January 2011

How successful leaders navigate challenging boundaries

January 28, 2011 - 20:13 -- Dr. Ada

Big Water

According to the Harvard Business Review, 71 percent of senior executives in major global companies ranked horizontal boundaries as their biggest challenge. Chris Ernst says that working across barriers of function and expertise, rather than above or below them — were the main worry of senior executives.

For leaders, during a merger, in coordinating disparate functions, in integrating a foreign division, a conversation across the fence was more effective than a "do it or else" series of commands to subordinates.

Seems that "Silo busting" has become crucial for success in today’s business world.

Lessons on Leadership from General Douglas MacArthur

January 25, 2011 - 23:51 -- Dr. Ada
GENERAL MacArthur, Introduced Democracy to Japan

A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. ~Gen. MacArthur

Douglas MacArthur was one of the finest military leaders the United States ever produced. He was an effective general, a brilliant strategist, a farsighted administrator, and a corporate leader.

Not long ago my husband and I visited the Mc Arthur Museum. Since we both admire the general greatly, it was a special treat. While there I thought a lot about lessons contemporary leaders can learn from his leadership. I’m sure there are many more, but here are the ones I thought were especially relevant today.


When in a Rush. . . Slow is Fast

January 23, 2011 - 15:55 -- Dr. Ada
Spiraling out of control

Many leaders have a tendency to keep their foot on the gas, full throttle, all the time. Their dedication to success, meeting tight deadlines, and achieving lofty goals, makes them perceive they don’t have time to slow down.

Leaders tend to forget that unless they slow down for curves and dangerous areas, they could have a wreck, find themselves running in circles, putting out fires, or creating unnecessary stress for themselves and others.. They would also miss valuable opportunities for reflecting, taking in the surroundings, and learning.