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Tools and tips for managers |
Like presidential transition, smooth succession vital
By Analisa NazarenoBarack Obama’s successful campaign for the nation’s top job featured relentless criticism of incumbent George W. Bush. That did not stop Bush from immediately congratulating the president-elect and pledging a smooth transition.
It is a good lesson for all managers. Leadership is about the future – ensuring the ongoing success and viability of an entity. Executives who create an environment where new chiefs can emerge and flourish are carrying out one of the fundamental responsibilities of leadership.
So important is succession management to the ongoing survival of the nation that the U.S. Constitution provides a detailed Presidential line of succession – first the Vice President, then the Speaker of the House, President pro tempore of the Senate, Secretary of State, etc.
The Founding Fathers “understood that a vacuum in leadership could be disastrous,” said Larry Olmstead, president of Leading Edge Associates, which consults on organizational change issues. “And frankly, the same is true of corporations and organizations.”
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WHAT'S
NEW: LEA WEBINAR
The New Multiculturalism Tuition: FREE The election of Barack Obama changes the game. It underscores a shift in America to a new culture where traditional thinking about age, race, national origin, gender, sexual orientation and religion is giving way to new dynamics around power and networking. Join us in an informative, one-hour webinar that will help your organization take advantage of the changing cultural landscape. Get practical tips for applying new principles of multiculturalism to efforts in the areas of:
LEA Facilitator: Larry Olmstead |
Focus on innovation and diversity were key to resurrecting McDonald's
By Analisa NazarenoFor decades, the corporate executives at McDonald’s took pride in their efforts to diversify the ranks of their leadership, as well as partner franchise owners and suppliers.
But it wasn’t until the company hit rock bottom in sales growth during the 1990s that the leadership started fully utilizing the rich resources they had in their corporate leaders and franchisees, including women and people of color.
Ask The Expert
Q: How do you appropriately show gratitude to business partners, employees, friends, and loved-ones during the holidays?
San Francisco-based etiqette expert, author and public speaker, Syndi Seid, gives eight useful tips on ways to show appreciation to important people in our personal and professional lives. Read more
We want to hear your questions on management, finance and workplace issues! Click here to contact us.
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The Future of ManagementBy Gary Hamel with Bill Breen, Harvard Business School Press, 2007 The U.S. auto, newspaper and financial industries are foundering, and Gary Hamel offers this explanation: the management principles that guide their daily operations are more than a century old and leaders need to be engaged in management innovation as much as technology innovation. In his latest book, the London Business School visiting professor reviews the history of management innovation. Then, he provides examples of iconoclastic business leaders – Whole Foods CEO John Mackey, W. L. Gore & Associates founder Bill L. Gore, Google founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page – who have lead the way in modern management innovation. Finally, he poses questions to readers about the future of corporate leadership: “What does the future of management look like to you?” This book provides big thoughts, but also offers examples, charts and case histories for readers looking for concrete and useful tools. - Analisa Nazareno |
Helpful Links
- Center for Creative Leadership –The Web site for this nonprofit, educational institution offers visitors access to its research reports, white papers, articles and presentations on topics that are relevant to today's leaders – from a nuts and bolts analysis of how Fortune 500 companies promote management to a discussion on leadership during tough economic times. The expertise is deep, with researchers who have advanced degrees in the behavioral and social sciences.
- APQC – Previously known as the American Productivity & Quality Center, this nonprofit organization's mission is “increasing productivity in organizations worldwide by leveraging best practices and benchmarking research.” Its research library is broad, with more than 115 items listed for the topic of "change and management," and 196 titles on "employee recognition." Access to executive summaries is free for all. Access to all of the studies are free to members.
- Advanced Etiquette – Etiquette Tip of the Month – This month's Edgeline expert, Syndi Seid, offers a monthly newsletter, which offers an etiquette tip of the month. November's tip: the goal for practicing good etiquette is to build good relationships.
UPCOMING LEA EVENTS
WebinarThe New Multiculturalism |
SeminarDigital Leadership |
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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, editor of Edgeline, can be reached at analisan@leadingedgeassociates.net.
© 2008 Leading Edge Associates. All rights reserved.