Leading Edge Associates presents Edgeline

Tools and tips for managers
April 8, 2008 Volume 2 Issue 5

Keys to Driving Results: Goals and Accountability

By Larry Olmstead

The need for results is such a given in the workplace that some managers forget they actually have to behave in certain ways to inspire workers to superior achievement. Managers who drive results create measurable goals and push the organization – and themselves—to superior performance against those goals. Read more

WHAT'S NEW: LEA WEBINAR

Leadership Strategies for Innovation
April 24, 2008
11 a.m. PT/2 p.m. ET
Tuition: $175
This one-hour webinar will offer five key steps for creating an innovative workplace environment, including suggestions for generating creative ideas, a framework for implementing them and tools for ensuring that value and utility are woven into the innovative process. Panelists include Dr. Todd Kuiken, director of the Neural Engineering Center for Bionic Medicine at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago and Trisha Okubo, senior product manager, disruptive innovation at eBay. Led by Larry Olmstead.

Diversity Within and Among “the Tribes”

By Jacqui Love Marshall

Whatever our gender, race, or ethnicity, we share a common human behavior that social scientists call “tribalism.” Tribalism was a survival strategy in primordial days, but can pose challenges for today's workplace. When you discover that diversity exists within the“tribes”— Asians, Hispanics, people with disabilities, GLBT, etc—what can you do to minimize intra- and cross-cultural biases? Here are a few strategies. Read more

Tips for Creating a Healthier Workplace

By Dinah Eng

Wellness initiatives can help your company to attract and retain talent, increase productivity, and reduce absenteeism. William Baun, manager of wellness programs at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, offers practical advice to improve health in your workplace. Read more

Ask The Expert

Q. What are the benefits of open offices? Why would a company want to make this change?

Mark Golan, vice president of the Connected Real Estate Practice within Cisco’s Internet Business Solutions Group, responds. Read more

We want to hear your questions on management, finance and workplace issues! Click here to contact us.

Top Picks: Firms of Endearment: How World-Class Companies Profit from Passion and Purpose

By Raj Sisodia, Jag Sheth and David B. Wolfe
Wharton School Publishing 2007

Ad agency Saatchi and Saatchi coined the phrase “lovemarks” to describe brand identities so strong that they transcended old categories. This book extends the “lovemark” concept to describe firms whose success comes from being both “endearing and enduring.” Offering 30 case studies of firms such as Costco, Toyota, Timberland and Trader Joe’s, the authors say that winning companies generate value not only for shareholders but for all stakeholders—including employees, community members and customers. They also say that long-term competitive advantage is tied to winning hearts and minds, and not just wallets. While their claim that American culture has entered the “age of transcendence” seems utopian given the current economic climate, the book gives solid information to leaders interested in the trategic moves necessary to create "endearing firms."

Helpful Links

Boardsource - In 2002, BoardSource merged two organizations: the National Center for Nonprofit Boards (begun in 1988 by the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) and Independent Sector. A good all-purpose site for non-proft organizations.
Center for Creative Leadership -– Founder H. Smith Richardson Sr. built the Vick Chemical Co. from a one-drugstore operation to an international success, and then pioneered the leadership field when he founded the Center for Creative Leadership in 1970. It continues to provide sound resources in the field.
Womenworking.com -– A robust website for and by women professionals across industries. Resources cover articles and tips on career success, juggling work and career, and executive fashion tips. Developed by Helene Lerner, founder/CEO of Creative Expansions, Inc. and author of Smart Women Take Risks: 6 Steps for Conquering Your Fears and Making the Leap to Success.

UPCOMING LEA EVENTS

Speaking Engagements

stay tuned

Seminars

Driving Results With Diversity
Network Meeting Center, Techmart, Santa Clara, CA
April 10, 2008 9 a.m. – 5 p.m
Tuition: $225

Webinars

Leadership Strategies for Innovation
April 24, 2008
11 a.m. PT/2 p.m. ET
$175

Edgeline is published the second Tuesday of each month by Leading Edge Associates, a consulting firm engaged in management training, organizational change, succession planning, executive coaching, diversity and media. Analisa Nazareno, managing editor of Edgeline, can be reached at abnazareno@sbcglobal.net.