LeaderNotes

Does Toastmaster's Grow Leaders?

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 08:52:09 -0800

The basics of being an effective leader involve knowing when to implement ideas that are going to yield the maximum results. Leaders have an instinct, sort of from the gut, to try new, different and non-traditional things. Even if they are wrong, they take satisfaction in knowing that because they put forth the effort to try, results are highly likely to be favorable.

Being a Toastmaster has enabled many would-be leaders to recognize their potential as such and pursue it with vigor and passion. There are systems that Toastmaster’s has placed within its program that are designed to encourage leaders to discover their potential. Every week during club meetings, the members are invited to tap into their leader side by taking roles that will help them cultivate their leadership skills.

Although Toastmaster’s has been useful for some, most people do not agree with its precept. Many people think you can’t “learn” leadership, you have to “do” leadership.

What do you think about the Toastmaster's organization? Can an organization like Toastmaster’s really help develop leaders?

Celebrations In The Obama Camp

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 22:14:29 -0800

The new presidential democratic nominee and his staffers are celebrating this evening. Senator Obama achieved a sufficient number of delegates to secure the nomination on the Democratic ticket. Things have been interesting for quite a few months now, but should really begin to become interesting. Hillary has offered her support to Obama as the candidate for Vice-President, but is it too little, too late? Although she seems like a sore loser, can and should Obama really count on her support as his running mate? Can she be trusted?

As a leader, Obama will have to make some very tough decisions in the month ahead. He lacks experience by comparison to Clinton, but more than makes up for it in terms of promises and vision. But how long will that last?

I hope that Obama stays true to his vision as a potential leader for our country. It’s very important that he does what he says or at least makes an effort to do them. All eyes are on Mr. Obama now like never before.

Fashion Icon Yves Saint Laurent Dies At Age 71

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 08:56:31 -0800

The fashion industry mourns a loss as it bids farewell to the quintessential icon, Yves Saint Laurent. Mr. Laurent spent over four decades in the fashion industry making an impact, changing the course of the industry and leaving a phenomenal legacy before retiring in 2002. His leagacy is one that will carry on and one that has impacted the fashion industry in such a way as to set a standard for how and why things are done.

"He was the first to put women in pants, the first to put them in tuxedos, the first to put them in masculine clothes, the first to employ black models," he said. "He was audacious, he revolutionised the trade."

Full story here.

An icon of his time and a leader in the fashion industry, Yves Saint Laurent broke many "taboos" in his day by doing things that hadn't been done by others. He didn't care what others thought or how he was perceived. In other words, he went with his heart and not his head.

Leaders who think about the results of their actions rather than the steps it takes to get there are far more successful than their peers or counterparts. Being an effective leader always require sacrifice and taking chances. Delving into the unknown is what makes a leader stand out and be recognized. Even if they do not find success in their decisions, they will still be known as the one who tried. Yves Saint Laurent was definitely one who took chances and pushed the envelope. For that, and among other things, he will be remembered as the fashion mogul who single-handedly changed the industry. All because he dared.

Do you take chances as a leader? Do you think it's wise for leaders to take chances or to play it safe, assured of the outcome?

Is It Barak Obama or Oprah Wynfrey That You Support?

Tue, 20 May 2008 08:07:02 -0800

The other day I wrote a rather "exciting" post that got a reader pretty, well, excited. All I talked about was Barak Obama's and his questionable views on live abortion and pro-choice. I also talked about whether or not the Black community endorses him as a candidate simply because he is Black, and not because he is qualified. I stand by my opinion, but I would like to also offer another take on the subject.

This YouTube video of Oprah Wynfrey on Larry King Live shows Larry King interviewing Oprah and giving her full endorsement of the candidate. If you will listen closely as you watch the video, you will notice about a third through the video Oprah mentions that she likes "what he stands for" and "the things that he has to say are good." Well, what does that mean? What does he stand for? What are the things that he has to say that are good?

Oprah has an immense following and most people listen very closely to what she has to say. Therefore, if she supports Obama, then her followers would probably support him too. After all, if it's good enough for Oprah then why not try it?

The only point that I want to make here is to give people a reason to think for themselves. Do your homework on your own candidate of choice. Have allegiance to a candidate for more than the color of their skin. Find out what they stand for. Find out what they believe in and have a passion for. Listen to them, closely. Then after you feel comfortable enough with them representing you and what you believe in, go with that.

You have to live with it for the next four years.

Kobe Bryant As A Mentu And A Leader

Mon, 19 May 2008 08:38:11 -0800

This YouTube video gives a glimpse into the next project by the famous basketball player, Kobe Bryant. It seems that Mr. Bryant has been working on a mentoring program of sorts for some kids in China and is helping get their game up to par. Kobe is a phenomenal ball player, but is he more of a role model than a leader?

While watching the video, you will notice that Kobe (and what appears to be his assistant coach) keep referring to "not making Kobe look bad" because "his name is on these jersey's", so on and so forth. They make it abundantly clear that the kids will be cut from this mentoring program if they do anything that will detract from the Kobe Bryant image.

So, is Kobe more interested in growing sports leaders and team players or in developing more of his fan base who will chant Ko-be, Ko-be when he and his new posse take the court?

Black People Should Listen Closely To Barak Obama

Thu, 15 May 2008 08:18:47 -0800

Some people in the Black community are so excited to have a Black candidate representing them for a spot in the White House, that they've lost all sight of what's really going on. I was eating breakfast this morning, listening to the news, and heard the newscaster go into a spiel about how Barak Obama was pro-choice, blah, blah, blah…

I put my fork down.

Now although this doesn’t apply to everyone in the African-American community, the majority of Black people are Christians, or at least anti-murdering or pro-lifer’s. I think that the Black community is oblivious to or at least doesn’t care what Obama’s views are concerning abortion and pro-choice.

Out of all the preacher’s who support Barak on Sunday mornings, not one has (to my knowledge, including my own) bothered to mention Barak’s politics concerning killing babies. None of them has talked about his views on live abortion and how he “avoids” the issue of terminating pregnancies.

I’m not trying to make this a racial issue, but I want the Black community to take note of the politician’s stand on a controversial subject. Is America really ready, especially those who are firm, dedicated Christians, to compromise their views and beliefs all for the sake of having the “first Black president?” Is it really worth it? Will the Black community close their eyes, stick their heads in the sand and pretend he didn’t say it or that it’s not going to happen?

Barak believes what he believes. So do you. Now how far are you willing to go with that?

Starbuck's is Struggling To Define Their Economic Position

Tue, 13 May 2008 08:31:26 -0800

I remember about two to three years ago hearing a rumor that Starbuck’s (Nasdaq: SBUX) did not support the military and that they were anti-war. While to each his (or her) own as it pertains to opinions about the war, businesses that struggle to keep their customer base are finding that they have to change the way they do business. Strong issues like war, abortion, government control or politics is enough to change the way businesses impact the economy. Starbuck’s found this out. Whenever you go into a Starbuck’s chain now to purchase any of their product, you get a “military discount” (provided you are military), and on occasion, a free donut.

Starbucks has been feeling the economic pressure for quite some time as they struggle to identify themselves as a corporate culture leaving an impression and still able to retain and grow their customer base. They haven't done anything different than what any business would do who's in trouble or find that they're challenged in robust bottom line profits.

What they've done is good. They're realigning themselves as a viable competitive force in their industry and wooing the customers back slowly through excellent customer service, customer discounts and a superior product.

Let's just hope it all works out for them.

Why Is There So Much Pressure On Leaders?

Mon, 12 May 2008 08:25:57 -0800

It's really interesting the ideas that people have concerning leaders. A lot of responsibility and high expectations are placed on leaders with very little room for error. Everything a leader does and every time he or she does it, it's noticed and critiqued.

I remember when I was a Branch Manager for the Olsten Corporation at their local offices here in Alabama. I had just taken over the position as Manager and within the first week, I was expected to grow sales and undo everything the previous manager had done. The other thing that was so unbelievably comical was that I was expected to do these added responsibilities with no increase in pay.

Now I understand that in order to be a leader, and an effective one, we must also be willing to donate our time and efforts to ensure a job well done and a level of measured success. But just how far should a leader extend themselves to ensure this job well done? How realistic should these expectations be?

Top Careers In Leadership

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 08:34:27 -0800

It's often believed that leaders are automatically business owners or entrepreneurs. Not so. Leaders can be found in almost any industry. and not always as executives. Besides the upper management level of leaders, you can find leaders acting as the middle man, as a leader of operations or systems and even leaders among the rank and file.

Here is an article that lists what the top ten careers for leaders are. I read over it and tried to decide which one I might perhaps fit into if I wasn’t already an entrepreneur . The Hotel Manager career sounds quite intriguing to me. Aside from it being a lucrative industry, the hospitality aspect of it really appeals to me since I am a social person, I believe that I could really enjoy this industry and a career in luxury services.

What would your career choice be as a leader? What industry do you currently work in as a leader?

Tricia Walsh-Smith's Rant On YouTube: Doesn't Anyone Have Couth Anymore?

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 17:21:37 -0800

I thought I had seen it all. But until today when I saw the YouTube rant by Trisha Walsh-Smith, I realized that I still had a lot more to see in this life. As I watched the video with my eyes stretched in disbelief, I was distraught to see that some people are just not interested in practicing good manners or being a little civil in dealing with unpleasant situations. What’s going on in the world?

Mrs. Smith’s husband doesn’t want her as his wife anymore. He didn’t give her a reason why (per Mrs. Smith), but wants her out of their luxury apartment and also wants to end the marriage (again, per Mrs. Smith). This type of thing happens every day with couples who decide that they no longer want to be married. But what doesn’t happen every day is when people go on YouTube and talk about the details and personal business of a marriage gone bad. Herein, is my problem.

Divorce is not new, nor is it pleasant. There are hurt feelings. There are things said. There are sometimes even things thrown. So why do people like Trisha think we want to hear about her husband’s condoms or his prescription for Viagra? I certainly don’t, so I can’t imagine what she thought she’d accomplish by doing this video.

With a staggering divorce statistic of 50%, a trend of going on YouTube to air dirty laundry certainly is not the answer. Practicing a little couth, perhaps a little discretion could actually work in a person’s favor when they go before a judge. Do you think people will consider this before they go off making YouTube videos?

Stress and Taxes: Do The Two Mix?

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 08:34:40 -0800

Today is going to be a somewhat, no a definite, stressful day for U.S. taxpayers. Meeting the tax deadline and getting the numbers right may prove to be more than most can handle. Want to reduce tax time stress?

Here are some helpful articles on tax filing, deadline information and stress reduction:

Reducing stress during tax filing time at About.com.

Tax stress relief from the IRS.

For freelancer's reporting their 1099-Misc. Income.

Tax information from the IRS.

Want to file online? Check out this site!

Tax filing FAQ's by Jackson-Hewitt.

17 tax filing resources by Office Stuffer.

A collection of great internet tax advice.

How are you coming along with your tax filing adventures? Going smooth?

Leaders Are Givers Are Leaders

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 08:04:16 -0800

Most leaders are thought to automatically be givers; not always true. Although the idea of it sounds admirable, leaders are not always givers. Phil Gerbyshak over at Slacker Manager wrote a very interesting article about Great Leaders Being Great Stewards. While I do somewhat agree with his point in theory, I tend to disagree in application. All leaders (or even the majority) are not givers. Some are just plain selfish.

Leaders sometimes want to lead for their own selfish gain. They want to be recognized for the great leadership they bring to their organizations. They want to be recognized by the media for their great contributions. They want the employees to revere them and be grateful for being allowed to work for their organizations. Think I sound a little bitter? No, I'm not. I've just seen my fair share of mediocre leaders and can spot a guise when I see one.

In order for leaders to really make an impact, they would do well to develop an unselfish attitude and show that they have genuine intentions.

How?

Start by thinking of others before yourself.

Ask people how they are doing. And mean it.

Practice charity.

See the potential in others and work to develop it.

Work with and seek to develop those with great ideas. No, brilliant ideas too.

When leaders start to embrace other things and people that don't involve them first, they are likely assured to reap boundless benefits. Respect, admiration and loyalty are some of the rewards of being selfless.

If only they could think of something else other than themselves.

Leadership And Great Speaking Are A Team

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 07:47:28 -0800

When I listen to great orators like speeches given by Barak Obama, or I listen to older speeches by Bill Clinton and even older ones given by Martin Luther King, Jr., I am looking for one trait in each of them that ties them all together. They (and other great leaders) have contributed a great deal to our society to make it better. They each have their own brand of charisma and an ability to "connect" successfully with their audience's. But there is one distinctive trait that each of them has that catches my attention. And that is great public speaking.

I am a professional speaker and am constantly searching for ways to make my speeches and presentations better. I always listen to political leader's speeches, speeches given by leaders in the technological field and even to the 5:00 p.m. news broadcasters. There is something to be gained from each one. But what I'm listening for and looking for is what makes them so great.

I believe political leaders are so successful because they generally have the pulse of the people's emotions and heartstrings to get and hold their attention while they deliver their branded and labeled opinion. But what I seem to pick up on almost immediately is the speaker's perceived sincerity and their ability to lead people. I want to see if they can lead without the prepared speeches and the tele-prompters.

Can the polished, political and perfectly prepared speaker lead without being given a demographic of his audience or being told what the income makeup of a particualr group is. Sure these things are key to giving a good speech, but a speaker who speaks from their heart is able to successfully deliver a spech to anyone at anytime, no reservation. However, this is only if it's done...from the heart.

Over the years that I have delivered speeches, I have only been successful when I felt confident and passionate about my topic. Even if the topic was particulalry boring to others, I nailed it because I felt it. By the same token, there have been times when I have failed miserably because I was trying to please everyone in my speech. Make everyone feel good and tell them what they want to hear. This doesn't make a good speech-maker nor does it make a good leader.

Are you a leader AND a public speaker? Do you think that having polished oratory skills make you an effective leader?

When Should Leaders Take Action? The UNM Dominatrix Teacher Should Have Been Dismissed

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 06:36:01 -0800

The college teacher who had her students perform certain "unethical" acts is still being allowed to teach. She is exercising her "creative writing" and showing students how to find their creative voice within. Although the university's Creative Writing Department's Director, Sharon Warner, stepped down as a protest to the university's lack of action against the professor, the university is still not taking action and still allowing this teacher to exercise "creative expression."

YouTube News Report Video

The university's executive and leadership board SHOULD take action. Although I am 100% for creative expression, that too should also have boundaries. The governing powers and ethics committee should have stepped in long before now and taken action against this type of behavior. What are they waiting on? Perhaps a lawsuit by a parent of a student or a student themselves who will say they were "sexually harassed" by this teacher. We'll see.

Do you think the university should have gotten involved or should the professor continue to express her creativity in that way?

Perry Farrell, Lollapalooza's Mastermind, Coolly Handles a Company Leak

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 08:58:11 -0800

What do you do if company information is divulged before the company is ready for the public to know?

How should a leader handle an individual in the ranks who can't keep a secret?

How can you tell if a person just has a BIG MOUTH?

The mastermind and creator behind the huge and phenomenal crowd-drawer music event, Lollapalooza, Perry Farrell had just a such problem last week dealing with a leak that got out about his concert line-up.

Event planners, like the ones who orchestrate events like Lollapalooza, are usually always having to deal with confidentiality issues. They must ensure that the right people have the right information at the right time. Event planners also take great pains to ensure that there are not "unnecessary personnel" on the planning staff or in the event building. I would venture to say that Mr. Farrell possibly had a person on staff who felt that it would be harmless or financially beneficial for them to share the Lollapalooza information with an interested media person.

Harmful? Probably not, but not feasible, yes. Mr. Farrell, as well as other event planning leaders, would do well to place people on a "NTK" basis (need to know), rather than information sharing across the board. This ensures that the excitement builds and people develop a "must see" attitude, thus soaring ticket sales.

After all, you don't want to spoil the fun for everyone, do you? Do you have a "loose mouth cannon" in your organization? How do you handle them?