|
Home / Business
What Katrina Can Teach Us About Leadership
By:Kevin
Over one week ago a major disaster hit part of the Gulf Coast of the United States. I have been reflecting on the disaster, the response to it, and what lessons we can draw about leadership.
Don't worry this isn't a political piece...
Lesson 1 - Leadership is important. Much has been made that areas weren't as prepared as they could have been. Leaders could have changed that. Many have said that the initial response (at all levels from local to the Federal Government) wasn't perfect. Leadership can improve that in the future.
Lesson 2 - Leadership can come from everyone. Not just those with a title, but everyone can lead. Thousands of stories of heroism, and leadership are coming out of these events. Not all of them are stories of people wearing a badge or a official title. We can all use our leadership abilities.
Lesson 3 - Remarkable leaders know that blame takes too much energy. In recent days it seems that the focus of the "story" of the disaster has changed from the disaster to who did what wrong and how it could have been done better. Let's be clear. This was a disaster of monumental proportions. Could things have gone better? Of course. Was the way things were handled a travesty? No. Will blaming and pointing fingers at others solve the problem now? Absolutely not. Every ounce of energy being spent in blame and "Monday Morning Quarterbacking" is an ounce of energy better spent on meeting the vast challenges that still exist. Which leads to...
Lesson 4 - Remarkable leaders focus on solutions, not problems. Rather than looking at what is wrong, they look at creative ways to make it better. Remarkable leaders know that when they are point a finger at others, four times as many fingers are pointing back at them. They take responsibility, and focus on solutions.
Lesson 5 - Remarkable leaders know when to reflect and when to act. Will there be a time to look back and learn from the failures in processes, procedures, and responsibilities used during the time immediately following the storm? Yes. Will there be people that may need to be held accountable for some of those decisions and actions? Of course. I just don't think that time is now. A study and review will be commissioned, I'm sure, as it should be. Leave that learning for then.
My bottom line? I believe that right now, leaders of all sorts, from township supervisors, to mayors, to state legislators, to those in government agencies, to Congress, to the White House, need to look forward and work together to meet the many challenges we will face for months. There is a time for reflecting and a time for action. Now is the time to look forward.
In your own leadership development keep this in mind. Remind yourself of these lessons.
Digg
del.icio.us
Blink
Stumble
Spurl
Reddit
Netscape
Furl
Article keywords: leadership, leadership skills, leader, remarkable leadership, Hurricane Katrina, tropical depression Katrina, tropical storm Katrina
Article Source: http://www.articles2k.com
Kevin Eikenberry is a leadership expert and the Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group (KevinEikenberry.com), a learning consulting company. To receive a free Special Report on leadership that includes resources, ideas, and advice go to www.kevineikenberry.com/leadership.asp or call us at (317) 387-1424 or 888.LEARNER.
|
|
| Top Business Articles |
- 1). A plus C Systems and Affirmative Insight, Inc. announced an exclusive partnership. By : Bartosz Lewandowicz
Affirmative Insight Inc. provides information technology solutions in the areas of IT security, networking, service and support, e-business, web design, web hosting and software development. By partnering with A plus C Systems, Affirmative Insight, Inc. expands its offer with a comprehensive suite of software products – Uplook, Statlook and Anasil – tool kit for IT asset management and network monitoring.
|
|
|
- 3). The Thick Line Between Buddy And Boss By : Tim Knox
Q: One of my key employees is giving me trouble. He has started showing up late for work and has developed a bad attitude in general. The rest of my employees are complaining since they are having to take up his slack. I've tried talking to him, but he doesn't seem to listen. To make matters worse, he has become one of my best friends since I hired him five years ago, so firing him is out of the question.
|
- 4). The Man Who Makes $1 Million in Affiliate Commissions By : David Kamau
His success is phenomenal. Well, not many can claim to make $1 Million a year in affiliate marketing. And at only 27 years of age!
His name is Jeremy Palmer. Until recently, he was virtually unknown in the marketing circles, simply because he preferred to make his money silently.
Now this Jeremy guy has written an ebook about his affiliate marketing techniques.
|
- 5). Overcoming Obstacles By : Debbie Milam
Discover how a young woman overcame serious life challenges through connecting with her inner spirit.
My story begins 38 years ago in Queens
|
- 6). International Investment In Bulgaria Still Strong By : Tim Wright
The strong growth in the Bulgarian economy is continuing and this is emphasised by the confidence in the market shown by companies such as GE for example.
GE Commercial Finance Real Estate recently announced it will be acquiring a 50% stake of the Mall of Sofia. The Mall is an enormous trade, business and entertainment centre currently under construction in the heart of the capital city.
|
|
|
- 8). Should we believe the experts? (Part III) By : Mike T. Davis
Why do we use experts? To predict the future. Consider a patient who is asking a physician about the future effects of a certain drug, or the investor who is asking a stock analyst about the future prices of a certain stock, or the manager who is asking a human resource manager about the future performance of a certain candidate, or the brand manager who is asking a market researcher about the future sales of a certain new product.
|
|
|
|
|
| New Business Articles |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- 6). How To Find Low Cost Items That You Can Resell For Profit By : Gregg Hall
The key factor in the success or failure in a business that specializes in closeouts, liquidations, or selling products on eBay is finding items at good prices that you can make a profit on when you resell them. Contrary to popular belief it is when you buy the item that you make your profit as what you pay for something is what determines how much your end profit will eventually be.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
