Between the Lines

This past weekend we watched the acclaimed performance of Meryl Streep in The Iron Lady, the movie depicting Margaret Thatcher’s life. As most of you probably know, the movie is a series of flashbacks from the Prime Minister’ life and her impact on history. Her life story is remarkable on many levels. I took away four quotations from the movie, which I believe to be applicable to each of our lives today, and wanted to share with my readers.

A few years ago I wrote a piece entitled: ‘Truth, Trust and Transparency – where is the line for you?” This post was extremely popular amongst my clients. Not surprisingly, the topic of transparency in leadership continues to be in the forefront of business leaders’ minds. What are we talking about?

With all the everyday pressures of our careers, some wonder why even hire a leadership coach? It may appear to be ‘just more thing’ on a long list of ‘to do’s. In fact, not too long ago, executives who hired an executive or leadership coach were looked down upon as ones that were on their way out.

That was, and still is, obsolete thinking.

There are many reasons that have helped raise the profile of the leadership development industry. Yet, what can a person really hope to gain from work with a leadership consultant or coach?

I believe in the power of stories. In fact, as many of you know, my first book is a compilation of stories of the people I have met along my journey who have taught me so much just through living their lives and how they intersected with mine. Each and every one of us haev the opportunity to learn and teach through our lives. It was incredible to read in The New York Times, the perspective of a world-class CEO and his integration of stories into day to day business.

Trust can often been an illusive component in business. We have all been privvy to empty conversations, vapid meetings, and glad-handing all void of true trust in the other person/persons in the room. From what many of my clients share, the pervasiveness of social media and technology in business can help or hinder trust in an organization. So, what can we as leaders do to foster a culture of trust in our organizations and between our teams?

Being ‘in the zone’. You know exactly what I am talking about. Being in the ‘zone’ or in the ‘flow’ could be described as a state of being where our attentions, our motivation, and our situation intersect creating a state of productive harmony. We are at our peak – in every way. It is a state [...]

We can learn something from everyone – of this I am certain. Many of you know how diligently I follow the New York Times column, “The Corner Office”. Recently, Amy Astley, editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue, was his executive interview. Her philosophy is interesting and current. What are folks looking for from today’s workforce and budding executive ranks?

Recently I overheard someone say to another business colleague, “This isn’t about a relationship, per se. This is just a deal – we need to close the deal! Keep your eye on the prize.”

As I listened, I experienced what I can only describe as a visceral reaction.

Many of my clients have voiced concern relative to lack of accountability in their company, school or non-profit organizations. They lament to me about lack of ownership, true buy-in from their teams, and taking responsibility for the end game throughout the organization. What’s up with that?

The Academy Awards last week were full of amazing moments, as they almost always are. One interview from that evening particularly struck me. Tony Bennett, the very successful artist as measured by many standards, shared a perspective from which can all learn.