Environment and Introverts--Cain

Susan Cain wrote a excellent book entitled Quiet:  The Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking (New York, Crown Publisher, 2012).  She examines the difference between introverts and extroverts, in terms of physiology, behavior, and preferences.

Here is an except about how acknowledging your tendencies can be used to develop your environment..

"Imagine how much better you'll be at this sweet-spot game once you're aware of playing it.  You can set up your work, your hobbies, and your social life so that you spend as much time inside your sweet spot as possible.  People who are aware of their sweet spots have the power to leave jobs that exhaust them and start new and satisfying businesses.  They can hunt  for homes based on the temperaments of their family members--with cozy window seats and other nooks and crannies for the introverts, and large, open living-dining  space for extroverts."

Character Outweighs Statements--Emerson

In discussing the importance of character Principle-Centered Leadership, Stephen Covey uses a great quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson

"What you are shouts so loud in my ears I cannot hear what you say."

This is so true.  Many followers become skeptical about their leaders because of the character traits they exhibit.

The statement "lead by example" is over used.  It is useful, however, for leaders to self-examine their character and their actions.  When you ask your team to push for a goal, are you pushing with them and supporting them.  Do you have the same high standard of ethics in the office and at home as you expect your team members to have.

Leadership and Service--Quotes

Many feel that the key to leadership is service to others.  In his leadership blog, John Maxwell provided a list of outstanding quotes on service.

Here is the link to the posting:  http://johnmaxwellonleadership.com/2013/01/08/quotes-on-service/

Two quotes really stood out for me.

“Service is the measure of greatness; it always has been true; it is true today, and it always will be true, that he is greatest who does the most of good. Nearly all of our controversies and combats grow out of the fact that we are trying to get something from each other–there will be peace when our aim is to do something for each other. The human measure of a human life is its income; the divine measure of a life is its outgo, its overflow–its contribution to the welfare of all.” ~ William Jennings Bryan

“The purpose of life is not to win. The purpose of life is to grow and to share. When you come to look back on all that you have done in life, you will get more satisfaction from the pleasure you have brought into other people’s lives than you will from the times that you outdid and defeated them.” ~ Harold Kushner

In particular, I like the comment by Bryan that "nearly all of our controversies and combats grow out of the fact that we are trying to get something from each other."  Many leaders and projects are severely hampered by the mindset of "what is in it for me."

Mixing Personal Money with Company Money--Finkelstein

When one starts studying insurance, real estate, or other financial fields, one concept that is stressed is do not co-mingle funds.  Company money, client money, and personal money stays separate.

Looking at bad judgement by leaders is often a way to consider what Leadership Principles should lead to alternate decisions.  Recently on the Nightly Business Report, Professor Sydney Finkelstein of Dartmouth reviewed the worst four CEO's of 2012.

One CEO who stands out is Aubrey McClendon of Chesapeake Energy (NYSE:CHK). He had a large personal loan from the company as well as he was running a hedge fund in addition to being the head of Chesapeake. 

Tracking the Nation’s Top Four Worst CEOs | Dec 26, 2012 - NBR | Nightly Business Report

One of John Maxwell's Laws of Leadership deals with Sacrifice.  A leader should give up as they rise in the organization.  A top level leaders should not be about perks.  It should be about how to serve.