Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:53:40 -0800WeeblyTue, 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

]]>Sun, 18 Dec 2011 14:43:00 -0800http://www.buildingfutureleaders.com/3/post/2011/12/the-path-to-mastery-is-never-straight.html     Many people who are in leadership positions don't really understand what's involved in "leadership."  They focus on their functional rsponsibilities, and they "get by," managing to do what's required to keep their jobs.
     Once an awareness of all that is contained in the various attributes that contribute to effective leadership, some individuals decide that they will put energy into improving their skills.  Ah, but sometimes progress comes slowly.
     "The Path to Mastery is Never Straight," no matter what the skill.  So, why should the skills of leadership be any different?
     Dennis
     ]]>Mon, 05 Dec 2011 19:45:48 -0800http://www.buildingfutureleaders.com/3/post/2011/12/serve-because-you-are-already-blessed.html     In my previous article, I explained the difference between an "abundance" outlook and one of "scarcity."  I can certainly understand an outlook of scarcity, because my parents taught me that way of looking at "the world"!  It was all I knew for forty years!
     Ah, but if you are in a position of leadership, you are well beyond Maslow's initial hierarchical levels ("basic needs" and "security").  You are already in a position where "abundance" could be (should be?) your outlook.
     So, this week's artice is the philosophy I advocate for any leader:  "Serve Because You are Already Blessed"!
     Dennis ]]>Sun, 20 Nov 2011 22:05:53 -0800http://www.buildingfutureleaders.com/3/post/2011/11/abundance-and-a-serving-mentality.html     It's hard for a leader to serve those under his or her authority when "scarcity" is the predominant outlook.  An alternative perspective is one of "abundance," but "Abundance and a Serving Mentality" is quite rare.
     Despite its rarity, this combination could be extremely powerful.  Once you read about it, you might strive to adopt it!
     Dennis ]]>Tue, 25 Oct 2011 20:33:17 -0800http://www.buildingfutureleaders.com/3/post/2011/10/putting-failure-in-its-proper-perspective.html     It's World Series time!  As a kid, I wanted to be a professional baseball player when I grew up.  Alas, I learned in high school that I needed both skill and determination.
     What better way to describe "failure" than to recognize that professional baseball players fail to get a hit, on average, three out of four times.  Does your job allow you to fail three out of four times?
     Perhaps "Putting Failure in Its Proper Perspective" will encourage you to view your setbacks as stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks.
     Dennis ]]>Tue, 11 Oct 2011 06:53:22 -0800http://www.buildingfutureleaders.com/3/post/2011/10/resetting-that-little-voice-in-your-head.html     There is a little voice in your head.  Does it help you, or does it hold you back?  Most of us have at least one little voice that generates doubt, fear, or some other basis for holding back.
    Perhaps this pair of articles, Make That Little Voice in Your Head an Ally and Resetting That Little Constraining Voice, can help.
     Let me know your thoughts!
     Dennis ]]>Tue, 11 Oct 2011 06:34:16 -0800http://www.buildingfutureleaders.com/3/post/2011/10/acceptance-and-forgiveness-critical-for-collaboration.html     This is the last of five articles generated from the book The Power of Two by Rodd Wagner and Gale Muller.  These five articles are very helpful to anyone who is engaged with another person in any kind of joint effort.
     Acceptance and Forgiveness may be very insightful for you!
     Dennis ]]>Mon, 15 Aug 2011 10:13:11 -0800http://www.buildingfutureleaders.com/3/post/2011/08/im-late-in-posting-recent-articles-forgive-me-please.html     Oh, I'm so embarrassed!  I've let time pass without updating my website.
     For several weeks, I've written articles, but I've not posted them to my website.  I've been busy with serving clients and in moving my family to Atlanta.
     So, with this post, I'm offering six articles to catch up!
--"'Independence' is Only an Interim Destination"
--"Why Do People Do What They Do?"
--"What's Required for Collaborative Relationships?"
--"Complementary Strengths and a Shared Mission"
--"Fairness and Trust--Critical Factors for Collaboration"
--"Unselfishness and Communication--Critical for Collaboration"
     Perhaps now I can post new articles as I generate them!  Thanks for your forgiveness for my delay!
     Dennis
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