Eight Milestones to Transformational Leadership

Eight Milestones to Transformational LeadershipEight Milestones to Transformational LeadershipEight Milestones to Transformational Leadership Hesselbein, co-author of Peter Druckers Five Most Important Questions Enduring Wisdom for Todays Leaders (Wiley, 2015)In a world where the rules are constantly changing, millions of people in every sector of the economy are wrestling with the new demands of leadership. I hear leaders and managers everywhere discussing the same fundamental challenge the jurney to transformation, moving from where we are to where we want to be in the tenuous future that lies before us.In sharing experiences across the public, private, and social sectors, I have found that organizations usually pass eight milestones to reach their destination an inspired, relevant, viable, effective organization. These milestones are as relevant to a small community group or the Girl Scouts as they are to a large business or government agency.1.Scan the environment. Through readin g, surveys, interviews, and so on, we identify the major trends likely to affect the organization. The essence of strategy is to define the implications of those trends. Sometimes we can catch a straw in the wind and have a responsive program or project ready as the trend emerges not after. This assessment of emerging trends and implications, supplemented by internal data, provides essential background for planning change and offers a better fundament for action than our own preconceptions. Flying on assumptions can be fatal.2.Revisit the mission. The mission statement simply describes why we do what we do, our reason for being our purpose. Knowing that management is a tool, not an end, we manage not for the sake of managing in its own right, but for the mission. And ones mission does not define how one operates, but simply why. It must be clear, powerful, compelling, and to the point.When we revisit the mission, we ask ourselves the first three of the five most important questio ns that Peter Drucker helped organizations answerWhat is our mission?Who is our customer?What does the customer value?When we answer these, we are well on our way to managing for the mission.3.Ban the hierarchy. Transformation requires moving people out of their old organizational boxes into flexible, fluid management systems. We cannot continue to put people into little squares on a structure chart. Psychologically it boxes them in. We prefer circles concentric circles of functions and positions in a staffing design that looks almost organic. Job rotation becomes an enriching reality. People move in circular ways learning new skills, expanding positions circular management. We need to ban a hierarchy not suited to todays knowledge workers, who carry their toolkits in their heads.4.Challenge the gospel. There should be no sacred cows as we challenge every policy, practice, procedure, and assumption. In transforming themselves, organizations must practice planned abandonment disc arding programs, policies, and practices that work today but will have little relevance to the future and to the organization we are building to meet that future.5.Employ the power of language. Leaders must beam a few clear, consistent messages over and over. They must lead by voice, communicating with all their customers, and all their constituents, a few powerful messages that connect and illuminate.6.Disperse leadership across the organization. Every organization must have not one but many leaders. Some speak of empowerment, others of sharing the tasks of leadership. I think of it as dispersing leadership with leaders developing and performing across every level of the organization. Leadership is a responsibility all members of the organization share, and it is circular.7.Lead from the front dont push from the rear. The leader of the future does not sit on the fence, waiting to see which way the wind is blowing. The leader articulates clear positions on issues affecting the orga nization and is the embodiment of the enterprise, its mission, its values, and its principles. Leaders model desired behaviors, they never break a promise, and they know that leadership is a matter of how to be, not how to do.8.Assess performance. Self-assessment is essential to progress. From the beginning of the change process, we are clear about mission, goals, and objectives. Well-defined action steps and a plan for measuring results are essential to planning any organizational change. We then can embark upon the journey with goals and measures in place. At the end of the process, the most exuberant phase of the journey, we evaluate our performance and celebrate the transformation. We do this by asking the next two of Druckers five critical questionsWhat are our results?What is our plan?Across the globe, for leaders aware of the tenuous times ahead, the journey to transformation is a journey into the future. These leaders are taking todays organization and transforming it into t omorrows productive, high-performance enterprise.Although the milestones on the journey are known, the destinations are uncharted, and for each organization the destination will be determined not only by the curve of the road ahead but also by the quality of the mission and the leadership it inspires.Excerpted with permission of the publisher, Wiley, from Peter Druckers Five Most Important Questions Enduring Wisdom for Todays Leaders by Peter F. Drucker, Joan Snyder Kuhl and Frances Hesselbein. Copyright (c) 2015 by the Frances Hesselbein Leadership Institute. All rights reserved. This book is available at all bookstores and online booksellers.Author BioFrances Hesselbein is the founding president of the Frances Hesselbein Leadership Institute, formerly the Peter F. Drucker Foundation for Nonprofit Management. She served as CEO of the Girl Scouts of the USA and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Bill Clinton. She is the author of My Life in Leadership The Jou rney and Lessons Learned Along the Way, Hesselbein on Leadership and More Hesselbein on Leadership.

How Can I Optimize My Resume Without Exaggerating My Experience

How Can I Optimize My Resume Without Exaggerating My Experience How Can I Optimize My Resume Without Exaggerating My Experience Keywords Count and Keeping it Real, Resume Optimization Without DishonestyAccording to the Wall Street Journal, most recruiters say that over half of job seekers are under qualified for the positions they are interested in. Even if youre one of the qualified applicants, its still easy to get lost in the shuffle of ATS programs. You really have to be strategic to give your resume its best shot at landing in the hands of an actual human being, otherwise youll never even get an interview. But keep in mind, once you optimize your resume youll still have to talk about your experience. Once youve made it past the first round of eliminations, youll need to be able to back up all the great things you said about yourself on the resume, so be wary of exaggeration. Here are some tips for effectively showcasing your skills without tripping up the sorting software.Speak The Companys LanguageDo some research on the company culture. Visit their website, read their blog, follow them on Twitter, and check out their LinkedIn network. What are their core values? How do they speak to potential clients, to each other? This kind of research helps you to keep your resume focused on the skills that a particular employer values most, and it can give you a clue about what theyre looking for personality-wise. This way, if you do score an interview youll have some insight into whether theyre mora likely to appreciate a touch of braggadocio or whether its a safer bet to stay humble.Using synonyms and similar language from the job description is a big part of optimizing your resume, so its okay to change words that mean the same thing to match those within the job description. While a hiring manager or recruiter will recognize the synonyms, an ATS likely wont. Its not a lie to say that you analyzed and interpreted data, when your resume previously stated tracked an d reported on data. Company language and optimizing your resume for the keywords will certainly help you get your foot in the door.Go Ahead and Brag, Just Be HonestTake a few classes at a top university? Go ahead and name-drop the school on your resume. Some employers sort resumes by school, so it could help you get through the vetting process. However, dont embellish anything. If you took a few classes, say so, but dont claim you got your degree there or that you were on the deans list if you werent. Those things are pretty easy follow up on and if youre caught in a lie like that, your chances of getting hired are pretty much zero. The same goes for just about any other aspect of your resume. And dont forget to give credit where its due. A good way to steer clear of sounding arrogant when talking about your accomplishments is to acknowledge the kollektiv who supported your efforts.Keep It ConciseUse bulleted keywords to describe your qualifications instead of a paragraph-style summ ary. The simpler formatting is more likely to make the cut when your resume is being shuffled through ATS systems. This also means that you dont need to elaborate much about your skills and accomplishments. Stick with facts, and use relevantresumekeywords to state them. Also, avoid using adjectives like best. Claims like this are entirely subjective and often come across as insincere to a recruiter. So unless you were actually awarded the title of Best Something Related to the Job, skip the superlatives.Its important to take the time to find the right resume keywords to highlight your skills and optimize your resume so you can stand out without putting recruiters off.

100 Best Keywords for Your Houston Job Posting

100 Best Keywords for Your Houston Job Posting100 Best Keywords for Your Houston Job Posting100 Best Keywords for Your Houston Job PostingYoure looking to attract and hire talent and you need to select the right keyword phrases for your job title and description. Intelligence dug into what job seekers are searching for in Houston. If youre ready to list a job, youll want to know what we found. Over 653,000 Houstonjob searches are conducted each month on Monster.com.1 That figure doesnt even factor in job-related searches on Google.com and other major search engines. In order for your online job posting to be relevant to search engines, select the right keyword phrases for your job title and description. This process will also help your listing perform better within search engine as well.Administrative AssistantReceptionistAccountingPart TimeCustomer ServiceSalesHuman ResourcesWarehouseAccountantAdministrativeMedical AssistantData EntryExecutive AssistantManagerWork From HomeITMechani cal EngineerClericalAccounts PayableRetailEntry LevelLogisticsLVNProject ManagerOil And GasMarketingCashierConstructionCall CenterControllerOffice ManagerParalegalEngineerInformation TechnologyManufacturingWelderEngineeringBuyerBankingPart-TimePayrollAttorneyOfficeFinanceWarehouse WorkerReal EstateSafetyEducationgeschftlicher umgang AnalystCNC MachinistAnalystLegalProject ManagementSupply ChainPurchasingWarehouse ManagerBookkeeperRecruiterRegistered NurseOperations ManagerCustomer Services RepresentativeAccounts ReceivableManagementPharmacistDesktop SupportOffice ClerkRNProcurementAssistantForklift OperatorOffice AssistantSales RepresentativeMachinistElectrical EngineerInside SalesMaintenanceInsuranceDrafterTeacherDirectorLegal AssistantMedical Office ReceptionistGraphic DesignerFinancial AnalystNurse PractitionerPharmacy TechnicianDriverChemical EngineerStructural EngineerAccounting ClerkSales ManagerDelivery DriverHealthcareClerkPiping DesignerElectricianFront DeskSecretaryAccount ManagerSecurityData finding are based on analysis of job seeking activity from more than 22 million unique visitors2. Most Non-Human Traffic removed from the results.Note Direct keyword searches on Monster.com account for about of job besucherzahlen with increasing traffic coming from 3rd party search (e.g., Google, Banners, TargetMail, Career Ad Network, and other traffic drivers)1Internal Data, Direct Keyword Searches, 6-month average, Jan 2017 Jun 20172comScore Media Metrix, 1Q 2017, 3-month average, (includes all US Mobile + PC traffic)

Free Creative Construction Resume Templates

Free Creative Construction Resume TemplatesFree Creative Construction Resume TemplatesThe creative construction resume is perfect for a modern, cutting edge company. Show your accomplishments and professional history with pride. Our creative resume examples will help you write and format a winning resume.Create ResumeCreative Construction ResumeCustomize ResumeIndustry SnippetsBy using our free creative construction resume templates, you will learn how to master the art of a strong resume. Creative Resume Pros and ConsOur free creative construction resume templates are perfect for applicants who want to showcase personality in a resume. Leave a lasting impression with this resume.Pros Brand yourself easilyPros This is more memorable than other resumesCons Much-needed space will be taken up by graphicsCons elend all construction companies will like this styleResume TextALEXSCHNEIDER123 Street,City, ST, 12345 H (123) 456-7890 C (123) 456-7890 emailisp.comPROFESSIONAL SUMMARYConstructi on Manager with over 10 years of experience managing projects for residential and commercial clients. Expertise in managing all facets of construction, from initial bidding processes to construction planning and final delivery. Skilled in streamlining workflow by adapting to changes and identifying and preventing issues impacting timelines and budgets.SKILL HIGHLIGHTSConstruction managementOSHA and safety managementZoning laws and regulatory complianceTeam leadershipProject managementHeavy equipment operationMaterial managementContract negotiationsPROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE12/1/2009 CurrentConstruction ManagerBentham and Swift Construction Fort Worth, TXProvide leadership, direction, and oversight to all phases of construction.Coordinate construction efforts, forecast and resolve conflicts, and deliver timely and cost effective solutions.Ensure working environments conform to company and federal safety guidelines.Work with project managers to develop and manage scopes of work, phasin g plans and schedules, KAR document input, bid process, post bids, and temporary protection plans.Organize construction activities, including workers, materials, equipment, and meetings.Ensure project quality and compliance with plans and specifications, client requirements, and sanitary design.Schedule final inspections, develop and complete punch lists, follow up on warranty items, schedule final sanitation, and assist with closeout documentation.4/1/2005 11/1/2009Construction ManagerConstruction Management Group Dallas, TXCoordinated and managed contractors, vendors, and consultants while managing projects and ensuring quality control.Fostered effective business relationships across levels and project phases.Provided ongoing project status updates to customers and contractors throughout design and construction process.Managed project budget and accounting processes.6/1/2003 4/1/2005Construction ManagerRichardson Construction Dallas, TXSupervised construction of new retail sto res and remodeling of existing locations.Directly managed work of outside consultants, third party vendors, and equipment and signage suppliers.Interpreted design intent and collaborated with design gruppe to plan construction.Managed construction costs within budget and maintained accurate project cost records.Spearheaded regular project meetings with contractors, consultants, suppliers, and operators to facilitate project completion on-time and on-budget.Evaluated and determined appropriate construction methods and identified issues concerning safety and compliance with regulations.EDUCATION AND TRAINING2005 Certificate Construction Management Colorado State University Online

Things You Wont Like About Leadership Resume Examples and Things You Will

Things You Wont Like About Leadership Resume Examples and Things You Will Facts, Fiction and Leadership Resume Examples Accordingly, in case you arent desperate for practically any occupation that basically pays you money, you just require somewhat mora income every month, or you dont really involve the money, a job to find a job might not be perfect for you. Revamping your resume before a work hunt is nearly always advisable. Any former experience to have a server also must be divulged. Its possible for you to land your dream job as an Android developer if you manage the next tips to think about while making your Resume. Various job seekers must go through the interview phase. Your academic CV is an indispensable part of your job hunt and might be the difference between finding your fantasy job and ongoing on the search. While its an entry level placement, an advertising helper job has the power that will help you establish your advertising livelihood. Write your resume for the job that you want, not the job youve got. It shouldnt be quite as hard to put in an application for a job, but a very good cover letter does need to be specifically targeted to the position for which youre applying if youd like to make the fruchtwein of your call backs for interviews. Because Its an official type of letter, it must be brief and precise. The letter has the ability to help you show that youre worthy to have a spot in graduate school or in the business. A cover letter is a must as its the very first thing the hiring manager sees. Whispered Leadership Resume Examples Secrets In the event you were requested to compose a reference letter with somebody, be confident that its an obligation which really ought to be fulfilled in a suitable fashion. Drafting an objective statement is very simple. By definition, it is a summary. The suggestions and suggestions by way of examples will help in your endeavor of developing a nice and impressive profile document. Th e statement doesnt have to be overly limiting, but it does need to extend the reader with some clarity on the direction you intend to pursue. When theres no core message or the message doesnt equate with the kinds of jobs you wish to pursue, than it is not likely to be quite powerful. Its simpler to compare and calibrate feedback when everyone employs the identical structure. Therefore, you can observe how successful CV writing UAE is going to be able to assist you find a work readily. A CV is chiefly needed as an employer might have a brief overview of you during the perfect time of an interview. Whatever you must find out more about the academic CV. You require the terrific academic CV. Following that, youre well ready to close out your letter and proceed. Letters need to be in English. Writing a notice period letter takes an incredible deal of patience and time, because you have to be particularly attentive when writing. Writing a letter of Congratulations can be hard , as its tricky to fully grasp how effusive youve got to be. Ideas, Formulas and Shortcuts for Leadership Resume Examples The letter should be addressed to the proper manager or agent. Your resignation letter is hereby accepted and you are totally free to depart from your workplace. A standard resignation letter is just to affirm to your employer that youre going to be departing. Resignation approval letter is an official means of accepting the resignation of the worker. Your encounter, educational abilities, and skill collection are a significant couple of of one of the most vital matters that you might need to focus on. In a place of leadership, like a manager or director, youre accountable for overseeing business operations and meeting goals together with leading teams of workers and gathering them around a central idea. No matter the work is, adopting a coaching mindset is an integral portion of being an excellent leader. There are leadership opportunities throughout t he board in practically every industry possible. Moreover, any community involvement, especially in a leadership capacity needs to be included. Highlighting your AAUW student organization is a remarkable means to bring attention to your leadership abilities. Every company or organization has a specific technique of conducting organization. In case you havent been in a position to get out into the community lately, departure looking for ways that you can help out to remain current.

Average Hourly Rate for Resume Writing in Southern California: the Ultimate Convenience!

Average Hourly Rate for Resume Writing in Southern California the Ultimate Convenience When choosing a tutor, you might find that you are in possession of a broad range of options, therefore it should come as no surprise that pricing will vary greatly based on your kids specific academic needs. The price of a resume can differ based on the kind of job which you are applying for. On the flip side, the maximum price doesnt necessarily indicate the maximum quality. For the typical job seeker, the typical price of $200 is more than enough to have a quality resume. Beginning writers will, naturally, begin at the base of the range, while the rest of you are able to work your way up. Youll do your upcoming self a favor. As youre setting your rates, you will want to consider about the sorts of projects youre going to be requested to take on and estimate how many hours it will take from begin to finish. Others are going to bring an old resume from which you may pull history. tite lbild Letters and References Depending on your customers needs, you might be requested to compose a cover letter to cooperate with the resume package. Because a high quality writer will often devote a couple of hours writing or editing a resume. Editing the resume will usually incorporate the fundamental editing techniques in addition to the polishing or changing some wording if needed. What You Should Do to Find Out About Average Hourly Rate for Resume Writing in Southern California Before Youre Left Behind The customer ought to be instructed to look just for incorrect or misunderstood information. In addition, some writers may need to work without payment initially as a way to create a list of references or a competitive resume. If youd like my help with your resume, just request a quote here. Our services are offered by professional resume writers experienced preparing resumes for a huge collection of industries, sectors and career locations. Career coaches offer varying services based on their customers needs. Choosing a career coach doesnt need to break the bank. A specialist career coach is able to help you excel in your present career or assist you in producing a career change. Average Hourly Rate for Resume Writing in Southern California Ideas Read the work description to make sure that you fully grasp the familys demands and expectations. Bear in mind that lots of job hunters dont have a good deal of money. In the modern economy and job market, one of the most significant tools a man or woman can have is a well-written resume. Most folks wind up paying a lawyer for over a very simple will. A tutoring center, also called a corporate tutor, will typically be more expensive than a private or internet tutor. A good deal of inexpensive services on the internet also outsource their work to inexperienced or very low superior writers. Its always preferable to be prepared rather than finding out later on Private tutoring prices are calcul ated dependent on professional experience and qualifications, your geographical area, and the intricacy of the subject issue. Pricing can also be dependent on location. If you choose youre not on the market for a consultant, you always have the option to utilize tools like our FREE absatzwirtschaft and advertising Strategy Template to secure you halfway there

Designing Medical Implantable Devices with Multiphysics Simula...

Designing Medical Implantable Devices with Multiphysics Simula... Designing Medical Implantable Devices with Multiphysics Simula... Designing Medical Implantable Devices with Multiphysics SimulationCase study provided by COMSOLThe development of a device meant to assist or completely replace functioning of the heart is undeniably complex. Researchers at St. Jude Medical (now Abbott) use multiphysics simulation to engineer Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs), in an ongoing effort to improve the outlook and quality of life of patients with heart failure.The konzeption of an LVAD must take many factors into consideration. The device must be small enough to connect to the heart and be made of compatible materials and geometry that permit the device to reside in the body without being rejected. Fluid dynamics, power supply, and thermal management must also be considered. As multiple interacting physical effects must be accounted for at each area of development, multiphysics simulation is vital to the design process.Freddy Hansen, Staff Research Physicist at St. Jude Medical (now Abbott) uses his expertise in physics and mathematical modeling to characterize complex implantable medical devices like LVADs before experimental studies. Hansen has created upwards of 230 models in COMSOL Multiphysics that address a wide range of design challenges pertaining to the unique physics of artificial pumping devices.I use COMSOL Multiphysics every day, from proof of concept models to quite sophisticated simulations featuring detailed CAD geometries and coupled physics. I work with some complex models for months before Ive taken all of the information I want from them. Simulation allows for evaluating changes in size or geometry of the LVAD design before implementation of a physical prototype.Optimizing LVAD DesignOne challenge associated with engineering LVADs is the prevention of blood clotting in any space in or around the pump. To address this, a magnetically levitated rot or was developed, which eliminated the need for ball bearings and other components with geometries that might promote clotting. Hansen modeled both the magnetically levitated rotor and turbulent variant flow.The pump rotor receives blood axially and redirects it radially, into the volute, or fluid collector. Some of the blood flows back around the outer edge of the rotor and into the rotor inlet, resulting in a constant washing of the blood, which serves to eliminate places where the blood can stagnate and clot. Another significant advance was the development of a pump system with pulsatile flow, rather than continuous flow, which more closely mimics a functioning heart.Wireless PoweringCurrent LVADs require power transfer from external batteries in a controller outside the body to the pump by way of a cable. But what if the cable could be eliminated? This would lead to a decreased infection risk and improved patient quality of life.Hansen explored transferring power by way of magne tic resonance coupling that can be established even through a biological medium such as tissue. To assess the feasibility of wireless power transfer to an LVAD and determine how much power could be transferred between reasonably sized coils, Hansen coupled a 3D magnetic field model with an electrical circuit model to determine operating efficiency and power loss, as well as optimal circuit design and component values.Engineers also had to ensure that body temperature and biological systems would not be affected by the implant. Hansen modeled the heat generated in the tissue as a result of the small currents induced by the wireless transfer of energy, combined this with models of heat generated inside the implant, and then used the thermal conductivity coefficient determined from a famous Cleveland Clinic experiment, to determine the temperature increase in body tissue near the implant.Improved Options for PatientsIn designing devices to assist and replace the function of the heart, multiphysics analysis has proven to be essential. Hansen combines experimental characterization and mathematical modeling to understand the physics pertaining to ventricle assist devices, and improve the biocompatibility of the device as well as the overall patient experience. The latest innovations to mechanical pumping systems hold much promise for better treatment in the future.Learn more about the advances in modeling and simulation in Mechanical Engineering Magazine Special Report

This is the number of people that dont regret peeping on partners phone

This is the number of people that dont regret peeping on partners phoneThis is the number of people that dont regret peeping on partners phoneWith our phones being used less as devices that make calls and more repositories of message logs, browsing information, shopping picks, plus our hopes, dreams, and Instagram likes, its almost impossible elend to wonder whats on your partners cell.One in five people thats 19% have sneaked a peek at their significant others phone without permission, according to a YouGov pollof over 1,200 adults. Considering the temptation, that number seems low, but its possible more people have learned the hard way to use screen lock by now.Those who lurk obviously see it as a reconnaissance mission to gather necessary info they cant get anywhere else 73% say they dont feel bad about breaking into their beloveds phone.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreAll too often, their mission turns up results 33% say their peeking has uncovered evidence of something they were already suspicious of. And 18% were in for an unpleasant surprise, turning up something they hadnt suspected.Still, the nachrichten isnt all bad 45% of Americans say they have never looked through a partners phone.Whats mine is yoursThen theres the idea of open access nearly half (49%) of Americans think they should have the right to look at their partners cells only if they ask.A startling 28% believes that partners should have open access to each others phones. A sensible 9% believes that phones should remain private.Dont forget what science says if getting caught going through your partner or friends cell phone doesnt ruin your relationship, odds are it can actually make it stronger.

The Ability to Change Quickly Is Key to Your Success

The Ability to Change Quickly Is Key to Your SuccessThe Ability to Change Quickly Is Key to Your SuccessDo you feel as though the world of your competitors and customers changing faster every day? If so, youre not alone. Organizations that are committed to ongoing success recognize the critical need for agility in workplace culture and environment. Why? Because change is accelerating and gets more challenging with each year that passes. You recognize the need to employ people who display agile traits and characteristics. You need facilities that encourage agility and connectedness. You need collaboratively designed spaces so employees are encouraged to interact frequently. You need transparency as an organization so your employees have the information they need when they need it to quickly accomplish tasks and goals Agility is your willingness to change, your ability to change and the nimbleness you exhibit as you adapt to change quickly- it is key to your future. An earlier article identifiesthree important factors in creating an agile workplace. The following bewerberinterview about agility features Brian McGowan, managing director global healthcare services solutions, leader, at ZRG Partners, LLC, where he has completed hundreds of successful employee searches. He believes the professional characteristic of agility- a continuous learner, decisive leader and strategic thinker- will define the next generations leadership in todays organizations. In the interview, he explores finding agile employees, developing agility in people and how organizations can become more agile. Interview With Brian McGowan Susan Heathfield Why will the professional characteristics of agility, a continuous learner, decisive leader and strategic thinker define next generation leadership? Brian McGowan Right now, and for the foreseeable future, the greatest staffing needs across all industries are evolving around innovations in products, go-to-market systems and supply chain mana gement. With boomers aging out and increased technology and globalization making its way in, a new kind of executive is required. This kind of executive will have the agility to learn, intellectual horsepower and immense curiosity. He or she will be an everyday learner, described as an individual who not only seeks out opportunities to learn, but also proactively seeks a better way to conduct business for the sake of his company and employees. Heathfield What aspects of business today have led to agility becoming a necessary and defining trait for executives/leaders/managers? McGowan Moores Law- from Intel co-founder Gordon Moore on the pace in which technological advances and energy efficiency grows- extends way beyond technology and chip capacity. In todays globally competitive environment, it is nearly impossible to sustain competitive advantage through product or service alone. The way to win is through people and innovation. In order to innovate, organizations require agile thi nkers, decision-makers and problem solvers. Speed to market and continuous improvement is no longer aspirational, but a critical strategy towards achieving desired outcomes. Technology and mass media platforms allow for information to flow freely and those who can quickly and effectively ingest information and data as it becomes available, and are thoughtful and decisive enough to act are leaders for today and the future. Heathfield What are the characteristics of an organization that has agile leadership? Conversely, what are the implications for an organization led by a team that lacks agility? McGowan Companies that are agile demonstrate characteristics of trust, empowerment, ambiguity tolerance, persistence, decisiveness, and an overall appreciation for mistakes and improvement. They also support an environment that cross-pollinates people and thinking among different business disciplines and industries. Conversely, organizations that are defined by hierarchy and process alone c annot act quickly enough to take advantage of the emerging and evolving market opportunities and needs, and as a result, are losing their grasp on the markets they serve. One only has to look at branded companies such as Polaroid and Kodak for examples of a lack of agility that prevented their moves into digital soon enough to preserve market leadership. What Characterizes an Individual With Agility? Heathfield What are the characteristics of an individual who possesses agility? McGowan Individuals who possess, and more importantly, demonstrate agility are those who leverage an insatiable appetite to learn, take on mission-critical problems, encourage risk and want to be part of the solution through decision making and execution. Agile leaders are those who are willing to expose and explore as well as adapt to evolving situations. Learning cannot be the end point, but rather the springboard. The application of concepts is the key to agility and, as a result of this application, additional learning becomes an outcome. Heathfield Why is the characteristic of agility in a leader difficult to find? McGowan Historically, the most successful leaders were those who were able to take attribution for success by playing it safe in corporate America. Demonstrating an appropriate set of soft skills and political acumen more often weighed in on promotion versus the ability to actually make things happen. Individual rewards were- and still are- linked to achieving linear objectives versus breakthrough thinking and opportunities. This is the environment in which the leaders of today grew up, professionally speaking. Therefore finding those who possess the characteristics of agility often requires going outside the norm where there are fewer choices. Perhaps they have been mentored by another agile leader, perhaps they figured it out themselves, but generally, there arent many of them. When leaders and organizations experience economic hardships and political uncertainty, executives work out of a defensive place too scared to make any innovative decisions or moves for fear of the consequences. There just isnt enough clarity to make calculated, business savvy moves. With agility comes the confidence to make hard decisions, but again, that schrift of executive is difficult to find. Heathfield How do you identify agile characteristics when reviewing application materials? McGowan Resumes/CVs are the best brand positioning vehicles for an individual in that ultimately an executive will communicate what they believe is important and how they view themselves. Just like a business strategy, an agile leader will position him or herself with the bigger picture in mind, tailoring their resume to the job at hand. A thoughtful recruiter or interviewer can develop great insight into how this individual has been influenced, what career path they have chosen, how they have made an impact and what they have accomplished. Executives who highlight problems and soluti ons linking back to some of the previously mentioned characteristics provide an attractive discussion document to begin an interview. Executives who share specific examples of behavior and experience in both propensity and variety offer the best chance to identify agility. Look at the holistic view of the resume, not just their specific positions, and you can learn a great deal. How an Organization Continues to Develop Agility Heathfield How can managers and leaders promote and recognize agile performance from employees? McGowan Create a culture of exploration, adaptation, execution, risk-taking and creativity, and see who steps up to the task. Empower employees to take on risk, challenge them to move beyond their personal comfort zones, create projects to enable cross-functional expertise and exchange. Raise your level of expectation, and those with an inclination for next-level leadership will present themselves. Heathfield How can an organization foster professional developme nt processes that build agility? McGowan Managers need to lead by example. Many employees arent going to understand the depth and breadth of skills required to be an agile leader. It will take training and mentoring, perception and intellect. Agility is a frame of mind as much as it is a competence. Identify leaders, both within and outside of your organization, whom you want your teams to emulate. Then, articulate, very specifically, why that is. Outline the characteristics that matter and implement weekly, if not daily, exercises and applications for those traits to play out. Heathfield How can an agile professional leverage this trait to advance in an organization? McGowan At the end of the day, it is all about creating value, sustainable competitive advantage, and winning in the marketplace. An agile leader does not work behind the scenes. If you want to lead the charge- whether from the front, middle or back of the pack- be bold in your expression of innovative thinking, a bett er understanding of the business, and willingness to try new things.