Extreme Experiences Shape Leadership Success Strategies

In the attached article, extreme athlete and successful business woman Alison Levine’s recent book is highlighted.  The lessons outlined are wide-ranging, but at the same time completely interrelated.  They offer a comprehensive road map for strategic leadership.

Leadership success is clearly the result of applying broad concepts, often tried and true examples offered by writers such as Ms. Levine.

Here are the nine topics featured in the article;

  • Prepare, Prepare – and be Aware!
  • Sometimes You Have to Move Backwards to Move Forward
  • Assemble a Team of People With Big Egos
  • Solidify Relationships Before You Need Them
  • Complacency Is the Devil
  • Sometimes Weaknesses Can be Strengths
  • Sometimes You Have to Break the Rules
  • Set a Good Example (Even If You Feel Like Puking)
  • Failure is Good

Leadership Lessons from an Extreme Athlete

Balance in the Boardroom

The topic is one that I have already covered in another post but, a recent special section titled “What’s Holding Women Back” and a follow-up article, “How Women Can Get Ahead: Advice from Female CEOs”  in the Wall Street Journal  (articles attached) have sparked such incredible dialogue I wanted to be sure that everyone has had a chance to read them, contemplate the many issues debated and even join in the discussion and offer your own tips and travails.  The topic is always hot – the limited number of women who have reached the top spots in corporate America – but what really struck me is the optimism, confidence and encouraging outlook shared by many who participated in the conversation, both in the articles and other social medium.

But wait, there’s more!

Do Great Leaders Need The Applause?

Well, the answer is yes…and no.  Who doesn’t need to know that they are appreciated on occasion?  However, when it comes to leadership, there is a clear difference in styles – and success – between those that need to “hear” the applause and those that “feel” the sense of accomplishment in order to be fulfilled.  That’s not to say that an “atta girl” every now and then doesn’t help, just that leading by way of waiting for recognition at every turn is doing you, your co-workers and employees, and company a terrible disservice.

But wait, there’s more!

Peak Performance with Gender-Diverse Leadership

Anyone who has spent even the briefest time working with me knows how I feel about this topic. When I was appointed to take over leadership of The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort on Longboat Key, of the 300 or so employees and dozens of department heads and supervisors, women managers could easily have been counted on one hand. While at first it didn’t register as an issue needing attention, a swift but unforced transition took place.

But wait, there’s more!