GovLeaders.org is a free on-line resource designed to help government managers cultivate a more effective and motivated public sector workforce. http://www.govleaders.org.html The trappings of success tend to motivate many people to aspire to positions of leadership. But what if you get there and don't like all the baggage that comes with such "success?" Ray Blunt explores this issue in his latest column for GovLeaders.org. http://www.govleaders.org/successes.htm Ray Blunt Highly successful leaders are at risk for developing hubris, which in turn can lead them to failure of varying degrees. In this column for GovLeaders.org, Ray Blunt discusses this cycle, how it happens, and how was can use reflection, self-awareness and mentors to maintain our humility and prevent hubris from taking hold. http://www.govleaders.org/failures.htm Ray Blunt Public service is a high calling. So why don't more of us have a clear picture as to what it is we have been called to do? In his latest column for GovLeaders.org, Ray Blunt walks us through the process of developing a life mission statement. http://www.govleaders.org/mission.htm Ray Blunt In this Q and A with GovLeaders.org, author Gene Klann discusses the importance of stretch assignments and job rotations, and suggests how government agencies can train leaders of character despite shrinking budgets. He also asserts that setting a positive leadership example is "the highest form of leadership" because people tend to imitate the behaviors they see in their leaders. http://www.govleaders.org/character.htm Don Jacobson New leaders have many challenges to confront, but one of their most important tasks is to make some strategic decisions about what they want to accomplish in life and how they want to spend their time. Ray Blunt observes that these choices will be made one way or another (whether it is an active or passive process), but it is far batter to make conscious choices that will lead to a true leadership legacy. http://www.govleaders.org/choices.htm Ray Blunt Most of us dislike working with (or for) self-promoters, but is it really possible to advance our careers without drawing attention to our accomplishments? http://www.govleaders.org/getting_ahead.htm Ray Blunt Ray Blunt asserts that not enough government agencies focus on the leadership development activities with the highest impact: challenging, work-based experiences and significant interaction with senior leaders. "Leaders learn to lead," he says, "in the classroom of experience with senior leaders." http://www.govleaders.org/bike.htm Ray Blunt Employees in most organizations wish for--but rarely have--leaders with the courage to make tough decisions, speak the truth about performance, and speak truth to power. Ray Blunt describes several steps leaders can take to foster courage in their organizations. http://www.govleaders.org/courage.htm Ray Blunt Most employees have ideas about how to improve their organization. Unfortunately, many managers fail to encourage employees to contribute their ideas--or inadvertently discourage them from doing so. This article discusses several techniques managers can use to foster innovation in a way that can energize employees and improve your operation. http://www.govleaders.org/innovation.htm Don Jacobson Whenever new employees come on board, it is vital that they get off to a good start in their new position. They need to understand their role in the organization as a whole, learn the expectations of their supervisor, and practice the basic elements of the job. Their experience in the first few weeks will have a significant bearing on their level of commitment and ability to become productive quickly. http://www.govleaders.org/orientation.htm Don Jacobson Meetings can be an excellent use of time when they are well-run. Unfortunately, the converse is also true, and it seems that time-wasting, poorly run meetings are far too common. This article describes 6 rules of meeting management that can help make meeting more productive and less frustrating. Each of the rules requires commitment from all participants. http://www.govleaders.org/meetings.htm Don Jacobson