Yesterday, we were on a call with our client Dr. Kay Vogt, a family business advisor, working on the storyline for her upcoming book, The Family Business. Our discussion centered around something that hit very close to home with me and that is attitude. When you’re building something–a company, an organization, a team, a brand–there are always an unlimited number of reasons not to press on. The obstacles often feel so numerous that they seem impossible to overcome. And yet we build anyway, and the entity grows because we focus not on these reasons why it will not work, but rather on the reasons it must work. And those reasons are all related to how the entity will affect people, change lives, and better the world.

Great leaders have to focus on the positives in order to do their job well, in order to inspire; because it is from that place of inspiration, where the magic happens and obstacles are overcome with creativity and ingenuity never before imagined. The capability of mankind to find solutions and overcome challenges is absolutely mind blowing. But we cannot do it from a place of fear. Fear and anxiety are the enemies of creativity. They actually shut down portions of the brain that would otherwise be effective.

The last seven years with the current administration has been one of anxiety and fear, which has stifled the country. We have some of the most brilliant minds on the planet, but the country as a whole is working from fear. To me, this is what makes Barack Obama such an appealing candidate. Last night when I heard him speak in Minnesota–as I have often heard him speak throughout his campaign–he brings integrity and honor to the political process. He applauds his opponent Hillary Rodham Clinton for making him a better candidate for competing with him. He honors John McCain’s service record. He comes from a positive perspective that honors those around him and his platform is one of possibility. As a business owner, I understand first hand, that when I take responsibility for creating a positive environment within my company, the people who surround me feel they are coming to work to play each day. This is an environment where people spring out of bed, excited for what they are going to create next. Conversely, when I come from a place of fear and anxiety and spread that to my team, they dread the day ahead of them, and they give all of their energy to just get to the end of the day so they can get home and relax. Who would you rather be–an employee dreading the day, or thrilled to be part of something?

When a leader instills fear–nothing feels possible and therefore few people rise to the challenge. When a leader has a positive attitude and helps the people to believe–anything is possible and miracles happen. A positive leader, with an amazing attitude will fall on his face more, will take greater risks, will challenge the people to LIVE everyday, and the people will LOVE life for the roller coaster it is. Such a leader is worth their weight in gold. They build better companies, faster teams, stronger countries. Attitude is everything. Consider yours.

Probably the most important key to effective leadership (in my somewhat ridiculous world of entertainment and publishing) is looking up from the daily mess of creation to see the big picture and recognize the need for renovation–for a new solution to a problem that is lingering and not getting solved. In our world right now at Writers of the Round Table, we have been struggling with the distribution of our books. As I have mentioned in other postings, we have spent years (a decade myself) learning to develop exceptional products. I am not an expert in the distribution of those products. My team is amazing, mind you, and we have unbelievable expertise in creating the brand and all of the support for the distribution machine. What we do not have is the distribution network in place. It just has not been a priority until now. So instead of continuing to function from the standpoint that our branding will be enough, I have finally started to wake up to the reality that is in front of my eyes. I need a powerhouse distributor. Whether that be a hungry individual who will spearhead researching and building this aspect of our business, or a partnership with an already effective company such as Consortium Book Sales and Distribution (who we are seriously looking into), is yet to be determined. What is most important is that we have recognized the need for change and are in the process of immersing ourselves in information so that we can make an educated decision and then proceed aggressively (something we LOVE to do). This is my job as the head of the company. While my staff is building their own divisions and working to make those aspects of our business as effective as possible, I have the responsibility to look at the whole and point us in that new direction.

Leader to Leader, I encourage you to look up from the work as often as possible and listen to the conversation that is being had beneath the surface, so you can find solutions to problems you are yet aware of. For me the problem makes itself apparent in my emotional landscape (I get crabby!–ask my wife!). Think of how ineffective systems within your company or organization effect you, and then maintain a sense of awareness, so that you can see those reactions rising in you–effectively warning you of the need for contemplation and eventual change and growth. Don’t avoid the work in these times. Instead–read other books, have conversations with those around you. Take a walk and ruminate. Clarity will come from the silence and space you give yourself to find it.

As of this morning, I have to eat my words regarding morning news.  Great interview this morning with Scott McClellan. Fascinating dialogue on controlling the narrative of a situation.  McClellan points out that in Washington, everyone is fighting to spin the narrative in a way that brings them the most attention and the most support.  That it is not about content, it’s about spin. This is something I have been immersed in myself and a deep question that I have been digging towards the answer for.  We are a content company.  We focus not on how to sell it, but how to create something truly worth embracing. Our competition is out there mastering the art of the spin and selling empty experiences, decent experiences and occasionally exceptional experiences.  What is more important?  If you over focus on content, you create masterpiece work that no one cares about.  If you over focus on delivery and spin, you get a brilliant response and the public buys into the idea, regardless of the quality of the content.  It reminds me of a great line from Michael J. Fox in The American President: “People want leadership, Mr. President, and in the absence of genuine leadership, they’ll listen to anyone who steps up to the microphone. They want leadership. They’re so thirsty for it they’ll crawl through the desert toward a mirage, and when they discover there’s no water, they’ll drink the sand.” So here we stand with delicious life giving water, but the guy next door is selling buckets full of sand by the dozens. Where is the balance?  We need to find the balance.  In life, in politics, in entertainment.  McClellan’s point is that the American people need to learn balance before the next election. Not a bad idea.

The answer: RADICAL INNOVATION!

Radical innovation is going to be a critical component in a leader’s toolkit in the future, and this does not mean that you “try innovation” over a week-end brainstorming retreat. It happens by disrupting the current environment, challenging old assumptions and even turning the culture upside down so that you can move ahead and start being highly competitive.

Each day I meet leaders, and the first question I ask is “On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being super sticky, how stuck are you?” Most people laugh, and they usually respond by saying “I’m a 20 or a 25!” So, when you are stuck, you have to break up the pattern…turn a table upside down and figure out a way to still use the table as an eating surface, roll out of the bed on the other side, shave with the hand you don’t normally use…do something to be disruptive. This is the same for companies…what would happen if you do the opposite of what you’ve always done? What would you do if you totally destroyed your most profitable item and had to start from scratch? Or, how would an artist, physician or scientist suggest that you change your company?

To keep your company relevant, a culture must foster a sense of psychological safety for employees to not only feel comfortable but be encouraged to challenge the status quo and bring fresh, radical ideas to the table and feel safe that they are not going to be criticized or made to feel silly in the process. Everyone in the company needs to be brought up to speed on the vision and direction of the company, and the leader needs to make a statement that the game is now on…everyone is going to be challenged to think radically, innovate, think strategically and that a part of this is to be open to divergent thinking and to allow open debate to get to the root of the issue. You have to be willing to get very uncomfortable…to laugh nervously and feel the sweat bead up on your brow.

Staying ahead will also call leaders to design an environment that includes a diversity of people…a mix of cultures, ages, ethnicities and religions can bring new, more creative ideas to the table. It will also be very important to add a Chief Knowledge Officer to your staff…someone who has their finger on the pulse of what is going on in the world and how your company fits in and how competitive you are to people who are thousands of miles around the world from you.

Tomorrow is already here. Are you relevant, or are you becoming obsolete? Only you can answer that question!

Is it me, or are all the morning news shows completely devoid of any leadership whatsoever?  Ever since Katie Couric left the Today Show, morning news has fallen to pieces. If there is no political candidate to gossip about, or school shooting to investigate, the morning news is being relegated to cats playing with yo-yos.  With the internet being so prevalent, segment producers appear to just be sitting in their offices just waiting for the latest news to appear in their in-boxes, as opposed to getting out into their communities and finding what is worthy of investigating. When did news become a reporting of the latest and most interesting piece of crap (like this R. Kelly case that has been in the news for NINE YEARS. He had sex with a 14 year old people. Convict him and move on.)? There are real people making a difference in the world everyday. People creating solutions to problems and pain that could nurture and heal the world. Why is the media not paying attention?  And what is the result?  Millions of people suffering because they are not aware of the solutions to their problem, or that anyone is even having the conversation about their needs.  I’m just disgusted this morning.  If I liked plain toast for breakfast every day of my life, the morning news programs would be a wonderful side dish.  Wake up morning producers and go out into the world and find the stories worth reporting on. Stop waiting for people to tell you what to report on and go out into the world and find the news. Being a Leader means taking risks and doing what is right for the benefit of the world.  Oh wait.  the Today Show just started.  There’s a plumbing problem on the space station.  I simply must run off to hear all about it. And even better, a new book is out by Scott McClellan telling us that the Bush White House and Washington are broken.  BECAUSE WE DIDN’T KNOW.  Nothing like reporting the obvious.

Ask for what you want.

My favorite lessons are always the ones I learn from my wife. And this one is one of the most important lessons I have learned in relation to my marriage and Writers of the Round Table (yes — the parallels are many ).

When it comes to communication, he who opens his mouth about his needs gets them fulfilled. Similarly in business, the squeaky wheel gets the grease.

For some reason, as a leader, I have always felt that I needed to earn things the hard way. That I needed to do things in such a large way that the world would take notice and then rain its riches upon me. I tend to be stubborn in this regard often. But that approach is not working for my company, nor is it working for my clients (and it certainly doesn’t work in my marriage!).

When we have a need, the greatest thing we can do is to put it out there. Asking for help is often not something a leader likes to do, but who can come to your aid if you’re unwilling to let them know of your desires?

So today, I want to put it out there that I am looking for assistance in getting our books into bookstores. In the past it has not been a priority, because we were focusing so heavily on development, but we have a couple of books, Edge and China Girl, and From the Barrio to the Board Room, that I believe would sell incredibly well off the shelf. So if anyone out there reading this has relationships with bookstore managers, owners, or corporate offices, we are looking for champions to introduce our books to the public. That being said, if anyone out there lives near a bookstore and is willing to walk our books into the store and convince them to carry them, we could launch a grass roots campaign that way as well. Outside the box thinking is welcome, and I thank you in advance for considering this request.

My own needs aside, if you are a leader of your own business or other organization, I challenge you to ask yourself if there might be an area in your world that could be made a bit brighter with the posing of a simple request for help. A little asking can go a long way.

My husband Mike was the Mayor of Southern Pines at the early age of 32.  He served for two terms, and he has been politically active since that time.  He is now somewhat of a sage.  People from all political parties and all sides of issues walk in and out of his office throughout the week to get his advice on a variety of topics.  Why him?  Because he knows where the land mines are.

In leadership, developing political savvy is a must.  Otherwise, you run the risk of being governed by your followers.  While I am a huge fan of self directed leadership, at the end of the day, someone high at the top has to have the credibility, trust and integrity to make tough decisions, and this comes from being able to navigate complex political situations with finesse.

It is not uncommon for leaders to shy away from corporate or community politics, and in my opinion, this is just being naive or just plain stupid.   Politically savvy leaders know to operate well behind the scenes, who the key players are and how to engage those key players with integrity so that they get on board.  A politically savvy leader also knows where the land mines are, and they walk gingerly around them.    A politically savvy leader never plays favorites, but he or she knows exactly what to say and when to say it and understands that working the political system is like walking through a maze…you eventually get to the result, but it is confusing and strategic at each and every turn.

If you are someone who is politically savvy, congratulations.  If not, I highly recommend the book Political Savvy by Joel  DeLuca.  The book offers a political mapping technique that is simple but so effective.  Just remember…knowing where the land mines are and knowing how to navigate the political system in your organization are half the battle!

Fascinating things happen when you step away from the business.  I was recently forced to step away from The Table this week to care for an ill parent, and in doing so, I learned three important lessons as a leader:

1. The company functions quite well without me. Nice job team!

2. Removing me from the picture gave some division directors freedom to step up in greater ways, and also forced clients to get their answers from other team members, which strengthens their relationships with those team members.

3. Being away helped the business to highlight aspects that were not functioning smoothly and needed attention.

Number 3 is what I am going to discuss here. As the leader, one thing I often do is work magic to cover up a mess.  Meaning that I step in and solve immediate problems, as opposed to the system creating new solutions that will work with or without me in the picture.  This week the issue has been our online store.  We are new in the shopping cart arena.   Our clients spend a good amount of money with us and at the end of the day, we need to be able to sell their books.  Our online store has a 95% positive user experience rating.  But 5% of the time, people are having problems processing their orders, either due to a compatibility issue with our cart, or them entering incorrect information.  Either way, we need to address errors on our part and also help to educate our book buyers on how to best input their information to arrive at the desired outcome.

You would think this would be a rather easy solution, but carts can be incredibly complex in how they interact with customers. Seeing this issue come to a head while I was gone is forcing us to make some decisions. What we are going to be doing is hiring a consultant (if anyone knows a good shopping cart consultant, please have them contact me asap at corey@writersoftheroundtable.com), and we will also be cross testing the applications on multiple browsers and versions whenever we make changes.  Is this costly?  Absolutely.  We’ll probably invest a small fortune.  Will it be worth it?  Absolutely.  As we add titles to our list, that 5%, over time, will be incredibly valuable revenue.

More importantly, our clients will see from our actions that we respect that they are working hard for every sale opportunity.  There is nothing like busting your butt to make the sale only to find that the system cannot process it.  We often only have one chance to make the sale. Some might say that 95% is good enough.  I say, anything less than 98% is unacceptable.

There will always be issues that make a system imperfect, but it is that attention to detail that makes all the difference.  Sometimes, only in stepping away can you come back to a clearer picture.

With leadership comes great responsibility: The responsibility for revenues, the responsibility for people, the responsibility for public image, and the list goes on and on. And, it is not uncommon for many leaders to over-manage in an effort to get things done.

If you are someone who has a challenge with over-control, the first question is to look closely at why this is happening. Take this quick quiz, and answer “yes” or “no.”

1) I over-manage, because I am way too busy to communicate with my team.

2) I over-manage, because I am the only one who can get things done the right way.

3) I over-manage, because I am impatient.

4) I over-manage, because I don’t trust other people.

5) I over-manage, because I am a control freak.

6) I over-manage, because I feel guilty about giving people too much work.

7) I over-manage, because my board is breathing down my neck.

8)I over-manage, because I am impatient…I want the job done NOW!

9) I over-manage, because I don’t have the money to pay for great talent.

10) I over- manage, because I am afraid to make a mistake.

It is not uncommon for a meddling leader to have not jut one but several of these challenges. Once you decide which of the above are your big challenges, there are opportunities for coaching on each and every one, and they begin with your own behavior. If any of these challenges resonate with the pains you are feeling as a leader, shoot me an e-mail to bea@edge-book.com. I am happy to meet with you for 15 minutes to talk through your challenges to see what types of solutions may be available.

David Cook has been my favorite Idol for the last 6 weeks or so.  I was not the biggest fan in the beginning.  He seemed to get defensive when Simon gave him feedback, and he came across as a bit arrogant.  But as time went on, this Gen Y man grew into a leader.

I love watching someone grow, and enjoy learning the leadership lessons I observe during that growth period.  These lessons are leadership behaviors we can all learn from and live by.

1) David Cook is authentic.  He stayed true to his personality throughout the competition.  Not one time did he try to be something he wasn’t.

2) He took risks.  Cook took songs from decades ago and made them hip and relevant to today’s marketplace.  There were several times when I could hear the songs he sang being played in a movie soundtrack (and to me, that is a true test of relevancy…I don’t know why I think that, I just do.)

3) As time moved on, David Cook stepped up and showed that he has a tough skin.  He began taking the criticism dished out (especially by Simon who was particularly tough on Cook,) and he worked with that criticism and improved each week.

4) During last night’s final show, David was showing up like a leader.  He had a presence that showed his maturity, and he truly “owned” the stage.  But…not one time did he try to overshadow David Archuleta.  He shared the stage with him and gave him equal “stage power.”

5) He showed his vulnerability.  It is tough for a rocker to stand on a stage and shed tears, but Cook let them flow (as he should!)  Showing raw emotion is tough for leaders.  They think in some way that it makes them weak or soft.  The opposite is actually the case.  By showing raw emotion, you make a connection with your audience.

6) Finally…David Cook made the hair on my arms and on the back of my neck stand up.  He touches people, and I think most would agree with me.  His passion and inspiration are so critical for leaders of today.  And…he’s just darn cool!

Congratulations, and best of luck to you in the future. Watch below as he hears the news and then sings the winning song Time of My Life (great song!)

[youtube]http://youtube.com/watch?v=DhN1T3pmuIo[/youtube]