Leadership Strengths in Men and Women

A recently published new study has described some fascinating, although perhaps not earth shattering, finds regarding who makes the better leader; men or women.
The observations are quite general in my mind in that it states men make better strategists while women make better project managers.  I am sure that you like me can think of many exceptions to these statements; who would argue that Margaret Thatcher wasn't a great strategist?  And I can tell you that I have come across many male leaders in my role as a Management Consultant and Coach who actually possess great empathy, an ability to manage multiple priorities and who also have great vision.  Sadly I still don't get to meet many women on management boards but when I do believe me they are powerful!
So, read this interesting article and let me know what you think!  If you are interested to find out where your strengths in Leadership lie then why not have a Hogan Leadership and Management profile - click here to find out more.  The feedback you will get is comprehensive and also includes a suggested development plan which can really help you to plan and progress your career.

Click here to read the article

Go for it!

"Go for it now, the future is promised to no-one."  Wayne Dwyer

This message for me is simple but often seems so hard believe.  Are you a procrastinator?  Do you sometimes put off things for another day?  I'm sure that we all do this either often or from time to time.

Ask yourself right now, what's stopping you from achieving what you really want to do?  I bet you put yourself obstacles in the way - right?  Why not stop giving yourself a hard time and really focus on what you deserve, what you know you can achieve!

Take some inspiration from those who have achieved great things.... impossible things!  Do you know the story of Phillipe Petit, the Man on a Wire?  As a young boy waiting in the dentist he saw a picture of the world trade centre in New York and decided that he would walk on a tightrope between the twin towers one day.  Yeah, right! that's what you're thinking... that would be impossible.  Think again - please watch the film and come back and tell me that the dream of this young boy was a load of bunkum.  Now I'm not suggesting that you go and commit a crime to achieve your dream (as Phillipe Petit did actually commit a crime when he achieved his amazing walk on a wire) but I do want you to consider that you can achieve your dreams.  Go for it and go for it NOW!

Success

‎"Success is not something you run after, but something you ATTRACT by the person you become"

Thanks to Lukasz Plotaski for this quote


I do like the idea of pursuing your goals and dreams but I think I like the idea of attracting them to you by believing in yourself so much that you actually become or realise your dream yourself.

A very nice thought, thanks Lukasz!

Believe in yourself....

"Success means having the courage, the determination, and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be."

George Sheehan 


Who do you believe you were meant to be?  I'm sure that you've felt envious of other people from time to time, said to your friends "I wish I could be just like them".  What's stopping you?  No, really I do want you to think carefully before you answer this question.  Are you really sure that you want to be 'just like them'?  What about exploring the first question a bit further... Who do you believe you were meant to be?  


Also, think about the quote I opened this blog posting with.. What is success to you?  Spend a little time really exploring this question.  I have found it quite revealing when I've asked this question to clients I've been coaching.  Success comes in many forms; being a good parent, being a good child to parents who are ageing, being self employed, learning a new skill.  These are all examples I've come across.  Think about these, do you think that they all required courage and determination?  You bet!


So, with a little time to really challenge your surface thoughts, dig down a little deeper and explore these questions.  Then think about how you will find the 'will' to become the person you believe you were meant to be.  Set out some steps, some small changes you can make.  Do you need to learn something new, do you need to change your attitude?  Start small, build big and believe you can be the you you are meant to be.