Leadership is a verb – not a noun
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Transcript of Leadership is a verb – not a noun
Leadership is a verb – not a nounPinnacle
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LeadershipThe Leadership Secrets of
Squirrels
Much of material used is from the book –
The Leadership Secrets of Squirrels
By – Simon Silverback
What can we learn from Squirrels? Especially about leadership?
After all – squirrels primarily scamper from branch to branch – seemingly without purpose. They are almost “toy-like” – chasing each other around tree trunks.
They appear to be dull of brain – and a pest at times.
They are clowns on the lawn – menace to bird feeders – and often unsuccessful crossing a road.
So – why seek advice on
leadership from squirrels?
Short and simply is:
They were born to leadership – and we are
not!
Squirrels have purpose – while you and I have a direction.
First lesson - Leadership without
purpose is like a compass in the
hands of a fool – any direction will do.
Secrets include:Secrets on Crossing a RoadSecrets from the groundSecrets at the BirdfeederSecrets from a Squirrel’s TailSecrets in the TreesSecrets about Owls
Secrets on Crossing a Road:Know why you are crossing the road.
Know when to cross the road.
Stick to your niche.
Secrets on Crossing a Road:Lead, follow, or get squashed on the road.
Indecision is a decision with consequences.
Too many quick decisions are worse than no decision.
Secrets on Crossing a Road:Doubt is as keen a sword as confidence.
Old strategies often do not work for new situations.
Secrets of Crossing a RoadStay the course?If a problem appears – you must pick one – and
only one – action from Column A and one, and only one, from Column B.
A B STOP SLOWLY RETREAT QUICKLY CONTINUE CHANGE COURSE
Secrets on Crossing a Road:A car changes all plans.Balance planning with action.Be a risk taker.Never be afraid to reverse a bad decision.
Be persistent – to a point.
Secrets from the ground:
Bury many nuts, harvest few.
Surround yourself with ideas.
Not all ideas bear fruit – or nuts.
Invest today for payback tomorrow.
Plan ahead – but not too far ahead.
Every winter is a harsh winter.
Adapt.Be prepared to deal with a lot of nuts.
There are never enough nuts.
Select the right nuts.Never count nuts while you gather them.
Beware the nut-counters.
Unity of purpose, not unity of thought.
Let everyone wander around.
Never be a leader in all things.
Never be a leader at all times.
Never eschew lesser tasks.
Never fear failure.Never fear success.Never seek excellence in all things.
Secrets at the BirdfeederNever attach a competitor’s strength.
Be wary of traps.Know your strengths – and weaknesses.
Be opportunistic.Avoid distractions.
Be wary of easy pickings.Innovate.
Secrets from a Squirrel’s TailYou’re not in this alone.Maintain balance.Watch your back.Appear larger than life.
Secrets in the TreesSee the forest – and the trees.Always put a tree between yourself and
danger.Have lofty but achievable goals.Select the right tree(s).Embrace change.Be flexible in all things.Integrate work and play.Seek and take advice.Retreat and replenishAvoid dogs – and dogma
Secret about OwlsAccept an owl’s wisdom.Reject an owl’s wisdom.Beware an owl’s beak and talons.
The Last LeafLeadership – in the final analysis:
is about making choicesand the right choices when it counts
and dealing effectively with the bad choices along the way
Leadership is also aboutLetting goAnd moving on
We must all develop – and hopefully modify often – our theory of leadership.
Have you buried it for safe keeping – can you find it?
Thank you!