Creating Tomorrow

“Become the change that you want to see in the world”

Mohandas Gandhi

Dear Friends,

During the last few weeks I’ve had a chance to browse through J. Kevin Sheehan’s latest book, A Leader Becomes A Leader. More than once I found myself associating the aspects his insightful and informative compilation of leadership biographies highlight to key points I emphasize when addressing my many different audiences on the subject.

During the course of my career I have had the privilege of working with several hundred young people just beginning their careers, as well as - more recently - facilitating seasoned business people as they endeavor to take their professional lives to the next level. I also find myself speaking to young audiences in the States about my experiences living and working as an American abroad.

Sometimes the people I encounter already have a strong inner light burning. Others, however, have yet to broaden their own horizons and grasp just how many opportunities they might have to make a significant difference if only they dare to reach for them.

“A life is not important, except in the impact it has on others’ lives.”

Jackie Robinson

Sheehan’s book recruits its examples not only from the corporate world. He also recruits his examples from the realms of sports, music, literature, politics, activism, the military, etc. Divided into three sections - A Leader Becomes A Leader, The Qualitites of Leadership, and a Conclusion - his book’s structure invites you to meander through the pages full of informative details, photos, timelines and quotes.

fo.cus

1.

A center of interest or

activity

2.

Close or narrow

attention; concentration

I especially appreciated the inclusions of a number of key leadership virtues and their definitions. They very succinctly underscored and framed the accomplishments of the people Sheehan showcases. Black, white and brown; male and female; American and foreign-born, Sheehan presents us with a broad sample of individuals who have discovered within themselves the courage to accept the spotlight and take human kind to another level by remaining true to their purpose in life.

“I am sure love and compassion will triumph in the end.”

Aung San Suu Kyi

While remembering the fight for the rights of migrant farm workers, combatting the inhumane straitjacket of apartheid or bringing down the racial barriers in professional sports, the book honors some classic leaders like Cesar Chavez, Nelson Mandela or Jackie Robinson. It also expands its range to include more unexpected examples of leadership with Millard Fuller, Georgia O’Keefe or Bob Marley. Leafing through the pages and studying the pictures and quotes becomes especially poignant on the pages featuring the Dalai Lama and Aung San Suu Kyi.

All in all, the book provides a wide range of compelling examples, worthy role models, and bountiful inspiration.  I cannot only second the book’s subtitle, “Inspirational Stories of Leadership For a New Generation”. No, I’ll do more than that…

…These stories are not only important lessons and examples to pass on to a new generation, they are also invaluable lessons older generations cannot afford to forget.

Trina

Dear Friends,

One of the biggest problems unsure presenters have is knowing what to do with their hands. Some presenters feel they must keep their hands at their sides at all times in order to appear professional and business-like. By doing this they instead appear stiff and distanced.

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The list of companies and organizations that have already signed the Diversity Charta in Germany is impressive. These organizations - e.g. Dresdner Bank or Allianz Insurance - have taken their first energetic steps with a sharpened business sense and - in part - with a high level of PR visibility. With their committment to diversity they will open the doors even wider for more effective integration, while simultaneously securing important market and knowledge potential for themselves.

The Inofficial Hierarchy of Core Dimensions

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Dear Friends,

I am currently writing up brief coaching case studies from my practice. It’s providing me with a fantastic opportunity to revisit some of the challenges I’ve faced together with my coachees and assess my own areas of improvements as a coach. 

It  also give me the opportunity to share with you some of the situations in which - as a coach - I’ve been able to have proven impact and provide support to someone committed to achieving their professional goals.

Here is an excerpt from one of the cases:

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Dear Friends,

In a former professional life I was Head of Human Resources Development for a major international advertising group.

Whereas a normal job application in Germany is an extremely formalized affair, it’s commonly felt that an application sent in to an ad agency has to really stand out in the crowd. In some ways that’s true, especially if you apply for a job as copywriter or art director. Creative Directors want to see evidence that your artwork sizzle and your headlines pack a punch.

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Dear Friends,

We all know that no two meeting rooms are created equal. Usually, though, there is sufficient space at the front of the room for presenters to move around:

• from their laptops to point out something of significance on the screen,
• over to people in the audience to ask a question or make a point, or
• simply to pass around product samples or documents

Why is it that many presenters take up a space no larger than a postage stamp, but still feel as though they dance around wildly in the front of the room?

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“You get the best effort from others not by lighting a fire beneath them, but by building a fire within.”

Source: Bob Nelson

 

Dear Friends,

Most of us have heard of - if not seen -  the “Gremlin” movies from the 80’s. Those gremlins were cute, furry little creatures who underwent a dramatic (and decidedly negative) transformation if they were

• exposed to direct sunlight
• fed after midnight
• somehow got wet.

The gremlins I am referring to have a similarly destructive impact. In coaching the term “gremlin” is used to describe those negative messages we use to sabotage ourselves. It’s that nagging inner voice that conspires to prevent us from achieving our goals and objectives.

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Dear Friends,

I am very happy to announce a new project under the banner of the Creating Tomorrow franchise: 360° of Diversity is a project that will allow me to focus more specifically on the challenges of effective diversity management within the changing demographics of Germany’s business world. Together with my cooperation partner, sociologist Lale Otyakmaz, I will be supporting corporations and organisations here in Germany as they strive to make the most intelligent usage of the vast human potential Germany has to offer.

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Dear Friends,

Are you surfing by for the first time  or have you been here before? It doesn’t really matter:

Your opinion counts!

Once you’ve had a look at the most recent Presentation Warrior entry from 24th March (Myth #4: Presenting in the Dark) , please click on the link below and take a few minutes to answer our nine survey questions:

Click Here to take survey

We really appreciate it!

Trina