Confidence can be attractive – even magnetic. I am not referring to false bravado or pious smugness. I mean real confidence – centered and fully aligned self-assurance. We have all met and worked with those individuals who exude power. While we are growing and coming into our own as professionals and leaders, how can we look and sound powerful while we are getting there?
This past weekend my dear friend and I went to our first Dallas Symphony Orchestra performance of the season. The most amazing experience was due to the featured concert pianist Joaquin Achucarro’s performance of Schumann’s Concerto in A Minor. This gifted musician stunned and thrilled the audience, like many have not experienced for many years – if ever. There are 4 salient takeaways I observed that evening which can be applied to any leader or individual wanting to achieve and contribute at their highest level.
I work with many clients who are struggling on how often to tweet, post to Facebook, or even what to include in their LinkedIn profile. Many wonder how to ‘align’ their public persona on the Internet with who they are, what they want, and how they wish to be perceived; especially those senior executives in large Fortune 500 companies who are unsure if they even need to have an online social presence, and if so, what should they include and how should they move forward? Me too…it can be daunting and a real time-sink.
Have you ever been talking to someone and felt they were not really listening to you? Perhaps their eyes glaze over, they are constantly checking their Iphone or they are frantically writing something down so they will be prepared to ‘interject’ and interrupt with their own juicy bit of insight or knowledge. To say this is frustrating, and often insulting, is an understatement. As leaders, one of the most important yet least applied skills is the art of listening. What does that ‘art’ look like?
Bull & Bear Essentials offers an excellent list of top ten tips for success in life. These tips were consolidated from a series of interviews which Barbara Walters conducted with four billionaires. Those who have heard me speak over the past few years and/or read my blogs will recognize some familiar themes. I have highlighted those which resonate with a few key points from my recently published book, “Is This Seat Taken?”
Over the past few weeks, there have been front cover articles on two of the world’s most powerful women: Condoleezza Rice and Hillary Clinton. These leaders serve from opposite sides of the political arena, yet, I believe that they possess several of the same leadership qualities which have no doubt served them well. What can we learn from them?
Newsweek published a fabulous article on Steve Jobs’ creative genius a few months ago. The top 10 tips from his playbook follow. They are very insightful, and can be helpful for any of us embarking upon a opportunity which commands “out of box” thinking and management of a creative process. These tips are not for every situation within an organization; however, when trying to stimulate and inspire new “green field” ideas, they are spot on…
What really is the ‘X’ factor in business? We all know there is one – it is that “thing” that successful executives and leaders have that simply sets them apart from the pack. It is more than just solid performance, track records, and business acumen. It is that extra “something.”
Our world is facing indisputable and daunting challenges. When we bring these issues home – to our own organizations, teams, and personal scenarios – they become even more real. Our security, on every level – our freedoms, our financial well being, the future for our children, and our own professional directions – stands at risk. Today I talk about how passionate curiosity, battling hardened confidence, team smarts, a simple mindset, and fearlessness play a role in leading change and achieving success.
Many of you are contemplating new positions in your current organizations, exiting from existing companies to other related fields, and even going out on your own to try your hand in an entrepreneurial stint. The reasons for your changes are vast. Regardless of the reason why you are embarking upon change, this question invariably comes up:
“Now, what do I really want to do?!”