5SQ109 - Iliff Leadership

In his continuing blog for the Huffington Post, Bill Gates talks about his ongoing commitment to changing the world. I wonder what his motivations are. Is he a true humanitarian, or is this some scheme to move the global economies in a direction that brings more profitability for the Gates family? Is this altruistic and authentic leadership, or corruption on a level we have never seen before?

As Passover approaches the writer engages the Seder with careful consideration for her "7 y/o self- proclaimed atheist daughter". She writes, "what kids need most is authentic parental connection" and "my daughter wants to be part of the conversation, and I want to be there as her partner in dialogue". Rarely do I see an adult willing to engage children in such a manner that invites conversation or two way dialogue about such matters that involve critical thinking. This is an example of leadership that respects divergence in location and opinion.

This article is about members of Congress going on a fast to protest hunger. These people, regardless of the reason, were willing to take a stand for what they believe is right, good, and just. This article goes along with some of the concepts discussed this week and can serve as an example of leaders working to better the lives of others.

Here's an article from a leader in technology, James Dyson. I like how it states how its important to push through failures even when times are rough. Dyson shares some of his story in this article and the process it took him to reach where he is today. I enjoy reading Wired magazine because of the articles that are related to technology issues and how they play out in our lives. This article is another example of the quality information that a reader can get out of a leading magazine.

Todd Sears had been openly gay as a student at Duke University in Durham, N.C. So he didn't expect the need to be secretive about being "out" after he graduated in 1998 to work on Wall Street. But soon after he started his entry-level job as a financial analyst for an investment bank, he heard someone at a nearby desk say a derogatory word toward gays. He soon learned the traditional Wall Street work environment, with its stereotypically rigid culture, was anything but welcoming to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. He conceived of the idea of gathering the major Wall Street banks in an event for the LGBT community and 10 years later he finally pulled it off.

This is an interesting article about the UMC Organizational structure! Thought I'd share!

While I do not want to raise any flags about political affiliation...I do not understand what's been happening in the last couple of weeks with our budget issues. I live in a very military based town (San Diego) and this has certainly been a large topic of discussion around town. This does not specifically talk about "leadership" but to me, it seemed that there was no way this wasn't a reflection on leadership.

I haven't seen this movie but have heard about it. What a courageous young woman who overcame tremendous obstacles and demonstrates her own brand of leadership and inspiration. I think as a leader the "leading by example" is always a good bet!

A cartoon illustrating a reality of Utah leadership. This makes me think about how our (as a culture) perception of leadership has changed over the years. Makes me wonder about how a leader is being portrayed and how our perceptions of what visions (or lack of visions) a leader has can reinforce contemporary feelings of nostalgia, complacency, and helplessness.

Shawn, interesting contrast. Cartoonists have lampooned leaders since Thomas Nast (1840-1902). But, as you point out, cartoonists are also people who are watching trends and pointing toward changes and shifts in popular opinion.

Japan has had five prime ministers in as many years, creating a merry-go-round of leadership. Now, for the first time, the country is being plunged into a catastrophe and the costs of weak leadership are becoming increasingly clear. Despite that fact, the bar is low enough now that even his apparent shortcomings are showcasing Mr. Kan as the kind of quiet, stalwart leader he wasn't considered before Friday's disasters. Mr. Kan's initially quick response is also a comparative improvement from the way disaster efforts were managed following the Kobe earthquake in January 1995. "People are more focused on getting things done on the day-to-day level. You don't necessarily have to be a flashy, charismatic leader to get the support of the people," said Koichi Nakano, professor of political science at Sophia University in Tokyo. "As long as Kan appears earnest and hard-working, that's fine. He doesn't necessarily need to inspire the people."

Warren, I read that it's also common for Japanese leaders facing a crisis to disappear (drop out). Masataka Shimizu, chief executive of Tokyo Electric Power Co did just that!

Had dinner here last night. Owner had a problem with one server. Had a quiet talk with her at the bar, his back to the customers. She protested but he persisted, quietly, gently. She ended up hugging him and going back to work. The genial atmosphere communicated authentic leadership to me. Also, interesting to note how business are using social media as this cafe does in lieu of a harder to manage website.

The Klamath-Trinity Joint Unified School District will have a new superintendent starting in June. The school board voted last week to hire Michael Reid to replace Interim Superintendent Thomas Anthony at the end of the school year, according to the district. The board used a recruitment agency to field candidates for the seat. Anthony is a retired administrator from San Diego and was brought in to act as interim superintendent after former Superintendent Douglas Oliveira left for a coaching position at College of the Redwoods. I posted this little article from my home town newspaper, The Times-Standard. I thought it was interesting and relevant because I grew-up with the former supervisor, Douglas Oliveria. Doug was a leader, even in high school. Captain of the basketball team, very bright personalble and intelligent. I had lost track of Doug after I left Humboldt County at the age of 27, but I know he followed in his father's footsteps and went into educaiton. I wasn't surprised to see that he was still a leader and had accepted a job as a coach at the junior college, College of the Redwoods. This appeared to me as if Doug had left his leadership position as superintendent for his dream. Coach. Another leadership position, but with less "acclaim" and more fun. Doug would be about 60 years old now. It was time to follow his dream... I wish him only the best.

This article and video made me cry when she said, "Why can't we just open our doors and go outside and see what's going on" Grassroots leaders are what is going to save this planet. Galen

Elia calls judge Tom Colicchio a "sell out" and basically accuses him of violating the trust of the young chefs who look up to him and are mentored by him. Though not able to back up her claims (while Colicchio was), another of the contestants attempts to "translate" the argument into a warning about remaining an authentic leader in the culinary world.

I find that this article show's how a particular company can lead and innovate when they devote resources and energy into a specific product. What stands out the most is the innovation of the use of the 8-bit byte, which is something that all computers use today. Technology leadership shapes our world today, so it is worth noting contributions in the past.

WASHINGTON - The Obama administration warned Wednesday that a federal shutdown would undermine the economic recovery, delay pay to U.S. troops fighting in three wars, slow the processing of tax returns and limit small business loans and government-backed mortgages during peak home buying season. As I read this article, it again reminded me of the awesome responsibility of President Obama - or the president of any country for that matter. Weather or not the federal government remains open for business is now a major issue. As the leader of our country, how does the president deal with this? So much depends on him. The whole world is watching and especially those whose paychecks depend on the U.S. government. As a leader, I would think it would be time to pull out all the stops on this one and I believe that is exactly what is happening. This article is not only trying to appeal to our pocket books, but our hearts as well. This will garner attention, that's for sure. A good leader does, in part, come from the heart, and then there are those desperate moves sometimes...

Utilizing primary source documents by Lincoln; historical examination of Lincoln, the people around Lincoln and the current events; and contemporary theories and examinations on leadership, Phillips writes an applicable text on leadership centered on Abraham Lincoln. This is not simply an examination of Lincoln's leadership "qualities," but a text written to be a resource for self-development.

Like "Who Moved My Cheese" and "The One Minute Manager," this book utilizes a succinct storyline to walk the reader through five concepts Blanchard and Miller have outlined as keys to servant leadership.