask me recently, "Is there a difference between giving feedback or giving criticism as a leader? Seems like the same thing to me." The differences seems subtle, but in reality they're pretty … [Read More...]
Video: Leading with Influence — The ultimate Jedi Mind Trick
It’s like a Jedi Mind Trick… Leading with influence is real leadership. It’s the only leadership that matters. But how? It’s simpler than we sometimes think, so let’s just keep it that way. No need to complicate things … [Read More...]
The Problem with Accountability — Or, hey, it’s not my fault!
I didn’t have enough time. If only I had more… That’s not my job. Someone else will do it. I don’t know how. I don’t think the boss said/meant that. The list is endless. The bottom line… It’s not my … [Read More...]
That’s a messed up Org Chart!
Though leadership is always my preferred topic, sometimes we need to get into the management weeds. The blocking and tackling that is so necessary for success in leadership is sometimes … [Read More...]
Congrats on the promotion, LOSER!
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...]
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...]