In closing this series on “Super Charged Executive Development” there are several key understandings I want to emphasize. First, I understand that each human being is different.  This series was meant to show some clear distinctions yet each executive has their own unique pattern of behaviors that can have a rich blend of all the orientations discussed in the last few entries.

That being said, the understanding offered here points the executive development approach into the right direction by pointing out specific ways the three orientations (Achiever, Intellectual and Relater) can strengthen their impact in leadership.  The issue here is not about forcing people to learn specific competencies.  It is about helping each individual leader navigate to their natural leadership development journey – which is unique for each person.  In addition, there are several points of understanding that must be brought front and center when we speak about strengthening leadership in today’s executives. (more…)

The purpose of this next series of entries is to provide a practical view of the key pathways of development for executive leaders. Earlier entries in this blog have acknowledged that we are in an exciting time in the executive development field.  A very clear development pathway has been defined along with proven processes for increasing the impact of executive leadership.  If after scanning this entry you are interested in more background for this article you can refer to these previous entries:

• The Truth About Leadership Development
• The Last Obstacle to Executive Development = The Executive

At the root of all this innovation is the confirmation that as adults we continue to develop our mindset and consciousness as we move through life.  The work of Robert Kegan, Lawrence Kohlberg, Ken Wilber, Sara N. Ross, William R. Torbert and Bob Anderson and others has shown the strong connection between a particular stage of adult development and the competencies of leadership.  In short, it has strengthened the concept that leadership develop is really about human development. (more…)

We live in an exciting time in the executive development field.  In short,

• Recent research has shown compelling evidence that an evolved executive leader can make a huge difference in expanding profitability, performance, employee loyalty, etc.
• There is strong alignment amongst the many leadership models on the competencies an executive leader must embody to strengthen their impact.
• Based on this clarity as well as the ground breaking work of many – processes and methods have been created that are proven to add velocity onto the development process.

“The study was a real eye opener. Even after adopting the most conservative approach to determining the return on investment, we showed 700% in ROI for the coaching initiative (at Booz Allen Hamilton)”
Ed Cohen
Former Senior Director
Center for Performance Excellence
Booz Allen Hamilton

While executive coaching is only one piece to the puzzle – it is an approach that has proven we can build programs that work.  Given all of this plus the recognition that we find ourselves in challenging times that are crying for more leadership – you have to wonder why organizations and their senior leadership teams are not fully embracing the journey towards greater development of their leadership? (more…)

Today we say farwell to “The King of Pop.”  Whether you believe that Michael Jackson‘s death and life is receiving its due or feel that the coverage of this is overkill – Michael is teaching all of us two powerful and highly related lessons. First, as the founder of Motown, Berry Gordy, said during his speech at Michael’s memorial service “Michael was like two people.  Off stage he was shy and unassuming. Yet when he took stage and performed for his fans he was fully in charge, a true master.”  Few would discount Michael’s genius on stage and few would deny that his end came as a result of him losing the battle with his inner demons.  And both of these sides of Michael provide lessons to all of us trying to make a bigger impact in life. (more…)

By Jim Collins

Jim Collins does it again!  Picking up where Good to Great and Built to Last left off, bestselling author Jim Collins introduces a framework for diagnosing and correcting companies on the decline in his latest installment, How the Mighty Fall: And Why Some Companies Never Give In. A playbook for overcoming critical management challenges, Collins’ new release is a sure-to-be bestseller that provides a timely resource for business leaders and their companies.  This book will be released – Monday May 19, 2009. (more…)