May 2009
Monthly Archive
Thu 28 May 2009
Posted by Pat the Editor under
Posts[3] Comments
A University—a perfect venue for students of leadership. Last month, Sonoma Leadership Systems and Wiley Publishing sponsored a forum called “Leading in Turbulent Times”.
John Rodriguez presented the program, “Five Dysfunctions of a Team”. Anyone seeking to improve teamwork learned that there are a number of methods to overcome those dysfunctions. Hint: Absence of trust was the main one.
Next, Jim Kouzes, co-author of The Leadership Challenge delved deeply into the topic of “Leading in Turbulent Times”. He discussed the actions that leaders must take in challenging times to strengthen their own and others’ resilience. Daren Blonski tied it all together describing how the two programs can work together. For attendees and those who missed this event, the presentation notes can be downloaded at the following sites:
Jim’s slides:
http://www.sonomaleadership.com/pdf/JimKouzesLITTMay2009.pdf
John’s slides:
http://www.sonomaleadership.com/pdf/JohnRodriguezLITTMay2009.pdf
Daren’s slides
http://www.sonomaleadership.com/pdf/DarenBlonskiLITTMay2009.pdf
Links Jim mentioned:
http://www.apahelpcenter.org/
http://www.thelastlecture.com/
http://www.sonomaleadership.com/webinars/eileenrogers.html
Thu 28 May 2009
Posted by jeninichols under
PostsNo Comments
In our business we refer to tools, and I was struck by the fact that meetings are tools? The term tool, btw, comes from a Buckminster Fuller quote, “if you want to teach people a new way of thinking, don’t bother trying to teach them. Instead, give them a tool, the use of which will lead to new ways of thinking.” I”ve been thinking about this and was wondering if meetings are a tool that we could better use to solve problems and create alignment. I was reading in Mastering the Rockefeller Habits that John D. Rockefeller had lunch with his key peole every day! as the company grew, he continued to meet daily with 9 people over lunch. what about you, do you find meetings to be a good tool, or are they more of a drudge?
Thu 28 May 2009
Posted by Dan Schwab under
Posts1 Comment
The news this morning concerning the possible closing of 80% of California’s State Parks due to the budget shortfall puts our current national dilemma in stark contrast. This is an ominous indicator of the scope of the financial disaster unfolding in California–where we are rapidly going from difficult choices to catastrophic changes. It is also sadly emblematic of the larger issues facing us all as the full impact of the recession hits home. As leaders in this atmosphere of overwhelming change, it is our duty to forge vision. That is, a vision with positive and inclusive possibilities for our organizations and communities. There has never been a time when this skill is more important, or more needed. The question I use to help frame this when working with community groups is “What will it be like to live in this place in 50 years?” For leaders, it’s the same question. They need to challenge their constituents by asking, “What will our organization look like in the future–not just next month but years out?” Is it time to wake up and smell the coffee before it’s burned? –Dan Schwab
Thu 28 May 2009
Posted by Pat the Editor under
PostsNo Comments
Sonoma Leadership Systems recently hosted a webinar “Getting Your Money’s Worth from Training and Development”. Presenters were Andrew Jefferson and Roy Pollock of the Fort Hill Company. Their message gave concrete methods for helping companies and facilitators gain a higher level of performance and achieve the results they are looking for. Check www.sonomaleadership.com/webinars/webinars.html to download the presentation slides.
One take-away was their emphasis on the challenge and importance of managers and leaders’ involvement. They need to be designed into the entire learning process or the results will be less than stellar. Any ideas on ways to get that involvement?
Tue 26 May 2009
Posted by Pat the Editor under
Posts[2] Comments
Newsweek Magazine arrived today with a survey inspired by the book, “Not Quite What I Was Planning: Six Word Memoirs From Writers Famous and Obscure” by Larry Smith and Rachael Fershleiser. The request of the readers’ was to state their opinion in six words: ”Your thoughts on Obama’s first months”. OK, so saying it all in six words does not do justice to our lofty thoughts about anything, but it got me thinking. How would you write your memoirs about your leadership qualities? Can you boil it down to six words? I’ll take a shot: “She tried, sometimes succeeded. The End.”
