"Leading the Way"

Success in business.  This builds on my last post about the 10 "traits to success." 

Let me add to those traits and ask the following question:  "Do you know your strengths?"

The Gallup Organization has done extensive research on "strengths." 

It says to stop focusing on trying to "fix" what people are not "wired" to be.  Now, that should get your attention.

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That goes against all those years of performance appraisals -- yes, the HR requirement -- that require managers and employees to agree on weaknesses (areas of development) and an action plan for growth.  Gallup's research shows that leaders should not waste time trying to "put" in what people don't have, but, instead, spend time learning people's strengths and talents and how to grow them.  This book is superb research.  Gallup has access to data!

But how do you select the talent you need, the right talent?   This book should be bought for everyone in your organization.  If someone asked you what your strengths are and how you know, could you respond crisply and with authority?

Great organizations and their leaders now know that this is a differentiating characteristic of successful, notable and profitable organizatons.

Both of the books listed here can be read in a week.  Most importantly, when you and your senior leadership team have read them, buy copies for all your leaders and set aside a series of off-site "academies," where your entire team not only talks about the learning, but also is involved in real-world activities and experiences the learning.  This goes beyond "team building."  Bring in some world-class facilitators to help. Then, develop a culture to continue the learning on-site, so it is not a one-time, flavor-of-the-month event. 

Your public affairs, public and investor relations and marketing communications departments need your leadership...in growing the next generation of leaders.