One of the key attributes of credibility is trustworthiness. Think about it – it is hard to find someone believable if you cannot trust them. And as authors Kouzes and Posner (The Leadership Challenge) have written, “credibility is the foundation of leadership. Trust can also be sliced down into a variety of attributes. After 25 [Read More]
A Leadership Dilemma
I was recently conducting a series of leadership development sessions for people in the non-management ranks of one of our client companies. So that everyone would have a common experience, each session included similar content and exercises. During a hands- on learning activity, one of the participants offered some directive suggestions that allowed those in [Read More]
Time to Reflect
As 2011 rolls down, it is a good time for a little self reflection about your growth and progress during the year. So take a moment and ponder these questions. Believe it or not, looking back will assist you in the ability to look forward. With the beginning of a new year right around the [Read More]
Integrity is Alive
I was recently working in a national security facility and witnessed a terrific example of integrity. I was escorted into a highly restricted area by a couple of staff members. As I was almost through the card and password controlled gate, one of my escorts remembered to verify if I had a cell phone on [Read More]
Be Careful of Catchy Slogans
For some reason, I like to examine statements for their potential mixed messages. Corporate slogans or platitudes are examples which often get my attention. Two of my favorites are “the customer is always right” and “our associates are our most important asset.” They both sound positive and affirming, but unfortunately they are a bit deceptive [Read More]
The Rehab of Leadership Practice
A friend and I were kibitzing recently about physical therapy and a great lesson about leadership development emerged. He ask his therapist, if while strengthening his shoulder and knee, there was anything he could do to tighten up that well-known “middle-aged spread,” with which so many of us are too familiar. To his surprise, he [Read More]
Lessons from The Leadership Challenge Forum
This past week, a couple hundred people met just off the Magnificent Mile in Chicago to learn more about the Magnificent Methodology of leadership development called The Leadership Challenge. Those of you with whom we at ILA work are quite familiar with this body of work. Thought you might appreciate a quick summary of powerful lessons from [Read More]


