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Most of us when we are young find it difficult to think more than a short time ahead. As we mature we may begin to think a bit further ahead. Many organisations seem to struggle to think much beyond the next quarter. A few, often the more successful ones, might be looking five, ten or even more years ahead. Governments rarely get the chance to think more than one electoral cycle ahead.

What is it that makes some people natural leaders, and some not – and is it possible to learn how to lead? Leadership means guiding your life and activities toward achieving your vision, in the process finding personal fulfilment and meaning. It means transforming your vision and purpose into reality.

We said in our last blog that the most effective and successful leaders, and the most successful and satisfying organisations, are the ones that take culture seriously. Why? A short answer is to look at the types of organisation where organisation culture (‘the way a group of people behave together’) is and isn’t worked on.

We are largely defined, as individuals, by what we believe in strongly, both the things we are passionate about doing and the things we are passionate about preventing. Some of us are more passionate than others and there are two extremes: One says, “toe the line”, “don’t make waves”, “keep your head down”.

We loved this blog by Jessica Hagy, who uses simple visuals to tell stories, jokes, and truths. It’s a great charter for life and leadership!

Here are some of the things, often unspoken, that your followers are concerned about when you speak, change direction or priorities, have a “brilliant” new idea, or push them beyond where they think they’re capable of reaching.

Do you make New Year’s resolutions? Normally they’re doomed to failure, because we are creatures of habit. We wish and hope for things to change, yet fail consistently to make changes in our thinking and behaviour which will improve our lives year on year. These questions (from ‘Your Best Year Yet’ by Jinny Ditzler) kick off a process of discovery, reflection and planning which enables you to design your best year yet.

How do you handle change? How comfortable are you with what’s on your plate? Are you going with the flow or resisting? The quality of your leadership depends on how you deal with the cards you draw and how you succeed using what you’ve got. In this article, we present seven perspectives on personal mastery and leadership effectiveness, drawing from ancient spiritual wisdom from around the world.

I was going to blog about Steve Jobs today (like everybody else!). Then I found this, and thought I’d let the man speak for himself…

I don’t know who this poem is by, but it makes a very telling point. If you look at ‘how you act and how you live’, how would an observer judge you as a leader?