Welcome to PPL blog. The purpose of this blog is to share observations, insights and opinions regarding discovering new possibilities for ourselves and our organizations. Your comments and topic suggestions are welcome!
It's Not What You Know, But How You Think About It
There is no shortage of books and other information on effective leadership. Theories come and go, but research has given us a fairly clear picture of the traits, behaviors and attitudes of good leaders. We intuitively know a good leader when we see one, or if we are lucky enough, when we work with one.
So, in spite of all of the books, courses, workshops and conferences about leadership, how come many of us still struggle with being a good leader? …
May the Force Not Be With You
Most of the research in leadership tell us that effective leaders have a clear vision for their organization. This includes identifying desired outcomes and working with others to achieve those outcomes. All good, right? Most of the time, yes, but when could working for desired outcomes limit possibility and be potentially damaging? When we as leaders try to impose our will and force an outcome to occur; an outcome we think is the "best".
…
"Be The Change"
Between the political inaction in Washington and the institutional crises at Penn State and UC-Davis, there has been much said in the media about a lack of leadership in our most powerful institutions. As someone whose career it is to help professionals become more effective leaders, I felt compelled to respond. However, every time I started to write, I heard The Voice in the Head (please refer to two blogs ago for a full explanation of The Voice) say, "Who do you think you are? …
"Until One is Committed"
There are four root emotions: glad, sad, mad and scared. Scared is the fear of losing something and not knowing what is going to take its place. The definition of scared describes change pretty well. Whenever we commit to something, we bring about change. Committing to a person changes the nature of the relationship. Committing to a new job means that your work life will be significantly altered. …
The Voice in the Head
In The Art of Possibility, authors Roz and Ben Zander write about The Voice in the Head. Basically, this is the voice that says, "You aren't good enough." The voice says different things to each of us, but we all have it and is rooted in the fear that we aren't enough - whatever that is for you. In his presentations, Ben jokes that if you claim not to have a voice in the head, that is The Voice talking.
…
View Comments