Archive for May 2008

May312008

10 STEPS TO LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Introduction: Winning the Leadership Game

What isn’t stated outright is that each “step” of the executive training will cost you a small fortune to purchase.
The purpose of our Ten Steps to Leadership Development series is to provide a free online leadership training for anyone interested in reaching the top of their game - the leadership game.
The leadership game is not about winning petty office politics. Rather, it’s about improving yourself while increasing your overall value to the organization.
Promotions are awarded to those individuals who are smart enough and self disciplined enough to set themselves apart, to rise to a level above their peers.
Make no mistake, leadership development is not realized upon completion of this free online leadership training. Instead, becoming a good leader is an ongoing study based on self-improvement and life experience. There is no end - only new levels of achievement!
The leadership game refers to one’s ability to leverage quality leadership tools for maximum results. Quality investments in yourself will enable you to produce improved results, allowing you to position yourself a step ahead of your peers.
Success in the leadership game is determined on your clear understanding of what is within your control, and what is out of your control.
Great leaders do not focus on what they can’t control. Examples of circumstances beyond your control (also known as debilitating time- wasters) include, but are not limited to: the weather, economic factors, heavy traffic, life’s little curve balls, what others do or think, etc. All of these circumstances can easily get in the way of your focus and energy - IF you allow them to.
Great leaders focus on what they CAN control. They understand that every individual has complete control over their attitude, behavior, thoughts and emotions.
Great leaders do not react, they thoughtfully respond. Winning the leadership game means you are response-ABLE, not reaction-PRONE.
When you react, you may feel emotions of guilt, embarrassment, regret, sadness, nausea, stress, anger, fear; a general feeling of being out of control. When you thoughtfully respond - you will feel relaxed confident, happy, inner peace, gratitude, higher self-esteem, and a general feeling of being in control.
If you utilize the various tools and resources described throughout the 10 Steps to Leadership Development, you will be well on your way to winning the leadership game.
Leadership tools are critical to our self-improvement and contribute significantly to our overall personal and professional development.
It’s important to remember that part of winning the leadership game is knowing when and how to use the proper tools. For instance, have you ever:

Used a flathead screwdriver when you really needed a philips?
Used a counter-top edge instead of a bottle opener?
Used something heavy that was within reach to drive home a nail on the wall, when you really needed a hammer?

The point here is that while you may be able to complete a task with a make-shift tool - the overall quality and efficiency of your work diminishes without the proper tool.
During the Ten Steps to Leadership Development, you will assess your current leadership status. You will realize the benefits of investing in yourself and you will uncover effective leadership tools that will support your ongoing self improvement and leadership development.
The Ten Steps to Leadership Development series, will be your personal coach as you work toward winning the leadership game - and ultimately the game of life.

Step One: Find and Fuel the Spark
Step Two: History of Leadership
Step Three: THEORY VS REALITY
Step Four: Learn Full Circle
Step Five: Understand Personalities
Step Six: Get Over Yourself
Step Seven: The Learning Habit
Step Eight: Use Wise Words
Step Nine: Track Your Progress
Step Ten: Make Time to Soar!

Credits: www.leadership-tools.com

May312008

A Woman In Leadership Today

Every woman in leadership today knows that we still have a ways to go before we can say that there is true gender equality in corporate America.

Without a doubt, we’ve made tremendous progress and we’re seeing more women becoming a driving force in leadership.

A woman in leadership today no longer strives to play by the men’s rules.

Instead, women are creating new rules. They are staying focused on communicating and demonstrating their own unique abilities to achieve great results.

Consider the fact that today there is a billion-dollar male grooming market flourishing right now.

Some might argue this is in part due to men realizing that they are competing in a world where they too need to take more time with their personal and professional appearance, inside and outside the boardroom.

While some “good ol’boys” clubs remain in tact, and sexism can still be found in many offices around the country, women in general are not allowing these backward ideals from keeping them out of quality leadership roles.

A woman in leadership today believes strongly in herself. She knows she can accomplish anything she sets her mind to. If the environment she’s in is not letting her flourish, this she knows it’s time to move on to a more supportive environment.

Women all across America have figured it out.

They understand that “knowledge is only potential power”, and that “action is true power”.

Women whose goals include taking leadership roles have to stay focused and clear a path for success. Do not waste time being a victim when you can realize your own dream of becoming a conquering hero.

A woman in leadership today knows this: “It’s not what we can do that matters. It’s what we DO that makes all the difference.”

Truly, if you believe it, you can achieve it. With enough desire and focused effort - the dream will be realized.

Credits : www.leadership-tools.com

May312008

Leadership and Supervision Training

There are many types of leadership and supervision training.

Obtaining a personal coach is an important option being discovered by many of today’s leaders.

You’ve tried many other leadership and supervision training options, but now you’ve decided that you are going to take the leap and hire a professional coach to help you realize your goals.

Terrific, but now you’re faced with the daunting task of picking one.

One resource you may consider is located at www.coachfederation.org, which is the web site for The International Coach Federation (IFC), a professional organization for coaches.

IFC has countless resources; a member directory and they offer the following advice when searching for a coach:

Educate yourself about coaching. Hundreds of articles have been written about it in the last 3-5 years.

Know your objectives for working with a coach.

Interview three coaches before you decide on one. Ask them about their experience, qualifications, skills, and ask for at least two references.

Remember, coaching is an important relationship. There should be a connection between you and the coach that “feels” right to you.

Look for a leadership and supervision training coach that specializes in your field of expertise but remember that a coach isn’t there to run your life or solve all of your problems – he/she is a guide, a sounding board and an advisor.

You may not always like what your coach has to say but you must remember that they are not there to be your best friend. You will need to keep an open mind to any feedback they provide. You always have the choice of taking what they say to heart or simply discarding any advice that you don’t buy into.

If you’re asking yourself “How will I know if it’s working?” – don’t worry, you’ll know. You should have measurable results. You should be making progress towards your goals and you should feel positive about your future.

A good leadership and supervision training coach will facilitate growth and dynamic change. You’ll improve performance and the quality of your life will be enhanced.

Through mutual trust, collaboration and respectful communication – “your state of mind” and “state of being” will be positively impacted.

If you don’t see progress, or aren’t impressed with the speed at which you are realizing small successes, you always have the option of getting a new coach – but don’t give up on coaching completely. Simply keep looking for the coach that you will learn the most from.

An experienced and professional coach can help you get where you want to be, you just have to be willing to work hard, listen, and be open to new ideas and experiences. Let your coach lead you to some place you’ve never been.

Coaching is an important leadership and supervision training tool being used by successful people all over the world and it’s one option that should be in your personal toolbox if you’re truly dedicated to growing your skill-set as a leader.

Credits: www.leadership-tools.com