Leadership Challenge

Seeking Exemplary Leaders for Video Case Studies

We’re sure you all know some wonderful leaders and we’re in need of subjects for our new video case studies.

The most important part of this search is receiving stories about the leaders we feature, as well as finding 2-4 people who know the leader, can say why they're a good leader, and can bear witness to the featured story. 

We plan to have two new cases for each Practice. We’re looking to highlight concrete examples of ways in which someone has put The Five Practices into action…transformed an organization, a process, a way of thinking. The best way to show leadership qualities in these case studies will be with a "before and after" theme revolving around the leader's story.

The leaders we're looking to work with will ideally:

1. Be a part of medium to large-sized companies and organizations. We’re looking for contacts in a variety of industries, including the health and education sectors; it would be great if the organizations are well-known, but not essential.

2. Be located in the SF Bay area, the Chicago area, or the NY area (again, ideal but not required).

3. Be articulate and comfortable in front of the camera.

These aren't the only things We’re looking for -- non-profit, small business, every kind of company and people at every level are welcome, including people who aren't managers -- students, assistants, etc.

Please send us a story about a great leader you know, and tell us why you're recommending them, along with which of The Five Practices® they exemplify (if they exemplify more than one, that's great). All submissions and queries should be directed to the Video Project Manager Caitlin Clarke: caitlinclarke@gmail.com.

Thanks so much everyone! Feel free to send us suggestions or places to look if you think of it. We look forward to hearing from you.

Best,
The Leadership Challenge Editorial Team

2008 Corporate Issues Survey Released

The Ken Blanchard Companies have released the 2008 Corporate Issues Survey.  This report "pinpoints the needs and issues of organizations seeking to develop their people to their fullest potential.  The findings in 2008 represent the feedback from more than 1,800 executives, line managers, and training and HR leaders from a range of companies, industries, and countries.  Since 2003, almost 4,900 leaders have participated in this ongoing study."

Reading through the survey, I didn't find many surprises.  The organizational and management challenges that keep me awake at night are very similar to the ones that rank at the top of the Blanchard list.  I did find one piece of data very interesting: "creating an engaged workforce" ranked #1 in the Top Management Challenges list.  Then I read that this particular issue has increased in importance every year since 2003.  It ranks higher than "managing change," "developing potential leaders," and "selecting and retaining key talent."  That seems to contradict the leadership buzz that has been growing louder and louder over the last year: the retiring Baby Boomers and the leadership shortage that they will leave in the wake of their mass exodus.  It looks as though most HR leaders are more interested in the proverbial bird in the hand.  I wonder if this is a good thing (it's certainly good for current employees who want to be engaged!) or if this group is not spending enough time "envisioning the future."  Your thoughts?

Posted by Lisa Shannon