Leadership Deep Dive ™

Executive Coaching, Leadership Training, and Personal Development

Magical Realism – Recognising Special Talents

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My book club recently read an unusual novel – The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender.

As I was searching for discussion questions for our book club meeting, I came across this phrase “magical realism” which means a genre that combines mythical elements into realistic fiction.

One of the things I found most compelling about this book was that the main character’s unusual gift (Rose tastes people’s emotions in food they prepare) quickly became commonplace. As other character’s gifts were revealed I was reminded just how magical Rose was.
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The Top 10 Reasons You’ll Fail as a Leader in 2017

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10-You don’t ask for help when you need it.

9-You have an inward (rather and an outward) mindset.

8-You do not touch, move and inspire anyone.

7-You allow your fears and saboteurs get the best of you.

6-You do not honor your word to yourself or others.

5-You continue to make yourself right and others wrong.

4-You avoid crucial and difficult conversations.

3-You run ineffective and inefficient meetings.

2-You succumb the myth of time scarcity.

And the #1 reason you’ll fail as a leader in 2017 is that you choose not to invest in your own learning and growth.

David Langiulli is a certified professional coach who helps nonprofit leaders flourish and thrive. He is also the author of The Essential Leadership Guide for Fundraising Professionals. Grab your FREE copy now by becoming a member at www.FundraisingLeadership.org.

No Dice! Dealing with Rejection.

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I have been dealing with a generous dose of rejection lately. It’s as a result of an intention to explore how I might be helpful to nonprofit leaders. This past fall I started reaching out to some folks directly through LinkedIn. While these overtures are harmless, it appears that the “stranger-danger” ethos is alive and well in America. I find this fascinating, and it reminded me of a humorous scene from the 1982 teen cult comedy, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, where the boys are refused service at the local fast food establishment. [Read more…]

Causing Mischief: How Leaders Purposely Disrupt The Status Quo

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I am currently reading the autobiography of Richard Feynman entitled: Surely You’re Joking Mr. Feynman. It is a collection of vignettes from the life of the Nobel Prize-winning physicist. Feynman was a consummate prankster. He eschewed conventional norms in science and society and left an indelible mark on both.

While I recommend Feynman’s story (a New York Times bestseller at the time of its publication), I caution that it is not a politically correct book, nor was he a politically correct man. So it is with those truly unique individuals who cause mischief and disrupt the status quo. They are often referred to as “leaders.”
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What Did You Appreciate in 2016?

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For many fundraisers the month of December can be a time to appreciate others. Making thank you calls to donors. Writing messages on the stacks of holiday cards being sent to donors, board members and volunteers. Spending time with colleagues during holiday parties and potlucks.

Since it is often a busy time of year – both professionally and personally – you might suddenly find yourself facing the New Year and thinking about those resolutions. Or just wondering where the year has gone.
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The Five Leadership Lessons of FDR (and my Father)

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This week I’m dealing with my father transitioning to an assisted living facility after 10+ years of enduring the aftermath of lymphoma, heart disease, and stroke. We humorously refer to him as the “triple threat.”

Like Frankin Delano Roosevelt (FDR), my father is now mostly confined to a wheelchair. His metaphorical physical wings got clipped some time ago. But not his spiritual wings. Those continue to help him soar.
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Mindful Leadership–A Pathway to Increased Wisdom, Compassion, and Courage

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In his excellent course The Science of Mindfulness, Professor Ron Siegel from the Harvard Medical School lays out the modern scientific evidence for the benefits of meditation practice–one of the pathways toward mindfulness.

It is becoming clearer through cutting edge research that mindfulness (or the awareness of present experience) which has been practiced for over 2,500 years is a reliable pathway to increased wisdom, compassion, and courage–qualities possessed by great leaders and organizations.
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