Sun, 06 May 2012 17:33:24 -0800WeeblySun, 06 May 2012 17:00:07 -0800http://www.buildingfutureleaders.com/3/post/2012/05/patch-adams-the-power-of-fresh-insight.html     If you happen to be a frequent reader of my blog, you know how important I believe paradigm shifts can be for leaders.
     I encourage you to find a copy of the movie "Patch Adams."  The insight he gains in one evening influences the rest of his life.
     Spend a few minutes reading "Patch Adams--The Power of Fresh Insight," and you'll likely be inspired to obtain the film and watch it with fresh eyes, and maybe be a better listener--in the workplace and maybe even in your home!
     Dennis]]>Sun, 29 Apr 2012 12:15:22 -0800http://www.buildingfutureleaders.com/3/post/2012/04/can-i-really-improve-by-doing-nothing.html     Some behaviors come so naturally that we forget that they are just habits.  And not all habits lead to productive outcomes.  Especially when the behaviors have detrimental effects on individuals who contribute in important ways to the culture, processes, and results of your organization.
     "Can I Really Improve by Doing Nothing?" causes you to look at four damaging behaviors that you thought were helpful.
     Enjoy learning from those who experience your behaviors every day!
    
     Dennis]]>Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:49:23 -0800http://www.buildingfutureleaders.com/3/post/2012/04/generating-a-commitment-to-organizational-learning.html     Many of the organizations I support would like to increase the quantity of collaborative learning that exists within their culture.  However, everyone is busy.  It's hard to find the time and energy for shared learning.
     In "Generating a Commitment to Organizational Learning," I offer a rather simple yet manageable and effective way to engage people in group learning.
     Perhaps this could be of value to your organization!  Also, it makes use of the great resources that are right here on this website!  Enjoy, learn, grow!
     Dennis]]>Sun, 18 Mar 2012 20:48:39 -0800http://www.buildingfutureleaders.com/3/post/2012/03/mentoring-from-the-mentees-perspective.htmlHere's the final article in a series of three dealing with mentoring.
This one's entitled "Mentoring--From the Mentee's Perspective."  Enjoy!
Dennis ]]>Sat, 03 Mar 2012 05:04:01 -0800http://www.buildingfutureleaders.com/3/post/2012/03/mentoring-from-the-mentors-perspective.html     No mentoring relationship can begin or survive without the commitment of an experienced leader.  Maybe that's you!  (In my opinion, every adult should be mentoring someone!)
     This is the second in a three-part series.  Take a look at "Mentoring--From the Mentor's Perspective."
     Then go share the existence of this website with your mentee!
     Dennis ]]>Wed, 22 Feb 2012 04:13:23 -0800http://www.buildingfutureleaders.com/3/post/2012/02/find-and-be-a-mentor-and-a-protege.html     Having a mentor devoted to your growth is a huge advantage in this   competitive world.  If you have the privilege of openly asking tough questions, like "Why?" and "How?" and "Should I?"---what an advantage you have over individuals whose only resources are the managers in their direct chain of command.
     Every organization has its unwritten rules.  They're not intended to be   devious or debilitating.  But they can be. 
      A mentor is not the only way to learn the unwritten rules that determine  success in your organization---trial and error works fairly well (takes a little  longer and can be a bit painful).  A good mentor can also help you learn the  principles and approaches of effective leadership.
      Why aren't there more mentoring relationships?  Maybe there will be after you read the attached article, "Find (and Be) a Mentor and Protege"!
      Dennis ]]>Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:34:38 -0800http://www.buildingfutureleaders.com/3/post/2012/02/paradigm-shifts-an-explanation-for-fresh-success.html     An immediate way to motivate an individual to enhance his or her skills is to increase awareness about the given topic.  And one of the most effective ways to raise awareness is to experience a paradigm shift. 
      Does a paradigm shift lead to fresh success?  That's the hypothesis of "Paradigm Shifts--An Explanation for Fresh Success?"
     I hope the article gives you a new perspective!
     Dennis ]]>Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:23:49 -0800http://www.buildingfutureleaders.com/3/post/2012/01/remembering-rube-goldberg.html    Many developing leaders have never heard of Rube Goldberg.  Yet he not only is a great example of pursuing what he loved doing in life, he set a new standard for humor, creativity, and innovation in his craft.
     Whether you recognize the contribution he made or not, take a look at "Remembering Rube Goldberg" and, smile.
     My wish for you is that you are serving others through pursuing something you love.  Enjoy!
     Dennis ]]>Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:09:52 -0800http://www.buildingfutureleaders.com/3/post/2012/01/how-do-i-move-from-i-have-to-to-i-choose-to.html     We're all busy, right?  Sometimes that "to do" list begins to feel like an "I Have To Do" list.  And those are words we actually sometimes say.
     But you always have a choice, right?  There may be some undesirable consequences if you don't accomplish some task, but you can choose to delay it, or delegate it, or even avoid it totally.
     So, you might ask, "How Do I Move from 'I Have To' to 'I Choose To'?"  That's what this week's article explores.
     I hope you'll choose to read it!
     Dennis ]]>Sat, 07 Jan 2012 18:27:36 -0800http://www.buildingfutureleaders.com/3/post/2012/01/your-past-lives-and-the-future-lives-you-influence.html     With the start of a new year, many of us have recently sung "Auld Lang Syne."  We need not be of Scottish origin to enjoy this song.  The words mean literally "old long since."  A freer translation might be "days gone by." The words to the song were collected and fashioned into lyrics by Scottish poet Robert Burns in 1788.
      My article, “Your Past Lives--and the Future Lives You Influence," refers to "days gone by."  If you are young, you may not have a lot of "days gone by" to remember.  If you are young at heart, however, the frequency of remembering "days gone by" may be increasing!  At least we (with a little gray in our hair) have more days that have gone by from which memories might emanate!
      As a leader, you are generating memories for the individuals you influence.  You can probably look back in your past and recall leaders who you appreciate for their influencse on your lives.  Will you be one of those for the individuals under your authority?      
      Dennis

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