The Element

The Element by Sir Ken Robinson
This amazing book opened up my eyes to learning.  Learning is action.  The Element is finding the space where learning, growth and happiness/fulfillment go together for you.  So for each of us it is different.  Take a minute to imagine that space - where you act in tune with who you are - you are a creative individual. Think about the people you lead....do you allow them to be in their element?
"People who think differently make the world a more interesting place. We need to nurture and help develop creative people, instead of labeling them as damaged."

[Temple Grandin, Author of 
Thinking in Pictures]

"Ken Robinson presents the theme of creativity and innovation in a way that makes you want to go out and make your dreams a reality. In his wonderfully easy-to-read and entertaining style he presents the stories of many who have done just that. This is a valuable book for educators and community leaders ... most important, it is a book that lightens and lifts the minds and hearts of all who read it.
"

[Susan Jeffers, PhD., bestselling author of Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway® and Life Is Huge!

"The Element gives you the feeling that all is possible if we dig deeply within ourselves, utilizing imagination and curiosity."


[Vidal Sassoon, hairdresser and businessman] - (all reviews originally by theelementbook)

 

Sir Ken Robinson will be at Leadercast on May 6, 2011.  To find a site in your area click here:  Leadercast

Leaders Build Teams

"The leaders who work most effectively, it seems to me, never say "I." And that's not because they have trained themselves not to say "I." They don't think "I." They think "we;" they think "team." They understand their job to be to make the team function. They accept responsibility and don't sidestep it, but "we" gets the credit...This is what creates trust, what enables you to get the task done." - Peter Drucker

Whatever your role, in whatever organization, you need Teamwork to succeed.  Solid leaders build teams by engaging others first, leaving themselves to the end.  Do you follow that leadership principle?
What can you change so that you can start to emulate Mr. Drucker's leadership model?

Live as a Leader

If only leadership was a button on our keyboard or an AP on our phones.
Imagine what we could switch on and do, or re-do?
Unfortunately that is not the case.
Leadership is LIVE ACTION.
Leadership is change on a dime.
Leadership is taking what comes at you and making the best of it for others.
Leadership is straight-shooting, forward-thinking, dynamic, energetic, LIFE!

To live as a leader, you cannot separate the personal and the professional - you will always be only one person.  You will need to live authentically in all you do.  You cannot switch off from one type of individual to another based on the circumstance at the moment.  I am not talking about the many facets of our personality - I am taking about our values at our core.  (if you can switch off your values and actions...then that will be a difficult life). 

No matter what - you are always you.  The way to you act with your kids, speak to your neighbours, engage with your team, work with your colleagues, is all about the authentic you, living as a leader.

To learn more about living as a leader click here.

When Their Problem is Yours

There comes a time in every leader's life when the problems of the team become their problems.  What to do?  Why does this happen?

As the leader, you have already accepted responsibility for the team and their results (see, I did not say actions).  Your role is to guide them to success through execution of the plan or project.  There will be a time when the team gets stuck and the problem becomes yours.  Have a look at the reasons you now own the problem:

• was the direction unclear
• were the steps not cohesive
• were all the roadblocks anticipated, examined and resolved
• were all the stakeholders involved

Now - push the problem back to the team.  Unless it is one of funding or lack of people-power, you really can't solve their issue.  You can guide them through it.  That is what you do as the leader.

Here are 2 great books to read that can help you with the struggle of accepting the problems of others:

 

The Leader In Me

The Leader in Me is focused on service.  Helping others, through working with them, guiding, coaching, mentoring and challenging them to be the best version of themselves in all they do.

The Leader in Me is courageous.  Taking risks that better the future of my company, my colleagues, my team and myself.

The Leader in Me is authentic.  I am who I am, always - transparent, honest and open-minded.

The Leader in Me is decisive.  Making decisions with the facts at hand, research in my back pocket, advice from those who can help and consideration for all stakeholders.

Who is the Leader in You?

Learn more about developing your Inner-Leader by clicking here:  The Leader In Me