Continuous Improvement
An interesting article, very interesting responses and perhaps a catalyst to initiate change. Vent first, then roll up the sleeves and work toward the solution. I agree with your "Generating Solutions" post: "?morph into positive, actionable material".
Weak leadership skills are not the exclusive domain of the Executive. My career has afforded me the opportunity to wear many hats; from tech to senior manager but the hat I enjoyed most was that of change agent, the ?Quality guy?; helping companies from hi-tech to heavy manufacturing explore leadership and learn the strengths that build cohesive teams. And one constant throughout all those industries: effective leadership and motivation skills and are an undervalued commodity at all levels of North American industries. It is a fact of human behavior, that we observe and emulate our leaders. If my manager behaves a certain way, then I better darn well learn to behave in that manner if I wish to be successful here. Leadership starts with the CEO and permeates down through the ranks. Good and bad, we learn from above, and I would give odds that the managers who have offered these constructive criticisms have themselves been at times guilty of similar conduct.
The good news is help is available. We can learn how to lead and motivate. There are professional organizations such as American Management Association who promote and provide education for advanced leadership skills. Our challenge is not how to change, it is when to change. Where will we begin motivating our leadership to value and promote those skills that serve to make us a more effective and cohesive team from the top down?
Great leaders = Great company = Great success = Great economy. It all begins with our leaders.
Cheers
