Chapter 7 Paradoxs

On Thursday, the 15th, we will be discussing Chapter 7 which speaks to the issues of Lincon's many Paradoxs.  I found it very interesting.  It was recommended that we do an inclass exercise discussing our ability to cope with all the many issues we must deal with on a daily basis.  Please come to class willing to share how you manage your own emotions in order to remain above the "FRAY"; what leadership traits you use to stay on top of things.  See you Thursday!

Making the right decision under pressure.

In today's Washington Post magazine, the staff identifies 25 moments that shaped Washington over the past 25 years. One of them was the Corcoran Gallery of Art's show "The Perfect Moment" featuring works by American photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. In stepped Sen. Jesse Helms to protest the fact that NEA funds had been used to mount the same exhibition in Philadelphia. He protested the use of tax dollars to subsidize material he felt was inappropriate. Federal law prohibited the NEA from interfering with the content of any art its money supported - but the Corcoran's leaders made the politically expedient choice to cancel the show - and we are still feeling the impacts of that decision to this day. The Corcoran lost a $1.5 million donation as a direct response to their action.

I am making no comment on the content of Mapplethorpe's work - that's not the point. Art is designed to make us think - not just tell us what we want to hear. If it is controled by politics, it cannot be free to fulfill its role.

Dealing with negativity

Just read chapters 5 - 7 and found them both thought-provoking and inspiring.

I would like to direct your attention to the end of Chapter 7, talking about how Lincoln dealt with the "slings and arrows of outrageous fortune" and suggest a class exercise:

We all have coping mechanisms. I suggest we share how we manage our own emotions in order to remain above the fray in true leaderly form.

Sherrod

Harvard Business Review Article

Jenny has provided a great link to a wonderful leadership piece from a little place called Harvard.  Sherrod's old stomping grounds I believe!  Thanks Jenny.  An interesting article.  http://hbr.org/2011/10/making-yourself-indispensable/ar/1. 

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Where are  you roxie?

Walking over now

Hey Roxie,
I'm heading across the stree now to take a look at the blog site.

Giants: another great book on Lincoln

Another great book about Lincoln that will also give you a wonderful snapshot of the live of Frederick Douglass is "Giants" by John Stauffer.  This book speaks to the parallel lives of Douglass and Lincoln.

Chapter 3 thoughts

Chapter three covers the leadership act of persuading your followers rather than coercing.  Is is possible to persuade "your" supervisor into acting a certain way?  Many non-students of leaderhsip only see leadership in a "look-down" approach.  Would you agree that junior leaders also lead up the chain of command?  Mark

Great class today

I hope all enjoyed the topic material today.  Keep in mind that we can adjust the way we cover matrials as the course continues.  Let's stay in touch and provoke additional thoughts as we read the next two chapters: 3 and 4.  I'll post the bullets from 1 and 2 by this weekend.  Thanks to all.  Mark

Checking the system at home

A little difficult to locate on the home computer.  May be an email issue.  Might need to list work and personal emails. 

THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE

REMEBER, ONCE YOU LEARN TO RIDE THE LEADERSHIP BICYCLE, YOU NEVER FORGET!!