by Prudence Bushnell Twenty- three years after the East Africa embassy bombings, I still talk about my experience as ambassador through the prism of leadership, specifically, transformational leadership. I had not heard of it this term in 1998 but, instinctually, I did put it into practice to cope with the catastrophic aftermath of the August 7 al Qaeda attack on the U.S embassies in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam. The truck bomb detonated in the small parking lot behind our workplace killed 213 people and injured thousands of others. This is what worked for us. Inspired Motivation Intellectual Stimulation Individual Consideration Idealized Influence The so-called … [Read more...] about Transformational Leadership Theory in Action
Innovative Leadership and S.M.A.R.T. Thinking
Lessons about Influencing as a U.S. Diplomat for Three Decades
by Herman J. Cohen, Ambassador (Ret.) Four things I learned about influencing as U.S. diplomat Show an interest in the culture of the country to which you are assigned. Respect local customs for social life. Ask a lot of questions. Make local people feel important. Three behaviors I used that helped Ask questions that lead to new thinking about significant issues. Do not rush to the subject of interest. Work up to it slowly. Spend a lot of time with opposite numbers without talking business. Two challenges I faced consistently Preconceived impressions. Propaganda from Soviet and Chinese embassies One piece of advice I … [Read more...] about Lessons about Influencing as a U.S. Diplomat for Three Decades
A What-To-Do Guide for Difficult Situations
By Charles E. Ray, U.S. Ambassador (Ret.) Having difficult conversations and addressing sensitive issues in the workplace is critical. If we’re unable to talk openly about our organization's problems, we will never solve those problems. Bias and discrimination, conscious or unconscious, exist in every organization. Those who try to deny it are either naïve, asleep, or lying. Whichever category they fall into, they are part of the problem and must be confronted with it even if it’s uncomfortable. Pointing out that you or someone else have been mistreated on the job, depending upon how you do it, is not whining; it’s standing up for what’s right. I have been … [Read more...] about A What-To-Do Guide for Difficult Situations
Seven Lessons from Leading a Colorado Church Community During COVID-19.
By Reverend E Wendy Huber When COVID-19 emerged in our resort area of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, it arrived with a vengeance. At the beginning of Spring Break, many people traveled here from all over the world to ski. Sadly this meant exposure to COVID-19 was rapid and sent us home with little or no warning. We went from moving about the community freely to locking down our buildings and "hiding" in our homes. After nearly five months of “televangelism” using a YouTube Channel for St Peters of the Valley, we are exploring safe methods to gather in small groups in the winter months. Three lessons I learned about taking care of people We have learned a lot … [Read more...] about Seven Lessons from Leading a Colorado Church Community During COVID-19.
Influencing as a Black Man in his Twenties
By Kevin Alexander 4 Things I’ve Learned Just start As the saying goes: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” There are ways to start in the direction of your dreams without having all of the necessary resources. Though you may not have everything or all the support you need to complete your project, that doesn’t mean you can’t get started. You never know who you can meet along the way. Be available Be willing to get involved in organizations or events that are related to your mission. Within reason, make yourself available to opportunities to network and grow. More and more conversations and social interactions are going virtual, … [Read more...] about Influencing as a Black Man in his Twenties