Why do companies not see leaders?

You know, a very wise person told me that you have to ask for what you want. Well, sometimes companies are so busy with the business that they don't see the opportunities offered by their "hidden" leadership talent.

Be bold - ask for what you want! Don't be afraid to ask questions and don't be afraid to take informed risks. Sometimes you might have to do a job for awhile before you get paid for it - if it is what you wanted - it is worth it.

Remember - it will probably never happen as fast as you want it to, so take a deep breath and be as patient as you can. Keep talking and talking and talking - to anyone that will listen. Listen to the feedback and apply it to your idea - keep driving the change.

Integrity - cannot lead without it

What does integrity look like? It means that no matter what the situation, you handle it with character. It means that you don't repeat what someone has told you in confidence. It means you do not exaggerate a situion to make yourself look better. It means you take responsibility for your actions, your attitudes, your decisions. It means that when you are wrong you admit it. It means that everyone trusts what you say - no matter what!!

Now, this may all seem like common sense but ask yourself this. When was the last time you knew someone that had all these characteristics and could be trusted in any situation.

I believe I am one of these leaders!

Change - Cannot be in business without - Cannot make it happen

With the ever changing financial times, it is more critical now than ever to make smart fiscal business decisions. When companies lack strategic focus, it is really hard to drive change to make things better. Change gets so stuck in the day to day "stuff" that we cannot seem to get out of our own way.

It is more critical now to drive change - to be better - and to provide services where there are needs. For example, what companies need to focus on is what their audiences' needs are - not what products we can sell. The competitive edge is all about providing/meeting the needs. People are scared and they want to know there are companies that care. This is the key to business leadership.

Leadership to drive change will involve risks. Leaders have to be willing to say, "Let's try this approach, and put a plan in place" instead of giving up or saying it has been tired before. My answer would be - different leader so it has not been done before.

Many times it is easier to stop trying than to try another approach. As a leader, you still have to take all this on while remaining integrity bound. That means, you don't put down what has been tired before. You don't blame the people. You don't blame the company. Instead, you focus on what can be, set your sights in that direction, talk about what you want to do ALL THE TIME, and make progress with win/win steps. A little at a time. No matter what anyone says, change will not happen over night.