Many leaders are extroverts. They make rousing speeches. They have charisma that brings followers flocking to their cause. But you don’t have to be an extrovert to be an outstanding leader. Sometimes the quiet leadership of introverts can be just as effective. Introverts have many qualities that can effectively be… Read More »Quiet leadership of introverts: Marty Baron in Spotlight
What makes us who we are? What personalities are we born with? How much of our personality is fixed, and how much can we change? These are some of the questions addressed by the fascinating Star Wars Identities Exhibition, which will soon open in Sydney, Australia, as part of its global… Read More »How the Star Wars saga illustrates personality traits
Recruiting an outstanding team is a challenge for any leader. So imagine that challenge comes with intense time pressure, national media coverage and expectant fans and owners into the bargain. That’s the challenge facing Cleveland Browns general manager Sonny Weaver (Kevin Costner) in Draft Day. Even if you’re not an American… Read More »Character over talent, and other lessons from Draft Day
Do you feel able to bring your ‘whole self’ to work? What about your team, or your colleagues? In many work environments, we expect individuals to ‘fit in’ rather than be themselves. But being able to bring your whole self to work, to feel comfortable and display all your talents,… Read More »Embracing difference: The Imitation Game
There are many ‘good’ companies, but few that are ‘great’. In leadership terms, what makes the difference? Jim Collins’ business bestseller Good to Great outlines two key characteristics of what he calls ‘level five leaders’: those with the capacity to lead not just good companies, but great ones. Collins and his… Read More »From good to great: level five leaders
With the release of Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln, interest in the famous American President has never been higher. In Lead like Lincoln, I highlighted five key leadership lessons I personally took from the movie. Many other writers have identified additional lessons, both from the movie and the man himself. Mark Crowley’s… Read More »More leadership lessons from Lincoln
Popular culture suggests extroverts are likely to make the best leaders. But according to Susan Cain’s ‘Quiet’, that’s not necessarily so. While extroverts thrive in certain leadership situations, there are many qualities that make introverts great leaders. In fact, introverted leaders can often be found at the top of some… Read More »Four qualities that make introverts great leaders
For many people promoted into management roles, one of the toughest challenges is to build confidence and capability in public speaking: in business, often represented by the dreaded presentation. It’s a situation explored at length in The King’s Speech, the unlikely but fascinating tale of how King George VI –… Read More »Why The King’s Speech can help your public speaking