leadership

Left Hand Right Hand: Balanced Leadership

April 2, 2015

Left Hand – Right Hand: Balanced Leadership

Miles O’Brien (200×133)” width=”150″ height=”133″ />Miles O’Brien woke up and sensed that his left arm was there. But when he looked down, it was gone…amputated during surgery as a result of a freak injury several days prior. He wondered how he would provide for his family and perform little but important daily functions that we take for granted. As an award-winning science journalist and CNN contributor he traveled extensively, and was an active sports enthusiast. So what would his life be like now? Rather than retreat into the shadows, he dove into the rehabilitation process and challenged his occupational therapists and prosthetist to help him find ways to continue his normal activity level. They quickly responded and helped him to fulfill his plans of traveling to the Artic, including camping for 4 days on the Denali ice sheet, and riding his bicycle 300 miles across Michigan in two days. But to do so they had to outfit him with equipment and prostheses to replace his arm. He couldn’t function without a workaround strategy to replace that arm, because his body, and our bodies, needs two arms for balance. (more…)

The Mighty Ones

August 31, 2014

Priscilla Archangel

Capability, Results

The Mighty Ones

The applause was deafening. The congratulations overwhelmed your email box. The press clippings were glowing. Everyone was buzzing, because your recent product launch was successful. Last quarter’s earnings beat even the analysts’ predictions. The company’s stock price was up 15%. Operating costs were down, and sales volumes were number one in the industry.

So how do you follow that act? All of this excitement doesn’t build a platform upon which to rest. Instead it forms a bar, higher than the last one, over which you must hurdle. After all, the stockholders expect more earnings. Customers expect better products. Employees expect more career opportunity. And so it goes. How do you manage all of these expectations for continuous improvement against the best strategy for the company’s growth? How do you compete for market dominance without succumbing to market vulnerabilities?

This is the pivotal point. The choices you make will become either a stepping stone to greater success, or the rock that trips up your company, your team, or your own leadership success. Companies and people don’t automatically enter a “safe” zone when they reach a measure of accomplishment. But in some cases, their behavior suggests that they think their momentum can’t be stopped.

You’ve heard the saying, “the higher you climb, the harder you fall.” While that doesn’t necessarily have to be the case, in the midst of success, it’s important to remain grounded; like holding onto a guardrail.

Jim Collins, author of the best-selling books Good to Great and Built to Last, provides an explanation on how once-mighty companies fall. He highlights five stages in his book How the Mighty Fall: And Why Some Companies Never Give In.

Hubris born of success. Here an organization or team exhibits extreme pride and arrogance based on past accomplishments.
Undisciplined pursuit of more. Companies in this stage overreach, become obsessed with growth, and fail to manage the process and pace effectively, ultimately undermining their long-term value.
Denial of risk and peril. By this stage, companies are so caught up in successes that they become blind to the possibilities of failure.
Grasping for salvation. This is the moment where the company’s decisions lead to new life or certain death.
Capitulation to irrelevance or death. At this point organizations are spiraling out of control and either give in to certain death, or shrink into irrelevance.

So how does one avoid this death spiral, whether within your team, your organization or for your own leadership abilities? Here are a few tips from my playbook.

Build a culture of humility. Keep the focus on the value you provide to your customers; and the “why” of your organization. What’s the impact if you cease to exist? It’s really not all about your company. It’s about the value you provide to others. This is a giving mentality, where long term relationships, integrity and quality products or services are most important; instead of a getting mentality, where there’s constant pressure on the customer to buy.
Find your truth teller. Unfortunately, some leaders surround themselves with other leaders who will tell them what they want to hear. Or they don’t create a culture where their team feels comfortable fully informing them about business issues. Make sure you surround yourself with people who are encouraged and willing to speak up and say the difficult things or raise questions that may be contrary to the prevailing direction.
Strike your balance. If you try to be all things to all customers; if you overreach in too many different directions, you lose your balance and end up grasping for a lifeline. A tightrope walker is constantly shifting his weight to keep his center of mass above his feet. This alignment is critical in your organization or team to ensure stability between competing priorities.
Exhibit learning leadership. Only when the leader of the team demonstrates a continual desire to learn, to admit faults and deficiencies, and to seek input from the entire team and others outside the company, will others in the organization follow suit.
Master discipline. Establish a system that produces results, and keep repeating it. Measure the right factors. Ensure team members are learning agile and will support the culture. Focus on a consistent vision. Stick to what works.

Note that these recommendations have nothing to do with functional or technical skills. You can hire individuals on your team to fulfill those roles. This has everything to do with pure leadership; influencing others to move forward in the right direction, based on the right decisions. These are important steps in building a “mighty” organization. So, are you a “mighty” leader?

Leadership in the Midst of Tragedy

September 4, 2011

Priscilla Archangel

Faith Based Leadership

Leadership in the Midst of Tragedy

One decade ago at the age of 44, Jimmy Dunne reports that he was the “happiest guy in the world”. Sandler O’Neill, the boutique investment firm he ran with two partners, one his mentor and the other his best friend, was very profitable. Their office in the World Trade Center employed 171 people. An avid and skilled golfer, he was on the golf course and contemplating his exit from the business when an airplane hit their building. SandlerO’Neill’s Journey From Ground Zero in the September 5^th issue of Fortune Magazine describes how Jimmy, as the only surviving senior leader of the company, moved through this difficult period and exhibited profound leadership in the midst of tragedy. He focused the remaining 60% of the members of his team on rebuilding a stronger company. Though he lost many of his key staffers along with their institutional knowledge and all of the firm’s data, he was able to convince experts from other firms to join or support him in regaining their professional footing. Sandler O’Neill’s annual revenues and profits have now multiplied and staffing has doubled since that time.

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Tragedy That Transforms

How you respond in the midst of a tragedy, particularly one of epic proportions can mean the difference between life and death for individuals and organizations. Survivors of 9/11, those who narrowly missed being in their normal place at the wrong time, and family members of those who were killed, have told stories of how the experience changed their values, their work, and their family relationships. Some married the love of their lives, others discovered their true calling and changed careers, and still others started businesses based on discovering the things that they loved to do. Many found ways to give of themselves to others. They found ways to do good by doing well. These are the people who were able to constructively move forward, learning from the experience, reflecting on their past to build a more relevant present and future. Others sadly were frozen by the experience, as it shattered their core and covered them with guilt for escaping when others did not.

Individuals who were able to survive a tragedy like this, to regain their footing and re-build on their life altering experiences took specific actions.

Focus – They identified a goal and worked toward it. They threw their energy into repairing what was broken, restoring what was lost, and recreating a new future for those around them.
Future – They acknowledged the past but didn’t live in it. They permitted themselves to move beyond grief to growth.
Family and Friends – They reexamined values and drew closer to family and friends, building stronger relationships, and caring for others more.
Faith – They renewed their faith in others and in God.

In short, they led themselves and others forward with bravery and boldness. If someone had told one of the survivors that they could achieve more by pushing through tragedy, no one would not have signed up for it. No one would have ever wished for such tragedy in their lives. But realistically we all will have tragedy of some sort in our lives. The question is what we do as a result of it, and how it shapes us.

God’s Love in the Midst of Tragedy

Romans 5:3-4 reminds us, that tribulation in our lives “produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Withstanding tribulation, tragedy, persecution or burdens will result in patience, endurance, and fortitude. This strength in turn builds a measure of character that can only come from experience. That experience builds confidence and a pleasurable expectation of hope for your future. And that hope is founded in the certain knowledge of God’s love for us.

Faith Centered Leaders bring others with them on the journey of learning from tragedy and building a stronger future. The more life changing the tragedy, the greater opportunity for growth. None of us are promised smooth sailing throughout our lives. We are however promised that the love of God will carry us through any tragedy that may occur. Romans 5:5 tells us that we won’t be disappointed as we experience the love of God poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, our Comforter.

Whatever tragedy you may experience in your life, step up and lead yourself and others through it, to experience God’s amazing love.

Scriptures are New King James Version

In The Spotlight

July 17, 2011

Priscilla Archangel

Faith Based Leadership

In The Spotlight

Robert Gates retired as U. S. Defense Secretary at the end of June.He served in the position for four and a half years, initially appointed by President George W. Bush, then asked to continue to serve by President Barack Obama.He held this role during a period of continuing wars and turmoil in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and other Middle East countries.

The Wall Street Journal (click here to read) reports that when he assumed the role, Gates said he had never read a management book, but he developed an effective management style over time based on showing respect to the generals who reported to him, and holding them accountable for their performance.He wasn’t afraid to tackle issues head on. For example, when Army leaders criticized the media for their reports of substandard treatment of wounded soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, he fired the Army secretary. When the Air Force failed to properly oversee the U.S. nuclear arsenal, he forced the resignation of the Air Force secretary and chief of staff.He reportedly encouraged discussion and input from his team but wasn’t afraid to make decisions at the end of the meetings and expect everyone to follow them.Gates also learned the importance of symbols and symbolic gestures through his early days studying the Kremlin as an analyst with the CIA.This perspective of understanding organizations shaped his management approach in his later years when he assumed a leadership role.

Gates wise behavior as the military leader of a powerful nation in the midst of overwhelming challenges and under two political parties reminds me of David, a military leader who served under King Saul of Israel.

Too Much Drama

Such was David’s life when he skyrocketed to popularity after killing Goliath, a giant who had taunted the Israelites for the past 40 days. With this bold act of leadership and bravery, David quickly went from shepherd over his father’s flock, to soldier. He achieved sudden recognition with the king and the people, and everyone was talking about him. The media of that day, women celebrating in the streets, sang his praises.

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Saul then brought David onto his staff and placed him in charge of the army. David became a statesman going wherever Saul sent him, faithfully doing his bidding.All the people, along with Saul’s leadership team highly respected David, and thought he was a better leader than Saul himself.It was obvious to them that David had the favor of God, while Saul had lost it.Even Saul’s son Jonathan became David’s best friend, willing to give up his right to succeed his father on the throne because he knew that God’s will was that David become king.

David was also a skillful musician, and in the past his music soothed and relaxed Saul when he became tense and agitated. But eventually Saul’s jealousy of David’s increasing fame grew to the point that he plotted to take David’s life.Saul unsuccessfully attempted to kill him by throwing his spear at him. Then he invited David to become his son-in-law in exchange for fighting the enemy army, but David and his men were strong and valiant, winning the battle.

David was between the proverbial rock and a hard place. In spite of his high position and favor with the people, the king hated him and continually tried to kill him. But throughout all of this drama, David behaved wisely in all his ways.He was wiser than all of Saul’s staff members.

…He presided over the business of the country and the army.

…He was obedient and respectful to Saul, even though he knew that Saul wanted to take his life.

…He didn’t try to undermine his leader, or take unfair advantage of his position.

…He led with integrity.

What About You?

Imagine yourself suddenly catapulted to recognition among your peers because you performed an act of bravery, exhibited exemplary leadership, or your unique gifts and talents were discovered by those who valued them.Such fame doesn’t come without its problems and challenges, and your ability to sustain your role will be impacted by how you handle these pressures.

….The spotlight of leadership makes you a target for personal and professional attacks.

….The spotlight of leadership exposes your underlying motivations.

….The spotlight of leadership tests your accountability to the God who positioned you there.

….The spotlight of leadership checks your responsibility to the people whom you serve.

It seems that every day, the news media reports on some leader who failed the scrutiny of the spotlight: a leader who failed to act with integrity, credibility, accountability, and appropriate responsibility. What about you? No matter its size or scope, are you prepared to behave wisely in your leadership role?Are you prepared to lead in a way that pleases God instead of trying to please men? What will the spotlight uncover about you?

Are You Prepared…Really?

March 22, 2011

Priscilla Archangel

Faith Based Leadership

Are You Prepared…Really?

The catastrophic events that began a week ago in Japan; an earthquake followed by a tsunami, and now a potential nuclear meltdown spreading radioactive gases, have left many people glued to various forms of the news media as they try to comprehend the magnitude of it all. The disaster has impacted not just those living in the areas hardest hit, but it has rippled throughout the entire country, and even the world. We don’t yet know the death toll, but hundreds of thousands are said to be living in shelters, and the emotional and physical effects will unfold for years to come.

These events impact the global supply chain as well, since Japan manufactures components used in consumer electronics and automotive products (to name a few) used across the world.Companies are now assessing the impact to their manufacturing processes and short term sales, and taking steps to mitigate potential financial losses.

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As I watch the events unfold day by day, my mind keeps going to the issue of being prepared.The Japanese have reportedly been diligent about taking precautions in the event of an earthquake.But it’s improbable that they would have anticipated a triple disaster, or could have done enough to adequately prepare for it.

Disaster planning occurs in every area of our lives.Companies develop emergency plans for restoring business operations, retaining and accessing data, and continuing to service customers.Governments prepare secure war rooms and develop strategic military plans. Municipalities prepare to provide basic services to residents like food, water and shelter in the event of a crisis.But what about economic crises, financial crises, military crises, or environmental crises?We’ve had all of these in the past five years, at levels that exceeded our expectations of how critical the impact of these situations could be.

So how should we effectively prepare for a potential crisis or disaster?Preparedness is a result of appropriately:

Assessing the risks – Almost everyone impacted by recent disasters thought that it might be possible, but it wasn’t probable. So assume that it can happen.What are the risks if you’re not prepared?

Assuming the resources – Most disaster recovery plans assume the availability of electrical power at some point, or clean water and air, or that transportation is available, or that people will act rationally.What are your assumptions and what if they aren’t realistic?

Accumulating the reserves – Start now to develop plans to gather provisions to make it through the crisis.That might mean accumulating financial reserves, developing emergency plans, identifying operating alternatives, or gathering provisions. What materials should you prepare now to have on hand?

Acting responsibly – Your behavior at the time of a crisis can have a positive impact on others as you exhibit faith in God, and allow His peace to rule your spirit. Can you give your fears to Him?

Acknowledging reality – Denial of the magnitude and impact will exacerbate the problem.Often people delay in responding because they fear overreacting. It’s generally important to be ready to take action quickly. Can you take every event seriously?

But the most important area of our lives where we need to be prepared is in our spirit. We’re in the days that Jesus spoke of where we’ll experience wars and rumors of wars, earthquakes, famines, plagues, and nations fighting against one another (Matt 24:6-7, Mark 13:7-8, Luke 21:9-11).Whether we’re directly impacted by crises, or asked to help others in crises, we all will face the moment of understanding where we will spend eternity. The best thing we can do is settle that matter in advance by committing our lives to Christ. Unfortunately, many people live for today, and don’t plan for their eternal future, or they don’t believe in Jesus Christ. They fail to assess the risks correctly.

Others assume they will have time to commit their lives to Him when they’re finished doing what they want to do.They’ll make a “just in time” decision.These people fail to properly assume the resources that will be available to them.

Still others fail to strengthen themselves spiritually by accumulating the proper reserves, such as knowledge, wisdom, and developing a closer relationship with Christ, to make it through the times of crises. Instead they fall away from Christ when challenges come into their personal lives, not realizing that this is the time to press in closer to Him.

Those who act responsibly and draw near to Christ will indeed find that He’s a present help in a time of trouble.As they act responsibly, they allow the peace of God to rule their hearts, they find rest in Him.

And finally, individuals who acknowledge reality understand the context of such disasters, and the perilous times of these last days (II Timothy 3:1). They understand the seriousness of their behavior and press in to Him, to hear and obey all that He has called them to do.

So each of us must assess our level of preparedness.Are we really ready for what may lie ahead?

Left Hand Right Hand: Balanced Leadership

The Mighty Ones

The Mighty Ones

Leadership in the Midst of Tragedy

Leadership in the Midst of Tragedy

In The Spotlight

In The Spotlight

Are You Prepared…Really?

Are You Prepared…Really?

Leadership Tips