Be a Connector, Not a Collector The servant leader’s approach to building and stewarding relationships Most of us were taught to think about networking like collecting. Collect more contacts. Meet more “important” people. Grow your reach. Build a list of people you might call one day for advice, an intro, or an opportunity. And there’s nothing wrong with building a strong network. Relationships matter. They open doors, stretch our thinking, and create opportunities we wouldn’t find on our…
Turn belief into advocacy
Sometimes people do not need another course, workshop, or training program. They need someone they trust to say: “I know this person. Give them an opportunity.” That is one of the most practical ways leaders can serve others. As our careers progress, we gain more than experience and responsibility. We also gain access. Our recommendations…
Succession Is a Culture, Not a List
Many organizations have a succession plan. Far fewer have a succession culture. A plan usually identifies potential replacements for a few important positions. A culture continually develops people throughout the organization so that leadership transitions do not create unnecessary disruption. The difference becomes clear when someone leaves. If the organization immediately begins searching for a…
Make Succession a Present Discipline
Leaders often treat succession as a future event. It is better understood as a current operating practice. Succession is happening whenever a leader shares context, develops judgment, distributes relationships, documents a critical process, or gives someone else the opportunity to lead a consequential meeting. It is happening whenever the team learns to solve a problem…
Charisma Is Not Character: Why Leaders Must Be Formed
Charisma can attract followers. Only character can sustain their trust. We’ve been duped. Somewhere along the way, charisma became a shortcut for leadership. We started mistaking presence for purpose, confidence for competence, and volume for vision. Now we are promoting performers instead of stewards. We are hiring for energy instead of integrity. We are building teams around personalities instead of principles. That is not merely misguided. It is dangerous. Charisma can open a door,…