One of my favorite movies of all time is Crimson Tide. Have you seen it? There's trouble in Russia, and the American ballistic missile submarine, Alabama, is ordered into action. The captain, played by Gene Hackman, has just selected a new executive officer (XO), played by Denzel Washington. The captain and XO end up at odds with one another over proper ballistic missile launch procedure under the ship's … [Read more...]
It’s Your Fault
Addressing A Common Cultural Characteristic In Many Organizations
I recently re-read a booklet entitled Culture Shift by Dr. Price Pritchett. One chapter was right to the point, in my view, concerning a common cultural characteristic in many organizations. Still, it is especially prevalent in those where rapid change is the norm ... like a church during a pandemic. The chapter is entitled, Taking Personal Responsibility for Fixing Things. The local church is an environment that … [Read more...]
Complacency
Don't Create "False Urgency" When Trying To Address Complacency
I recently reread the book A Sense of Urgency by John Kotter. Good read! I'm a frustrated reader most of the time. I pick up a book with a good title or maybe by an author I like, only to find out after I've invested some time that it's the same old stuff written differently by someone different. Not the case this time. I like how Kotter addresses the issue of "false urgency." When leaders are frustrated or … [Read more...]
Are You A Hector Or A Corey?
Excellent Leadership Insight From Another Great Leadership Book
From Good Boss, Bad Boss, are you a "Hector" or a "Corey?" Hector ... Hector spent hardly any time talking to his people and showed little interest in their work or careers. Hector ignored his team for long stretches and then—at seemingly random intervals—rushed in and demanded that everyone work on some urgent project. To paraphrase one SPaM member, “Every now and then, he would ride in on his white horse, … [Read more...]