Values, Trust, & Continuous Learning

For whatever random reason this morning on my way into work, I was struck with the thought about how many of the leaders I admire are historical figures (Lincoln, Aristotle, Nelson Mandela, etc).  In fact, I struggled to come up with an example who is still living today … not that there aren’t any, but none have so significantly impacted my thinking as to pop immediately to mind.  And then I read this article by Jack & Suzy Welch titled 10 Leadership Lessons You Don’t Want to Learn the Hard Way.

Dealing With the VUCA

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adaptability, agile, ambiguous, clarity, complex, decision making, leadership, rules of engagement, uncertain, understanding, vision, volatile, VUCA

I had the opportunity to sit through a parenting seminar last night hosted by a well-known author and psychologist, Madeline Levine.  There were many pertinent topics discussed, but one of the things that stuck most in my mind was the discussion about how our kids are entering an adulthood that is characterized as being Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous.

And that got me thinking that the challenges we have in preparing our children for this type of environment are essentially the same challenges we as Product Management leaders face on a day-in/day-out basis.

Aristotle on Purpose, Character, and Leadership

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aristotle, character, excellence, leadership, purpose, virtue

Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives – choice, not chance, determines your destiny. – Aristotle

Admittedly, I was a huge fan of Greek & Roman mythology growing up.  So in exploring various authors during college, there was a natural inclination towards various philosophers from roughly the same era … Aristotle being one of them. And even if you never directly studied his works, chances are you are familiar with them. For example …

• the more you know, the more you don’t know
• the whole is greater than the sum of its parts
• to be a good leader you must be a good follower.

But it is in the area of purpose and character where Aristotle has perhaps had the most profound influence on me as it pertains to leadership.

Leadership Takes Courage, and Humility

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accountability, courage, humility, leadership, ownership, Product Management, respect, trust

Hereafter, I want you to tell me, candidly and in secret, what people are saying about me. And if you see anything in me that you regard as a fault, feel free to tell me in private. For from now on, people will talk about me, but not to me. It is dangerous for men in power if no one dares to tell them when they go wrong.

Wow.  I stumbled across this quote from Saint Thomas Becket this morning. If you don’t think being a leader takes courage, take a moment to consider what this quote is saying, and then within the context of your role as a product management leader ask yourself:

New Year, Fresh Perspectives

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communication, generosity, Goals, rejuvenate, resolution, trust

Happy New Year everyone!  After taking some time to recharge a bit, and I hope you did the same, just wanted to share a few perspectives as we enter into the new year.  The first is a re-post of a New Year’s Resolution list I’ve shared before (but always helpful), the second is related to a Forbes article on how to recharge at work.  Enjoy!