You've probably heard it said, "business is never personal" or "don't take it personal, it's only business". Many times business matters shouldn't be taken personal. After all business is only business. Or is it? Not taking things personal can be quite difficult in some situations. Especially when it's your business and other people are involved.

Inspiration comes at both ends of the leadership equation. Leaders are called to guide and lead from many different directions but there is always an element of emotion and inspiration. The call to act as a motivator, guide, teacher, and mentor is usually the first step in a process whereby an individual begins a journey to lead. Many leader

Over one third of all new business fail every year and most of them were doomed before they ever opened their doors. Before venturing into any business, of any type, you can help prevent the business from going belly-up from the start or determine you need a different type of business to deflect failure. The most basic question you have to ask is w

I have worked with stacks of businesses over the years. Often I am asked to name the most important indicator of whether or not a business will succeed or fail - my answer is always - Look at the CEO. CEO's and their personal style can make or break a business. A good CEO sets clear direction and boundaries, provides assistance and support t

Perhaps two of the most challenging areas a Transformational Leader will come across, aside from personal skill development and the ongoing challenges that a leadership role will inevitably bring, will be building trust, and managing power. The reason why these two areas are key, is because if ignored, they have a large influence on the succ

Being a good leader is more than just being able to manage your employees or having better skills than your subordinates. Oftentimes leaders arenít very skillful or very smart, but they earn respect from their underlings and therefore earn their cooperation. Being a good leader entails responsibility and willingness, not just skill and intelligence

Some years ago, I was a general manager for a large restaurant chain. I and the other general mangers were in a restaurant that had just been newly remodeled. As we were getting ready for the meeting someone brought in a box of those powder-sugar covered donuts. The box was placed on a large round booth table and everyone began to take one. At that

Google "leadership" and you will arrive at a total of 147,000,000 results. Leadership is a hot topic. By definition a leader is a person who leads. A guide or conductor, a person who directs, has commanding authority or influence. Leadership is the process of influencing the thoughts, acts, and motivation of individuals or a group through co

Is there such a thing as a natural born leader? That's debatable. He/she is a "born leader". Haven't we all heard this statement made at various times? In the realm of royalty this appears to be the theory. In the realm of reality does this hold true or are leaders developed? A new parent or grandparent gazing at their newborn family m

We have all heard it said, "There is room for improvement". Leadership is no exception. Effectiveness of knowledge in leadership is a key component. The need for education and development of the team as well as the leader is crucial to improve and maintain effectiveness. Instructional methods that teach the qualities of decision making, problem

Leadership style is crucial to success. We find leadership all around us. Each of us will fill the role ourselves at various times in our lives. Leadership can be found in the world of business, sports, politics, religion and as close as home. Leaders must respond to the rapidly changing world and meet the challenges it demands. There are d

Though you may be getting into small business for the rewards of working for yourself, providing for your family, and being in control of your own destiny,there are lessons that can be learned from multi billion dollar companies, even if your aspirations are much lower. These companies, by and large, started off no bigger than yours did, and pe

Your biggest customer calls to say that the firm is going into bankruptcy and won't be able to pay the six month's worth of outstanding invoices. You wish him well and hold your head in pain. An hour later, you discover that your plant is in violation of OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety Administration) standards. You have to pay a large fine

Building a Network Marketing Business is not so much about managing people as it is about leading others. You can manage from a very selfish vantage point but to maintain longer term leadership demands the ability to be others oriented. It means you do what is best for the people. It has been noted that "the extent to which you are able to tran

As the New Year begins, many supervisors look for ways to make 2008 more productive by motivating their entry level staff. After all, isn't it easy to get employees to perform at their highest capabilities? Simply offer lucrative stock options, three-day work weeks and generous salaries. Oprah Winfrey actually gives employees new cars and trips ar