Poised for Excellence (eBook)

Karima Mariama-Arthur is founder and CEO of WordSmithRapport, a boutique consulting firm specializing in leadership development, complex communication and performance management.  A trusted advisor to accomplished professionals around the world, she provides insight into the fundamental principles that make leaders successful.  Karima speaks regularly in her areas of expertise, both nationally and internationally, to audiences across industries. Find about more about Karima at www.wordsmithrapport.com.  

Foreword 6
Preface 8
Acknowledgments 10
Contents 11
Part I: Principles that Foster Leadership Excellence Through Focused Introspection 15
1: Exceptional Leaders Are Lifelong Learners 16
Core Strategies 18
Pursue relevant, high-caliber knowledge sources 18
Cultivate “deep smarts” 18
Secure “high-touch” experiences with best-of-breed advisors 19
Engage in observation and introspection 19
Step outside your comfort zone 20
Journal Questions 20
Leadership Challenge 21
2: Emotional Intelligence Drives Leadership Success 22
But What Exactly Is Emotional Intelligence? 23
Self-Awareness 23
Self-Regulation 24
Motivation 24
Empathy 24
Social Skills 25
Core Strategies 26
Increase the Range of Your Emotions 26
Exercise Greater Control Over Thinking and Behavior 26
Thoughtfully Engage Others to Develop Empathy 27
Ramp Up Intrinsic Motivation 27
Increase Social Competence 28
Journal Questions 28
Leadership Challenge 29
3: Get Out of Your Way and Stop Sabotaging Your Success 30
Core Strategies 32
Do Not Make Excuses 32
Jettison Fear 33
Refuse to Procrastinate 33
Get Mentally Tough 33
Get Out of Your Head 34
Journal Questions 34
Leadership Challenge 35
4: You Are Your Own Best Barometer 36
Core Strategies 38
Determine the Value of Unsolicited Feedback 38
Trust Your Gut 39
Cash in on Past Performance 39
Eliminate Praise and Blame as Key Decision-Making Factors 40
Be Kind to Yourself 40
Journal Questions 41
Leadership Challenge 41
5: You Are Your Competition 42
Core Strategies 44
Develop a Gold Standard of Excellence 44
Expect More from Yourself than Others Do 45
Get Off Your Laurels 45
Discover Ways to Innovate 45
Evaluate Your Results 46
Journal Questions 46
Leadership Challenge 47
6: Integrity, Transparency, and Ethical Behavior Always Matter 48
Core Strategies 50
Know the Rules and Follow Them 50
Resist Groupthink 51
Look Before You Leap 51
Confront Unethical Behavior 52
Work with Others to Drive Compliance 52
Journal Questions 53
Leadership Challenge 53
7: Leaders Create the Best Version of Themselves Without Apology 54
Core Strategies 57
Assess the Status of Your Current Brand 57
Get a Second Opinion 57
Do the Trench Work 58
Frequently Evaluate Your Progress 58
Raise the Bar and Commit to Ongoing Learning 59
Journal Questions 59
Leadership Challenge 59
8: World-Class Leaders Lead by Example 61
Core Strategies 64
Lead by Example 64
Give Others the Benefit of the Doubt 64
Get the Facts 65
Evaluate Objectively 65
Avail Yourself of Constructive Criticism 65
Journal Questions 66
Leadership Challenge 66
9: Leaders Own Their Mistakes and Embrace Constructive Criticism 67
Core Strategies 69
Be Honest 69
Acknowledge Failure as a Component of Success 70
Extract the Lesson 70
Share Lessons Learned 71
Try to Avoid Repeating Mistakes 71
Journal Questions 71
Leadership Challenge 72
10: Visionary Leaders Eliminate “the Box” 73
Core Strategies 75
Embrace Contrarian Thought 75
Evaluate Institutional Memory 76
Be Skeptical of Best Practices 76
Develop a Fresh Perspective 77
Be Creative and Break the Rules to Find New Inspiration 77
Journal Questions 77
Leadership Challenge 78
Part II: Principles that Cultivate Leadership Excellence Through Disruptive Paradigm Shifts 79
11: Strive for Progress, Not Perfection 80
Core Strategies 83
Complete Tasks with Conviction 83
Do Not Compare Yourself with Others 83
Measure Results and Reward Your Efforts 84
Fail Forward 84
Correct the Course 84
Journal Questions 85
Leadership Challenge 85
12: “True Grit” Beats Passion 86
Core Strategies 88
Embrace Risk 88
Engage in Positive Self-Talk 89
When Things Get Tough, Dig Deep 89
Eat the “Frog” First 90
Create a Support System 90
Journal Questions 91
Leadership Challenge 91
13: Work Smarter, Not Harder 92
Core Strategies 94
Determine Overall Objectives 94
Assess the Rigor of Work 95
Set Deadlines 95
Manage the Workflow 95
Execute 96
Journal Questions 96
Leadership Challenge 96
14: Prepare for War in Times of Peace 98
Core Strategies 100
Acknowledge the “What If” 100
Gather Appropriate Resources 100
Seek Advice 101
Develop a Contingency Plan 101
Prepare and Execute 101
Journal Questions 102
Leadership Challenge 102
15: Turn “Shoulds” into “Musts” 104
Core Strategies 106
Do Not Procrastinate 106
Stop Making Excuses 106
Freely Make Mistakes 107
Take Bold Action 107
Forget About What Other People Think 108
Journal Questions 108
Leadership Challenge 108
16: Lead with Influence, Not Authority 109
Core Strategies 111
Set the Behavioral Bar High 111
Garner Influence 112
Treat People the Way You Want to Be Treated 112
Respect the Limitations of Your Title 113
Do Not Pledge Blind Allegiance to Others’ Titles 113
Journal Questions 113
Leadership Challenge 114
17: Reboot and Relax 115
Core Strategies 117
Draw a Hard Line in the Sand 117
Create List of Favorite Pastimes 117
Set Aside Time to Engage with Others 118
Schedule Relaxation 118
Live in the Moment 118
Journal Questions 119
Leadership Challenge 119
18: Always Look for the Silver Lining 120
Core Strategies 122
Maintain a Positive Perspective 122
Tune Out Negative Influences 122
Find Your “Happy Place” 122
Make a Visceral Connection 123
Evaluate 123
Journal Questions 124
Leadership Challenge 124
19: See the Forest and the Trees 125
Core Strategies 127
Home in on Details 127
Observe the “Big Picture” Landscape 128
Review for Holes and Inconsistencies 128
Cultivate an Informed Opinion 129
Ask for an Independent Analysis 129
Journal Questions 130
Leadership Challenge 130
20: Think of Fear as an Ally 131
Core Strategies 133
Acknowledge Fear 133
Determine Where Your Fear Is Coming from 134
Recognize the Benefits of Fear 134
Resolve to Act despite Fear 134
Evaluate Your Progress 135
Journal Questions 135
Leadership Challenge 136
Part III: Principles that Nurture Leadership Excellence Through Benevolence, Collaboration, and Value-Based Service to Others 137
21: Honor Human Relationships 138
Core Strategies 141
Learn to Make Meaningful Connections and to Build Healthy Relationships 141
Offer Value 141
Exercise Reciprocity 142
Communicate Effectively 142
Expand Your Relationships’ Circle 143
Journal Questions 143
Leadership Challenge 143
22: Use “Honey” to Catch Flies, Not Vinegar 144
Core Strategies 146
Smile 147
Authentically and Enthusiastically Engage with Others 147
Show up and Participate 147
Nevertheless, Create Boundaries 148
Get 360-Degree Feedback 148
Journal Questions 148
Leadership Challenge 149
23: Give Credit Where It Is Due 150
Core Strategies 152
Recognize the Inherent Value in Others 152
Do Not Hog the Spotlight 153
Praise Genuinely and Enthusiastically 153
Practice Altruism with Conviction 153
Encourage Others to Embrace Altruism as a Core Value 154
Journal Questions 154
Leadership Challenge 154
24: Promote Fairness and Consistency 155
Core Strategies 157
Think Objectively 157
Put Yourself in Another Person’s Shoes 157
Try to Be More Self-Aware 158
Actively Promote Fairness and Consistency 158
Take Stock of the Results you Have Produced 159
Journal Questions 159
Leadership Challenge 159
25: Confront Workplace Bullies 160
Core Strategies 163
Know What to Look for 163
Confront the Bully’s Behavior 163
Take It up the Hierarchy 164
Follow-up with the “Powers that Be” 164
Support the Victims 165
Journal Questions 165
Leadership Challenge 165
26: Collaborate with Experts to Maximize Results 167
Core Strategies 169
Determine the Need 169
Find the Best and Most Relevant Experts 170
Develop a Strategic Plan 170
Execute the Collaboration 171
Assess the Value of Collaboration 171
Journal Questions 172
Leadership Challenge 172
27: Challenge the Status Quo 173
Core Strategies 175
Assess the Status Quo 175
Apply Disruptive Thought 176
Step Outside Your Comfort Zone and Embrace “Why” 176
Develop a Fresh Perspective 177
Take Bold Action 177
Journal Questions 178
Leadership Challenge 178
28: Leverage Leadership Ethos to Shape Culture 179
Core Strategies 181
Identify the Organizational Goals and Determine How Leadership Ethos Can Support Them 181
Align the Vision, Mission, and Organizational Goals 182
Educate the Entire Workforce 182
Reinforce Ethos Through Activities and Signposts 183
Determine the Impact of Ethos 183
Journal Questions 183
Leadership Challenge 184
29: Practice Tolerance 185
Core Strategies 187
Decelerate and Shift Your Lifestyle Priorities 187
Make a Concerted Effort to Learn More About Others and Embrace New Experiences 188
Self-regulate Because Tolerance Requires It 188
Practice Exercising Tolerance Daily 189
Assess the Results and Tweak Your Thinking  and Behavior as Needed 189
Journal Questions 190
Leadership Challenge 190
30: Create a Vision that Inspires 191
Core Strategies 193
Determine What Is at Stake 193
Crystallize Your Vision 194
Develop Objectives 194
Develop a Strategic Plan 194
Execute 195
Journal Questions 195
Leadership Challenge 195
Part IV: Principles that Promote Leadership Excellence Through Fundamental Calls to Action 196
31: Delegate! 197
Core Strategies 200
Identify Potential Candidates 200
Delegate! 200
Actively Seek Out Opportunities to Empower the Team 201
Evaluate Periodically and Offer Guidance 201
Debrief After the Project Has Been Delivered 201
Journal Questions 202
Leadership Challenge 202
32: Master Effective Decision Making 203
Core Strategies 205
Do Your Research 206
Assess the Attendant Risks 206
Brainstorm Available Options 206
Develop a Straightforward Strategy for Execution 207
Move Forward Decisively 207
Journal Questions 208
Leadership Challenge 208
33: Pull Up Weeds By Their Roots 209
Core Strategies 212
Take a “Deep Dive” 212
Brainstorm 212
Perform a Risk Assessment 213
Thoroughly Review Available Options 213
Take Decisive Action 214
Journal Questions 214
Leadership Challenge 214
34: Say “No” and Own It 215
Core Strategies 217
Ruthlessly Prioritize Tasks 217
Identify and Eliminate Extraneous Activities 218
Resist the Urge to Please Others 218
Avoid Making Unwarranted Apologies 219
Own It and Move On 219
Journal Questions 220
Leadership Challenge 220
35: Distinguish Management from Leadership 221
Core Strategies 224
Know the Difference Between the Two 224
Become Educated in Management 224
Become Educated in Leadership 225
Determine the Best Outcome for Each 225
Empower Your Teams with Mutual Development Opportunities 225
Journal Questions 226
Leadership Challenge 226
36: Acknowledge the Elephant in the Room 227
Core Strategies 230
Keep Your Eyes and Ears Wide Open 230
Stick to the Facts 231
Evaluate Objectively 231
Decide on the Way Forward 231
Take Decisive Action 232
Journal Questions 232
Leadership Challenge 233
37: Leverage Your Professional Wheelhouse 234
Core Strategies 236
Know Your Worth 236
Do Not Second-Guess Yourself 237
Ignore the So-Called Competition 237
Connect the Dots for Yourself and Others 237
Cash in on Prime Opportunities 238
Journal Questions 238
Leadership Challenge 238
38: Come Down from the Ivory Tower 239
Core Strategies 241
Check Your Ego at the Door 241
Acknowledge the Benefits of Community 242
Lead with Your Humanity 242
Make a Concerted Effort to Get Know Others 242
Cooperate to Create a Culture that you Love 243
Journal Questions 243
Leadership Challenge 244
39: Sharpen Your Communication Skills 245
Core Strategies 247
Assess Current Skill Level 247
Seek Appropriate Development 248
Practice 248
Get Expert-Level Feedback 248
Do Not Get Overconfident 249
Journal Questions 249
Leadership Challenge 250
40: Encourage Leading at All Levels 251
Core Strategies 253
Challenge the Status Quo 254
Empower Employees to Lead at All Levels 254
Organize Leadership Development Programs 254
Follow-Up and Evaluate 255
Fine-Tune the Way Forward 255
Journal Questions 256
Leadership Challenge 256
41: Conclusion 258
Part I: Principles that Foster Leadership Excellence Through Focused Introspection 259
Chapter 1: Exceptional Leaders Are Lifelong Learners 259
Chapter 2: Emotional Intelligence Drives Leadership Success 259
Chapter 3: Get Out of Your Way and Stop Sabotaging Your Success 260
Chapter 4: You Are Your Own Best Barometer 260
Chapter 5: You Are Your Competition 260
Chapter 6: Integrity, Transparency, and Ethical Behavior Always Matter 260
Chapter 7: Leaders Create the Best Version of Themselves Without Apology 261
Chapter 8: World-Class Leaders Lead by Example 261
Chapter 9: Leaders Own Their Mistakes and Embrace Constructive Criticism 261
Chapter 10: Visionary Leaders Eliminate “the Box” 261
Part II: Principles that Cultivate Leadership Excellence Through Disruptive Paradigm Shifts 262
Chapter 11: Strive for Progress, Not Perfection 262
Chapter 12: “True Grit” Beats Passion 262
Chapter 13: Work Smarter, Not Harder 262
Chapter 14: Prepare for War in Times of Peace 262
Chapter 15: Turn “Shoulds” into “Musts” 263
Chapter 16: Lead with Influence, Not Authority 263
Chapter 17: Reboot and Relax 263
Chapter 18: Always Look for the Silver Lining 263
Chapter 19: See the Forest and the Trees 264
Chapter 20: Think of Fear as an Ally 264
Part III: Principles that Nurture Leadership Excellence Through Benevolence, Collaboration, and Value-Based Service to Others 264
Chapter 21: Honor Human Relationships 264
Chapter 22: Use “Honey” to Catch Flies, Not Vinegar 265
Chapter 23: Give Credit Where It Is Due 265
Chapter 24: Promote Fairness and Consistency 265
Chapter 25: Confront Workplace Bullies 265
Chapter 26: Collaborate with Experts to Maximize Results 266
Chapter 27: Challenge the Status Quo 266
Chapter 28: Leverage Leadership Ethos to Shape Culture 266
Chapter 29: Practice Tolerance 266
Chapter 30: Create a Vision that Inspires 267
Part IV: Principles that Promote Leadership Excellence Through Fundamental Calls to Action 267
Chapter 31: Delegate! 267
Chapter 32: Master Effective Decision Making 267
Chapter 33: Pull Up Weeds by Their Roots 267
Chapter 34: Say “No” and Own It 268
Chapter 35: Distinguish Management from Leadership 268
Chapter 36: Acknowledge the Elephant in the Room 268
Chapter 37: Leverage Your Professional Wheelhouse 268
Chapter 38: Come Down from the Ivory Tower 269
Chapter 39: Sharpen Your Communication Skills 269
Chapter 40: Encourage Leading at All Levels 269
Final Thoughts 269
Bibliography 270
Index 274