In one of the most storied battles of ancient history, some 300 Spartans fought to the death to hold a rocky mountain pass in northern Greece for 3 days against over 10,000 Persian attackers in 480 B.C. Their King, Leonidas, perished with them, and the amazing thing about this display of courage is that the … Read more
In this 13-minute video, Randy MacLean and U.S. Army Major General Robert Mixon talk about how the Army uses a continuous personnel development model to prepare people for the next level job they’ll move into. This vital process is too seldom utilized in private businesses, where people unprepared for the bigger jobs flounder, hampering the … Read more
Have you ever worked for a boss who was a not a good listener? Did he or she have all the answers and for whatever reasons, didn’t solicit your ideas and feedback? Did you feel disrespected? In this toxic environment, were you empowered and encouraged to exercise initiative? Did you feel compelled to do whatever … Read more
A great book to appreciate the definition of a Level Five leader is Jim Collins’ “Good to Great”. According to Jim Collins, a Level Five leader “builds enduring greatness through a paradoxical blend of personal humility and professional will”. Chapter 2 of “Good to Great” describes in plain language the traits and characteristics of a … Read more
Productivity isn’t necessarily determined by the number of hours you work, but rather what you do with your time. Level Five leaders are experts at time management. That’s how they find time to balance the personal and professional. By being able to “create time” through good time management, they can support their families and friends, … Read more
Initiative is all-important. A hierarchical organization with diffused accountability and a lack of initiative is little more than a house of cards. Leaders can’t be afraid to take charge. Mistakes will come with the territory. The important thing is pulling together the right people for your team and creating a “bias for action” within your … Read more
