ARTICLE OF THE MONTH: "The Seven Habits of Highly Dysfunctional Leaders" APWA Reporter
The first habit of highly dysfunctional leaders is that they will often refuse to make a decision. Though it's rarely an overt refusal, do you find it more common than not that dysfunctional leaders will delay and defer decisions as long as possible?
How often is the finished product of a meeting "let's have another meeting"?
If all the right people are in the room, and all the relevant data is readily available, and all the analysis is done, what are we waiting for?
Indecision and delay are frequently associated with thorny personnel issues because obvious solutions are easy and difficult decisions are difficult. Making the hard call goes with the mantle of leadership—make the difficult decision. But there’s no point in agonizing over it. Make the decision and move out.
Kevin Elliot,a consultant with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), hosted a webinar on Marketing Safety in Your Agency. In the webinar, Mr. Elliot provided good tools to help promote your agency, including recommending the following three books:
Start with Why by Simon Sinek:
The inspiring, life-changing bestseller by the author of LEADERS EAT LAST and TOGETHER IS BETTER.
In 2009, Simon Sinek started a movement to help people become more inspired at work, and in turn inspire their colleagues and customers. Since then, millions have been touched by the power of his ideas, including more than 28 million who’ve watched his TED Talk based on START WITH WHY—
the third most popular TED video of all time.
Talk Like Ted by Carmine Gallo:
Ideas are the currency of the twenty-first century. In order to succeed, you need to be able to sell your ideas persuasively. This ability is the single greatest skill that will help you accomplish your dreams. Many people have a fear of public speaking or are insecure about their ability to give a successful presentation. Now public speaking coach and bestselling author Carmine Gallo explores what makes a great presentation by examining the widely acclaimed TED Talks, which have redefined the elements of a successful presentation and become the gold standard for public speaking.
Good in a Room by Stephanie Palmer:
Whether you work in Hollywood or not, the fact is that selling ideas is really difficult to do. The reason the pitching secrets of the most successful writers and directors are relevant is because these people have evolved an advanced method for selling ideas.Whether you’re a screenwriter, a journalist with an idea for a story, an entrepreneur with a business plan, an inventor with a blueprint, or a manager with an innovative solution, if you want other people to invest their time, energy, and money in your idea, you face an uphill battle.
The No. 1 Trait That Can Turn Anyone into a Leader, According to Kobe Bryantby Hadassh Alencar
Kobe Bryant needs no introduction. He rose to become one of the greatest basketball players of all time, winning five NBA championships during his 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers.
He stands with a myriad of different awards and records: from scoring champion to NBA all-star and player of the year—all which he won multiple times.
Last week, while on a visit to the University of Alabama, Kobe shared some of his leadership secrets in an inspiring speech to the college's football team. He entered the locker room and gave the teammates a pep talk on the important trait that transformed him from a player to a leader: listening.
TLP Cohort #6—They're Already Coming Together as a Team
On April 23rd of this year, the Transportation Leadership Program's (TLP) Cohort #6 attended their first module; Module One: Teamwork, Communication & Feedback, with T2 instructor Kenya Rutland.
Module One addressed the participant's role as a leader and how they can use their DiSC style to develop and positively affect the culture of their department, the morale and image of their team, and create an open, inclusive environment that promotes empowerment of their staff.
The day was full of open discussion and fun group exercises, which had the Cohort working together and putting their problem solving skills to the test.
Great job, Cohort #6!
"There is a difference between giving directions and giving direction. Directions are instructions given to explain how. Direction is a vision offered to explain why."
- Simon Sinek
2019 Training Opportunities
NOW AVAILABLE
We will continue to update the schedule with dates and locations, so check in with us regularly.
