Quotes from John Baldoni

The roots of effective leadership lie in simple things, one of which is listening. Listening to someone demonstrates respect; it shows that you value their ideas and are willing to hear them.

Leadership is an active, living process. It is rooted in character, forged by experience, and communicated by example.

Solution = Conflict + Collaboration

give a reason for people to believe in what you stand for.

When it comes to dealing with change and crisis, grace becomes evident in how we treat one another.

Research indicates that employees around the world have expectations for professional development. Ultimate responsibility for career development rests with the employee. It is up to him or her to take advantage of the opportunities offered.

Think About… How you might get more in tune with yourself. Spend at least a few minutes every day reflecting on how the day went. What went well and what would you like to have done better? Be mindful of feedback and make a point of thanking people who offer it.

Adopt different perspectives. Take advantage of the diversity represented in today's management landscape. An India-trained engineer may not view a problem the way one raised in Iowa will. Both may have the same problem-solving tool kit, but their different experiences provide valuable insights.

Leadership presence is the reflection of the leader's inner self. It should be the real deal. Presence, however, is not simply a sense of being; it is a determination of action. Leadership presence, as I wrote in 12 Steps to Power Presence, is a form of "earned authority." Authority comes from the title of a leader, but it is earned by example.

A leader's job is to bring people together for a common purpose, so credibility is critical. That will only come when people trust their leader and want to follow his or her lead. Communication opens the door to understanding what the leader is and what he or she stands for.

Communication opens the door to authenticity. A leader's presence affirms that what the leader says is an indication of what he or she believes. And when we sense that the leader means well, we will lend the leader our ears and will be inclined to follow his or her leadership.

Humility is a reflection of vulnerability; it is the self giving itself permission to say, "I don't know everything.

A leader who delivers the truth and does so calmly and confidently gives people a reason to believe that the right people are in charge and will do what they can to improve the situation.

Patience prepares the mind for the opportunity.

Leading in crisis requires an ability to remain composed, focused, and engaged when tensions rise.

A vulnerable leader facilitates the bonds of trust by making herself approachable, likeable, and respectable.

When a leader demonstrates vulnerability, she enables three things to occur: approachability, likeability, and respectability.

While authenticity is the "real you," vulnerability is that "you" naked—that is, who you are without artifice.

Hope is foundational to our ability to look beyond our present circumstances.

Keeping the notion of dignity front and center creates a workplace where people want to be.

Communication comes with practice. As a leader you must speak the truth; listen for understanding; and learn from what you hear and do not hear.

Focusing on one's own purpose is a matter of considering what you want to do, why you want to do it, and how you will do it. Easy questions, but they do provide deep thought.

Heroism is not blind courage: it is selfless action. it is knowing the odds are stacked against you, but feeling that you must do what you do for the good of others.