Targeted Outcomes

You Lead Me

Stephen M. Gower, CSP

You taught me this one – that you lead me – that leadership is cynical at the core. Authentic leaders often follow those they lead; a courageous follower will exhibit a “caring enough to lead.” Leadership is an ocean, not a pool. Both leaders and followers create the currents.

Over recent months, I have felt your leadership when:

• You touched me by frequently inquiring about Heather's health. (Thankfully, she is back from her car accident.) Your interest in her has lead me to share with her what she means to many.
• You allowed me to sit on a stool while presenting, and while sharing my stories. All along, you were leading me.
• You led me during keynote presentations by smiles, laughter, and tears. I am the beneficiary of your notes – leading me by saying: “Take care of yourself. Your work is very important.”
• You commented on how important Lynne (my wife) is to our work. Several evaluations have lead me to re-examine myself. Often I read, “I would love to meet his wife. She must have the patience of Job.”

Leadership is an enigma. Just when you think you have a firm understanding of leadership, the ground shakes. That is when you grasp it – there is more of a leader within you than you ever dreamed possible. You do not need a label to be a leader. You lead every day. Many could say, “You lead me.”

My grasp of the depth of leadership has increased over recent years. Much of the credit goes to you.

Who Has Your Back?

Graham Gandee, PT

John Calipari, is the head basketball coach for the University of Kentucky Men’s Basketball team. He is known as an outstanding recruiter and an inspirational leader. His 2009-2010 team developed 5 first round picks. Never in the history of college basketball have 5 first round draft picks been selected from the same college team in the same year. This team was defeated in the sweet sixteen game against the West Virginia Mountaineers team. Fans were shocked. Coach Calipari commented that his team played selfishly; they did not play together.

The following year, the 2010-2011 team surpassed expectations.  That team consisted of players representing “blue collar” workers instead of front page magazine covers.  The players on the 2010-2011 team worked together, looking out for each other. Individual statistics were not the main focus.  Coach made the comment on several occasions, “my players had each others backs.”

Basketball team dynamics are very similar to work-force dynamics. In the work arena, a positive answer to the “Who has your back?” question will involve the following:,

• There will be little emphasis on the first pronoun.
• There will be much emphasis on “we, and us.”,
• Employees will have a middle name - “Unselfish.”
• “I have your back” will be a theme that resonates throughout the workforce.

Targeted Reading

Write is a Verb – Sit Down. Start Writing. No Excuses.
By Bill O'Hanlon

The number of clients who have shared with me “I want to write a book soon” is legion. In most cases, the intent has yet to be translated into reality. When I purchased this book, I did so with these clients in my mind.

Write is a Verb is written by one who holds a stellar resume for the task. Bill O'Hanlon has authored or co-authored 28 books including: Change 101 and Thriving Through Crisis. His book, Do One Thing Different was featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show. He has also appeared on The Today Show. What intrigues me most about Mr. O'Hanlon is his background as a licensed mental health professional and as a certified professional counselor. He knows how to encourage “would-be writers.”

Write is a Verb addresses issues such as:

• Finding the energy to write.
• Changing one small thing to get your writing done.
• Using commitments to make progress.
• Overcoming writer's block.

This is a good book that will help you write well – and to start now.

Announcements

This Summer, Mr. Gower will be presenting for the IIA . He is looking forward to presenting for the International Chiefs of Police in Chicago this fall.. In January of 2012, Diverse Power, Inc. will once again sponsor the High School Youth Leadership Institute in Troup County, Georgia. Stephen is honored to be their presenter for the 8th year in a row and thanks Diverse Power for their steadfast support. Approximately 2,000 students have benefited from this leadership institute.

Stephen's Schedule

Contact our office to schedule Stephen, while he is in your area!

• CIPMA HR Montgomery County – Rockville, MD
• Michigan Sheriffs Association – Lansing, MI
• Institute of Internal Auditors – Orlando, FL
• Arizona Chiefs of Police – Las Vegas, NV
• NC Sheriffs Association – Raleigh, NC
• Georgia Sheriffs Association/ Secretaries Conference – Stockbridge, GA
• KY Sheriffs Association – Louisville, KY
• International Association of Chiefs of Police – Chicago, IL
• TN West Star Leadership Program – Pickwick Landing, TN
• Nebraska Sheriffs Association – Lincoln, NE
• New Mexico Home Care – Santa Fe, NM
• Lead TN – Nashville, TN