Leadership: That process in which one person sets a purpose or direction for one or more other persons, and gets them to move along together with him or her and with each other in that direction with competence and full commitment. (Clement & Jaques. Executive Leadership 2009)
Reality Check:
You have been assigned to lead an important project, you know the team members and understand the objectives and resources. Now you are ready to have your first project team meeting.
STOP THE WHY NONSENSE!
‘Why’ is an instinctive question. Asked hundreds of times every day in organizations, and much of it is helpful. It is important to understand why a manufacturing process has failed, why a car broke down or why your fire alarm went off. It can be enlightening to see why people behave a certain way.
Purpose / Objective:
I just returned from an extensive learning exchange where the “who’s who” of Chief Learning Officer’s gathered at a state-of-the-art training facility in Toronto. The PhD’s in my life would be very happy to hear that I approached it like a study from the human capital training space, observing the learning challenges faced by organizations across the border. With a great cross section of companies represented, it provided me a perfect back drop to conduct what has apparently become my life’s work: Endless people research that has taken over even my social life. Yes, including observing behaviors (mine, none to honorable) at miniature golf. Ugg, what can I say, it’s all for the purpose of a greater good.
Continuing professional development is important for all employment levels and every size employer. It comes in many different forms, from formal seminars and workshops to independent research to learning from peers. However, no matter what form it comes in, it is essential to the success of both the employee and employer.
Are all the meetings, time, flip-chart paper, and boredom worth it?
When working with young professionals I am often asked: what are the leadership qualities that will get me promoted? My response to the young professional is: what strengths do you bring to the table? Or what value do you add to your organization? I am surprised at how challenging this question is to answer.
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