Thursday, May 15, 2008

Leaders are Being Tested

Interesting day! I've had a few conversations with potential Ross Results, Inc., clients today, and I am always amazed at how predictable personalities can be during times of stress. People are cutting cost and not thinking of professional development and organization. It is so easy to get polarized.

Very often certain personality types get to a position of responsibility and become “visionary” in the growth mode when there is a product offering that is making a killing in the market. They look like geniuses managing a company. The stark reality is that during a boom time, many people look good and take themselves seriously - when in truth, it is often in spite of their efforts that success prevails.

To my way of looking at things, it is wrong to think of your "great leadership skills" when business is great. It is similar to thinking that you have a handle on marriage before the honeymoon is over.

Now is the time to develop organizations. It is a time to invest in our workforce from top to bottom. Retreat is easy, operating from vision and pushing aside the natural personality traits which defeat us is what is needed when leading in turbulent times.

While there is always merit to retreating to fight another day, you need to focus on regrouping with a development plan to move forward.

Personal and professional development, learning how to inspire, and selecting and articulating value is critical to all of our futures - let's not loose sight of this in today's business climate.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Lead, don't wait for the polls:

If business or families were to operate the way our primary elections have been going nothing could get done until the media has had at it for a while, and then the journalists have had a back and forth.

Imagine a new product launch that was the result of millions of dollars of research and years of study. It could be derailed simply by asking a ridiculous question which would only require a ridiculous answer. The shareholders would then hold the business managers in contempt and the product offering would be compromised before it ever had a chance.

For that matter, imagine if things like family vacations and homes to live in were chosen by what the media asks each parent before they do it. Could you see it now? Media, “I understand you chose a beach vacation with your family, how would you feel if the children got skin cancer and do you know if it is wise to go near water. It is our understanding that people can drown in water? If that were to happen, what would that do to future plans and are you ready to make that decision? "

Our obsession with news media is becoming the news.

Hilary Clinton was asked, “What would you do if Iran attacked Israel with a nuclear weapon? What would you do if you were president? "

No matter what answer she gave, she could be second guessed. Should she have said that we would not be happy? Should she have said we will go to the UN? No, the only answer is if Iran or any other country starts a preemptive nuclear strike that the US response would be unfathomable! Any other answer would be unacceptable.

However, it has given the media and Barak something to speak about and it all came from the absurd question asked by the media to begin with.

Does anyone else see how we are perverting the system to our own detriment!

About Me

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Founder/CEO Ross Results, Inc. - Richard is an executive mentor, coach, an executive leader, and clinical therapist and has held Chief "C"- Level leadership positions with private, public, and not for profit, technology and service organizations. He has stewarded organizations through joint ventures, mergers, acquisitions, integrations, and ultimately, cultural transformations, both domestically and internationally. This global exposure has guided his professional skills with respect and insight into diversity in the workplace. Richard, in addition to providing performance coaching/mentoring, is a keynote motivational speaker, facilitates senior level workshops, and leadership retreats. Additionally, Richard serves on committees and corporate advisory boards in support of our National Defense and Homeland Security. In 1998 he founded Ross Results, Inc., an idea born in his early days in Corporate America.