Lathren on Leadership

I was asked by a few people to share my thoughts on key events in my five decade career. I enjoyed doing that! I have many fond memories - and some not so fond. I hope I cover something here that helps someone else.

Leadership and truth are inseparable. You cannot have leadership without truth....and truth is the sine qua non of trust. There are times when leaders do not tell the truth the way it needs to be told. I discuss that in Episode #65.

In Camaraderie at Work, the objective is to provide ideas to leaders on how to create a sense of family in the organization. When we know each other as people, and not just workers, we work together better. We connect, cooperate, and support because we have more knowledge and interest in our employees. Relationships generate better results. It is a proven fact.

Episode #64 is created to help leaders overcome the fear of public speaking.

One of the most admired traits of a leader - humility. Humble is on my "Ten Words to Describe an Extraordinary Leader". And, I go one further in this episode by talking about a very special leader role model...who lived a life of humility. I hope you not only enjoy this one - but also aspire to living a life of humility.

Every leader will encounter a troublemaker at some time in their leadership experience. We know that 8% of the workforce are low performers....so there are many of them out there. Identify them. Coach them hard. They get better - or they get out.

Fear is a fact of a leader's life. For a leader to say "I'm never afraid" either means they don't know or don't care. Or both. Included are some real moments of courage.

My son Andy - technical director and pod'ner - joined me in the studio for this recording session. A very enjoyable Sunday morning.

I have a few additional thoughts on retaining good people. And a request for input on "The Worst Leadership Mistakes".

This episode was created with the generous contribution of thirty listeners. This makes Episode #58 one of the richest in content of all episodes. Leaders are challenged more by keeping good people than by recruiting them.

Leaders don't get points for telling how busy they are. There are no 'badges of honor' for always being out of time, late, double-booked or other indications that there is more on your schedule can is humanly possible. So just don't say it.

This unique leadership conversation is with Bennett Hipp, a 33 year old man who lost 155 pounds. He explains how he lost 'another person' and did not suffer. Leadership is influence, and this story is bound to influence some of our listeners.

How you lead and how you live are inexorably linked. If you are kind or respectful or unselfish in life, it is how you will lead. The question is this: how do you want to be remembered?

Confronting bad behavior and poor performance are leader's biggest challenges. Episode #54 is created to assist leaders in this daunting task.

Leaders who have ambition, drive, determination and tenacity desire to move to the next level of responsibility. To be promoted.

This conversation delves into finding the delicate balance between best and worst, right and wrong, the gray area between black and white.

This episode recognizes the leader's role in the emotional element of work and achieving results. I outline best practices here to tap into the emotional bank account of our work force.

The best way for a leader to address toxic employees is a tough mindset - accepting no excuses.

This episode introduces a rising star to the world. Trust me when I say "extraordinary plus" about this recent Citadel graduate and more recently "Iron Man".

Respect is one of those 'most important, non-negotiable, absolutely, positively must haves' for leaders. Share with others - assess yourself. This trait applies to all occupations, professions and even teenagers. Important!

Episode #47 continues the episode on The Formula for Success. Where are you in your pursuit of success? Do you know your signature strength? Do you have flaws that need to be fixed?

One of the ten words describing an extraordinary leader is "decisive". This story illustrates the importance of how we make decisions.

The Formula for Success consists of the 'five domains of a professional journey conversation' I have used this framework for over twenty years as a roadmap for this important discussion.

An interesting fact is that 80% of leader failure is due to behavior, not performance. And guess who is in control of leader behavior.

I share with you a conversation I had with a leader who was challenged by one of her employees.