Create an Environment for Excellence in 2020

A long time ago, Robert Rosen wrote the following in his book, Leading People, Viking Penguin, 1997: 

"People want to be led. They don't want the old authoritarian leadership style.  Nor do they want some clever new management technique. Instead, they want leaders with deeply held human values who respect people's unique talents and contributions. They want leaders who will create an environment that nurtures excellence, risk taking, and creativity. They reject intimidation or manipulation, but they positively yearn for inspiration.

Similarly, in the misguided efforts of leaders is hidden another message: leaders need followers. Leaders don't want docile, do only-as-ordered employees.  Instead, they want responsible, mature, forward-looking associates. They want partners who are as committed as they are to the success of the enterprise."

As we celebrate the end of 2019, let us focus on creating an environment for excellence in 2020. We all yearn for inspiration, meaningful work and meaningful lives.

Geery Howe, M.A. Consultant, Executive Coach, Trainer in Leadership, Strategic Planning and Organizational Change Morning Star Associates 319 - 643 - 2257

Young Leaders and Fresh Perspectives

Last week, I had the wonderful opportunity to teach and visit with the Coconino Rural Environment Corps (http://www.crecweb.org/home.php) in Flagstaff, Arizona. Promoting stewardship, encouraging personal development, and carrying on the tradition of the Civilian Conservation Corps with hard work, dedication and pride, the Crew Supervisors, Assistant Crew Supervisors, and the various office staff that guide and support them, work with youth ages 15 to 18 and young adults, aged 18 to 25, who are interested in environmental, resource conservation and land management related careers. Through direct, hands-on service work such as trail construction and maintenance, or forest restoration for wildfire fuels reduction and forest health, the Crew Supervisors and their Assistant Crew Supervisors spend eight days out in the field doing hard physical labor with AmeriCorps volunteers. Hot, dirty and physically demanding, I listened and learned from these inspiring young leaders about compassionate professionalism.

Over the course of the day, it became clear to all of us gathered that effective leaders do not create followers; they create partners. They accomplish this by proactively building on the unique strengths and talents of each of their people. As Marcus Buckingham in his book, The One Thing You Need to Know ... About Great Managing, Great Leading, and Sustained Individual Success, Free Press, 2005, wrote: “great managing is not about transformation - if you dedicate yourself to transforming each employee into some predetermined perfect version of the role, you will wind up frustrating yourself and annoying the employee. Great managing is about release. It is about constantly tweaking the world so the unique contribution, the unique needs, the unique style of each employee can be given free rein.”

While the world may seem turbulent, troublesome and divided this week, I can assure all of you that after visiting last week with the young leaders and those that support them, I came away feeling hopeful and inspired. Through their dedication and hard work, the world will be a better place for all of us. If you have the time and energy this week, I encourage you to seek out young leaders in your organization and to visit with them. They are an amazing group of people.

Geery Howe, M.A.Consultant, Executive Coach, Trainer inLeadership, Strategic Planning and Organizational ChangeMorning Star Associates319 - 643 - 2257

Spring 2011 From Vision to Action Executive Roundtable Reminder

Difficulties abound this winter. The weather, the economy, state funding, federal regulation. You name it and some one is struggling with it. Thus, many executives are feeling frustrated and overwhelmed.

Still, there are some who are quite hopeful and looking forward to 2011. They see potential and possibilities. They see recovery and important strategic decisions to be made.

Whatever the pathway before you, we all know that the first six months of 2011 involve major strategic choices. We also know that in a rapidly evolving strategic environment two heads are better than one - that is two or more people coming to a decision is always better than just an individual decision. Therefore, dialogue and partnership are mission critical. When difficulties abound, isolation is not the solution.

To help you and your team with the challenges of 2011, I want to remind you of the early bird special for the 2011 From Vision to Action Executive Roundtable which ends on Friday, January 28,

If you sign up between now and then, and submit payment, if possible, before 1/28/11, the price will be $ 275.00 for the two days and $ 175.00 for a single day. Here is the link to the registration form: http://www.chartyourpath.com/pdf/2011-From-Vision-To-Action-Exec-Roundtable-Regist.pdf

After 1/28/11, the registration price will be $ 295.00 for the two days and $ 195.00 for a single day.

Here is the key details for your review.

Date: April 14 -15, 2011

Location: Coralville Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Coralville, Iowa

Agenda:

Thursday: April 14, 2011

- 8:30 am - Registration

- 9:00 am - 10:15 am - The Four Leadership Mistakes We Keep Making

- 10:15 am - 10:30 am - Break

- 10:30 am - 12:00 pm - Positioning For the Future Growth

- 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm - Lunch and Networking

- 1:30 pm - 2:45 pm - Breaking Down Silos & Building Bridges

- 2:45 pm - 3:00 pm - Break

- 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm - Consensus and Decision-making

- 4:30 pm - Adjourn

Friday: April 15, 2011

- 9:00 am - 10:15 am - The Problem With Corporate Success

- 10:15 am - 10:45 am - Break and Hotel Check-out

- 10:45 am - 12:00 pm - Integration and Application

- 12:00 pm - Adjourn

I know for many these days are quite challenging and complex. I also know that in-depth dialogue with extremely talented people can make a world difference.

I look forward to hearing from you today and to your participation in the 2011 Spring From Vision to Action Executive Roundtable.

Geery Howe, M.A.Consultant, Executive Coach, Trainer inLeadership, Strategic Planning and Organizational ChangeMorning Star Associates319 - 643 - 2257