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
Leadership
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
Developing Leaders as an African Woman in my Twenties
by T Tesfaye FOUR ACTIONS I TOOK THAT HELPED ME TO INFLUENCE OTHERS 1. I prioritized building relationships. A key lesson I have learned about leadership throughout my journey is the vitalness of relationships to a leader's success. Intentionally invest in building vertical relationships–from c-level executives to the last person you manage–as well as horizontal relationships–from your colleagues to the custodian staff. You will need to call upon these people at different points in your leadership journey, and having solidified rapport early on will smoothen your process and deliver you to success. You will also get to learn a lot from each … [Read more...] about Developing Leaders as an African Woman in my Twenties
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.
What are the Characteristics of an Effective ‘Role Model’?
BY SUE M. COBB, U.S. Ambassador (Ret.) Many individuals who achieve important leadership roles in business, government and philanthropic organizations, when asked about their paths to challenging and rewarding positions of influence, will include in their responses a reference to one or more ‘role models’. What is a Role Model? A role model is obviously someone to whom the person has looked to emulate successful behaviors in their chosen field. Role models can appear in most any type of group from police departments to orchestras to churches to business associations, to most any field in which practitioners communicate. They usually, but not always, relate to … [Read more...] about What are the Characteristics of an Effective ‘Role Model’?