In our leadership development work and research on overplayed strengths, people sometimes object to the idea that every strength can be taken too far. For instance, an academic journal editor once held up publication of a research article stating flatly that “it is impossible for a leader to be too supportive, caring, and loyal.” Did that journal editor have a point? Abraham Lincoln, one of the greatest American Presidents and one of our personal favorite leaders, offers a fascinating example. Like many leaders with strong people skills, Lincoln’s tremendous gift put him at risk for struggling with tough calls about his …
Recently Bob and Rob met with Moe Abdou, the visionary creator behind 33voices.com, a resource for entrepreneurs designed to help them develop as leaders and grow their extraordinary ideas into successful businesses. His purpose is to “ignite the ambitions of entrepreneurs, help them grow as people and contribute to inspiring them to build amazing businesses and live extraordinary lives” by connecting them with the world’s greatest thinkers. After over 23 years of experience coaching entrepreneurs and admittedly being “on the Strengths bandwagon,” Moe was struck by his own blind spot — overusing strengths– after reading Fear. Eager to share this urgent message with the …
Bob and Rob break down the big ideas in Fear Your Strengths for the world’s leading leadership training and development institution in the April issue of Leading Effectively. The authors explain how the way leaders define who they are often involves emotional attachments that create blind spots, and how to overcome these self-limiting beliefs to become a versatile leader. Read the interview here.
Margaret Thatcher will be remembered as much for her leadership style as for her polarizing politics – in fact, the two are almost identical. The essence of Thatcher’s leadership was her steadfast, tenacious, and determined style which is more often associated with revolutionaries than conservatives. Nonetheless, as the head of the Conservative party, she opposed the status quo and stuck to her guns in confronting opposition head on. It is precisely those qualities that made her the most influential British politician since Winston Churchill. However, just as we’ve found in our decades of experience consulting to senior leaders – including CEO’s …
