Did you ever have the feeling that you knew exactly what had to be done in your organization (be it at your office, school, union, political party, neighborhood-wherever your job or life interests take you), but you just couldn’t get others to go along with you? Did you ever have the feeling that others-whose ideas maybe aren’t as good as yours-are capable of getting their agendas adopted, while you constantly run into roadblocks whenever you …

Author: Stuart Basefsky
Networking is supposed to be essential to successful leaders. But what is the importance of networking conceptually? Typically it is thought to be the ability to remain in and sustain contact with people as information and opportunity sources. Strangely few leaders actually understand the concept. Otherwise they would position themselves to receive other forms and channels of information and opportunities. People are only one form of this vital leadership resource. What …

Author: S. B. Bacharach
Last night’s debate was another example of different proactive leadership styles.  The underlying issue, which seemed to be critical to last night’s drama, was the presentation of self, and specifically, the presentation of emotion. Leaders often walk the tightrope between control and passion.  An expression of passion is meant to convey commitment, sincerity, and a sense of vision.  A low-key expression of control is meant to convey a leader’s being on top …

Author: S. B. Bacharach
Did you ever hear of W.I. Thomas (1863-1947)?  Maybe, if you took a sociological theory class.  If you haven’t, W. I. Thomas teaches us one of the most fundamental axioms in all social theory: “If men define situations as real, they are real in their consequences.”
This is one of those simple sociological principles that is obvious to everyone, but too often is forgotten.  How we define the world, and how the world …

Truly proactive leaders have a sense of how to create cohesion in the most difficult situations. They know that being directive is critical but also understand the need to be facilitative. Sometimes it’s best to tell people what to do and how to do it. Other times, in order to sustain momentum, you have to give people breathing room, which is something that the manager of the Devil Rays knows.
– By ALAN …

Author: S. B. Bacharach
While there has been much written on leadership in the last twenty years, what is coming into focus is the capacity to get things done in organizations.  In the final analysis successful leadership training programs must address the issue of how to teach people the skills of taking action.
Once you have the vision and direction, you must take action. You must take charge and actively execute. You must become proactive. If the …