Topic : Next Generation leadership -> How has leadership evolved with changing times , how has the styles changed , why is servant leadership more relevant in todays world.

you could create a video on this and present

How to handle a team member who is your most talented and intelligent but who also has a horrible attitude.

Mike,

Here are a couple of thoughts…

- Leadership in the age of Socialnomics
- The Art of Building TRUST
- Leadership, Be the change you want to see in the world (This Ghandi quote is an excellent cry for sound leadership…starting with the leader)

M

Hi Mike. Sounds like an interesting event and line up. How about a discussion on what leaders can do to inspire cultural innovation. Many organisations talk about the need to become more innovative and to seek game-changing improvements to their business models or business processes but they need to look at the cultural inhibitors which prevent people from committing to and exploring unpopular and industry changing ideas (tried before, not invested here, never fly in our organisation etc.) What do leaders dop to provide a safe environment for people to explore, test, try, fail, learn, review, try again etc. In many organisations influence is a function of previously proven experience (earned stripes so to speak) and people who are fresh to the organisation, with different ideals and approaches and who are less politically connected may find their ideas sqeezed out by institutional knowledge and cultural dominance. How should leaders behave to suppress this natural behaviour ?

Thanks for your suggestion, which by the way is an excellent one. If I don't use this for the video, I'll certainly use it for a future one. Thank you for your contribuiton.

Hi Jason:

This is truly something that most leaders have to address from time-to-time and a worthy suggestion. Thanks for sharing this thought.

Hi Mark:

Thanks for your suggestions…these are all excellent thoughts. I could see anyone of them serving as the foundation for a great video. As always I appreciate your thoughts. Thanks Mark.

Thanks for your comment. You make an excellent case for cultural innovation and leadership. Few places offer the potential for huge impact like a focus on creating organizational change that is healthy and sustainable. Thanks for sharing this thought.

Hi Mike-

Consider these topics:

- Legacies of Leadership – How the impact of effective leadership inspires the organization to a higher standard (ie. when leaders move on – how do other leaders step up…or not)

- Leadership tactics that Engage – How can we raise the level of employee engagement (during these dis-engaged times)

Thanks for inviting us to weigh in.

Mike,

I would particularly like someone to address the popularity of "politically correct" leadership. Let me expand. Would Churchill, Patton or their ilk have flourished in leadership today? With their straight talking, no compromise style these men, and others I am sure you can name, were at times both acerbic and intolerant. Do leaders today gravitate toward trying to please all the people all the time and consequently dilute their effectiveness? Are the leadership tomes and advisers of today becoming generic, fluffy and redundant in repeating the same mantra? (Just wanted to stir it up a bit for thoughts) Mike

Hi Jonathan:

No thanks necessary – that's what this platform is all about. I appreicate both your suggestions as they would both make great topics. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts.

No need to stir up the pot, as you are preaching to the choir on this one Dan. In fact, you might be interested in reading a previous post that I authored on this topic: http://www.n2growth.com/blog/just-say-no-to-polit... – I'd be interested in your thoughts.

Thanks for the suggestion Dan.

Mike, authenticity and transparency for better and ETHICAL business.
I am not specialist but I try to learn.
Create a work environment where we feel safe.
I recognize some time the Confusion with irrelevant facts that.
We must weak up to reality and show the good comportment.
Thank you for restoring trust in the system.

Tough to argue with that…I'm sure that these topics will be a part of whatever conversation ends-up taking place on the video…Thanks again for the suggestion.

Excellent post Mike – I particularly like this – "Politically correct thinking replaces individuality and authentic opinions with socially acceptable rhetoric and watered-down behavioral tendencies."

Leaders believe. That doesn't necessarily mean they are "right" or even hitting on the "truth" all the time. But they do believe and stand up for what they believe in. They attempt to change through their example. That's how they lead. They do not vacillate with the swings and trends of "popular opinion". This, along with an open mind to listen, learn from and entertain the possibility of equally valid, dissenting views is what makes great leaders. Politically correct is convenient and malleable – it lacks substance because it has no underlying foundation – its built on the shifting sands of opinion rather than the bedrock of values. imho

You summed it up well Dan…political correctness really boils down to opinions, emotions and agendas taking priority over the truth. It is a sad and destructive state that places the desires of a few over the needs of many. Thanks for sharing Dan.

Mike, while I agree that a great presentation could showcase the evolution of leadership over time based on circumstances and types of companies, what about creating a "how to" playbook for how new leaders (CEOs) can create a leadership style? Too often, people are either promoted or end up in the top position without the training, experience, and character that allow for effective management and strategic vision. You could create a presentation that would benefit many. Thanks for the opportunity to submit an idea – and good luck!

Okay Mike, I’ll chime in with a thought (may be too late). This topic has deeply impacted me in recent years: "defining moments" with respect to leadership influence.

Historical examples such as with world leaders like Churchill or Eisenhower are more widely known. For instance, there is a story of when General George Washington was dangerously close to losing the faith and loyalty of his officers at the close of the Revolutionary War. With a real threat of insurrection at the hands of his own men, he offered a speech as democracy hung in the balance. I truly believe there are these critical decisions, tipping points of substantial influence for every leader; some catastrophic, others pioneering. Perhaps it was a single decision to accept or reject something, or perhaps a series of events leading to a distinct stance or course of action. Maybe the defining moment was unplanned altogether. Anyway, this topic may be quite Mike relevant and provide for an interesting video. I think “defining moments” and critical decisions propel influence for every leader in every generation. What were yours?

Quoted text:
"After reading a portion of the letter with his eyes squinting at the small writing, Washington suddenly stopped. His officers stared at him, wondering. Washington then reached into his coat pocket and took out a pair of reading glasses. Few of them knew he wore glasses, and were surprised. "Gentlemen," said Washington, "you will permit me to put on my spectacles, for I have not only grown gray but almost blind in the service of my country."
In that single moment of sheer vulnerability, Washington's men were deeply moved, even shamed, and many were quickly in tears, now looking with great affection at this aging man who had led them through so much. Washington read the remainder of the letter, then left without saying another word, realizing their sentiments. His officers then cast a unanimous vote, essentially agreeing to the rule of Congress. Thus, the civilian government was preserved and the experiment of democracy in America continued."

Joe Mascia

Thanks Debbie. I appreciate your contribution and agree that this would serve as a solid outline for a great presentation. Thanks for sharing Debbie.

Hi Joe:

Powerful topic to be sure. Every leader has a defining moment, and some have more than one (redefining moments). The real question is do they happen by design or default, and is the outcome positive or negative? For what it's worth, I'm a big fan of all three leaders cited in your comment and appreciate your reference. Thanks for sharing Joe.

Thanks to everyone for their contributions. I actually received benefit from all of the thoughts expressed, so I listed all those who left comments as contributors in the screen credits. Thanks for your support.

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