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© 2010, © 2011 LARRY BROUGHTON, All rights reserved.
Tom Davin (Former CEO Panda Restaurant Group, and former COO of Taco Bell Corporation) shared with me some details on his leadership approach during adverse times. He reminds us, in this short video, of the importance of unwarranted optimism, and that no plan survives contact with the enemy.
Click video to view.
What’s your leadership style during adverse times?
Perhaps during no other time, since the start of the industrial revolution, has every segment of society called out for a new brand of leadership. The current “economic repression” (it looks like a recession, but feels like a depression) has affirmed that the New Market Economy requires a new brand of leadership. Most folks understand that what got us here, won’t get us where we need to be. We’re now experiencing dynamic socioeconomic, political, and cultural conditions; and it’s in our best interest to transform…or wither away.
Okay, Larry, that’s harsh…and easier said than done. How do we get from here to there? Well, the answer lies within. It’ll take nothing less than transformational leadership. Now, I’m not one of those pitchfork carrying, torch toting folks who declare, “Throw the bums out!” I believe people (including our business and political leaders (who are too often portrayed with blood-dripping fangs)) can be transformed – and transform the social and corporate culture along the way. I swear it’s possible. I’ve seen it in organizations, both large and small.
By definition, transformational leadership is the process of leaders and their teams engaging in the shared process of lifting one another to higher levels of values, motivation and integrity. As a result, the bar is raised for stakeholders, and becomes attractive to like-minded top achievers.
So, here are some Keys of Transformational Leadership: 
1. Create and Memorialize Your Organization’s Vision: Transformational Leadership begins with the establishment of a team (principals, leaders, and team members) authored vision that captures a view of the future and invigorates those in the organization.
2. Market Your Vision: Transformational leaders invest (monetarily and emotionally) to promote their vision of change, innovation & growth. Personal integrity and the ability to build trust with clients, investors, and team members is vital to the success of marketing your new vision.
Stay tuned for more Keys of Transformational Leadership.
Thanks to the insanely talented Darrell Fursaro for the use of the awesome cartoon. See more amazing work by Darrell by clicking here.
If you’re interested in learning how we can help you and your organization embrace Transformational Leadership, shoot me a message. We’ve helped solopreneurs, privately held organizations, non-profits, Fortune 100 firms, and even The Pentagon transform.
When leaders lack self-awareness and self-acceptance, not only is their career in peril, so too is the future of the organization. Possessing any of these fatal flaws makes it nearly impossible to be an effective leader. Do you know a leader who posses any of these fatal flaws? Does that leader happen to be you?
1. Inability to learn from mistakes
2. Lack of core interpersonal skills
3. Inability to collaborate or be open to new/different ideas
4. Lack of accountability
5. Lack of initiative
6. A lack of enthusiasm
7. Acceptance of mediocre results
8. A lack direction and vision
9. Poor judgment
10. Failure to develop others
Recognizing a flaw is the first step towards effective leadership; taking action to improve, however, is a journey to significance.
During a recent Q&A session after a keynote address I had given to a group of CEOs, a very well dressed, handsome man in his mid-50s raised his hand. I had noticed him a few times during my 60 minute talk, because rather than having that look of engagement that I thrive on, he sat back in his chair with his arms crossed and just stared at me (kind of like the staring matches you’d have in kindergarten …sounds paranoid, huh?). Have you ever seen those guys who, you just know, are going to ask questions in an attempt to stump the speaker–or just make the speaker squirm? Well, that was the confident, no B.S. vibe I got after I pointed to him and he approached the microphone.
So, here is what he said: “Sure, you say that CEOs need to develop environments of integrity, trust and compassion in their companies. Easier said then done! How do you expect a company that has not had that culture to change?” I have to admit, what flashed in my mind was to either fake a severe coughing spell, and excuse myself from the stage, or to say “Ummm, I don’t know. Next question!”
What actually came out of my mouth was one word, “Courage.“ I remained silent for a a couple of seconds (to figure out what I was going to say next, just for theatrical punctuation, of course) and continued on: “It’s courage that provides the wisdom to be humble. With courage, we dare to take risks–risk is a key ingredient in success. Courage helps us drive-on in the face of lingering doubt and bad economic environments. It sustains us on our journey towards our dreams and visions; and allows us to care more deeply and communicate more effectively. At it’s root, integrity is based on courage. I know it’s not always easy. But, a CEO without courage is impotent and does not deserve the honor of an executive leadership position in any organization. Period.”
I actually said the words “Impotent” and “Period.” I know, I know, kind of lame…but it just flew out!
Thank you, “very well dressed, handsome man in his mid-50s” for your question. Really…I’m glad you asked…really. In the end, it may have helped me more than it helped anyone in the audience, because it forced me to put into words what I knew in my heart was true for anyone in search of a life of significance: COURAGE.
Here’s one of the most memorable monologues you’ll find on the virtues needed in leadership and entrepreneurship!
