Leader

Some months ago I was explaining the "Gordon model" to a colleague (we're both managers who work for a chain of restaurants). As we conversed, two of our new cooks, who were arguing about something, came to me to vent their frustrations. I'm sure they expected for me to decide which one of them was right about the situation and then take sides. Instead, using the No-Lose problem-solving techniques I learned from the book (finding solutions so that both parties get their needs met), I facilitated a session in which the cooks found a mutually satisfying solution to their problem. All I did is mediate, made sure they listened to one another. My colleague was amazed, noticing the gradual change in attitude and body language of the cooks - the lowered resistance - as they both realized they could solve their problem in a way that was beneficial to both of them. Later in the day my colleague noticed the same two cooks who had been arguing earlier helping each another and making jokes as they worked through the evening rush.

What I've managed to do, thanks to what I learned from L.E.T., is to fuse my team together and to create synergy. And, as the team has become more self-sufficient, that frees me up to do what I'm good at rather than always having to waste time fixing problems for them.

The techiques that Dr. Gordon teaches, I-Messages, Active Listening, etc., are tools that transcend workplace usufulness; they are techniques that help us in any kind of relationship, be they professional, personal or familial.

In short, it works!

Although this was written a little while ago, its nice to have Woody's story told in depth. And this is as deep into Woody Herman's life as it is going to get, probably. It is rich and told as only a good friend of the subject could tell it. We get most of the steadily ongoing personal changes, as expected, covering all the various Herds and bands. And, thanks to Gene Lees' not stepping aside issues, a gratifyingly real look into Woody's life and times. Although the friendship does slip in occasionally, for example, Woody's being one of the great male jazz vocalists? Please! His vocals are some boring jive and meant to entertain the social crowd. Not being a clarinet fan, I always thought he could have put a lampshade on that ax in about 1954 and stuck to alto and soprano, but that's just my short coming. The consistently high level of music and energy his bands produced (with few exceptions), the length of time he was able to keep a big band working, life on the road, the way the band always reflected new sounds and influences to keep modern, the great players that passed through, and the respect and admiration his musicians held for him (after a rather shaky start, surprisingly) all add to his brilliant career. And he loved his wife through the whole amazing trip. And then there's that ugly tax thing, a real tragedy in his old age. Maybe the reason Woody is overlooked a bit historically is because, although he was a gifted musician and leader, he wasn't an arranger and writer in the Fletcher Henderson, Gil Evans, Thad Jones, Duke and Billy Strayhorn tradition. While the book's focus is squarely on Woody and his closest associates, I felt it could have dealt more fully with his music. I found I had to drop a needle on some old sides to get that, but that's not all bad, either. And finally, I think its rather nice living on Humboldt Boulevard in Milwaukee about 5 or 6 blocks from where Woody lived as a kid, although his house is gone (condos, what else?).

This amazing yet not very well known musical is based upon the life of singer/songwriter Ellie Greenwich who composed such classics as "Doo Wah Diddy," "Going To the Chapel of Love," "River Deep, Mountain High," "Leader of Pack," "Hanky Panky," and "Wait 'til My Bobby Gets Home." She also wrote many other greats from the 60s/70s. All of them are in this musical intertwined with the somewhat tragic story of Ellie's road to fame, her marriage/divorce leading to her nervous breakdown, and her eventual comeback. Though most of the music does not help tell the story, it does help in establishing the motive of this career-driven woman as all of her songs are performed before you.
The book by itself is not a particularly great read just because you do not get to see/hear the songs being performed which is what makes this play truly memorable. Unfortunately, because Leader of the Pack is not a very popular musical (though you would think it would be), it is not put on often and is therefore hard to find. When I was in Sydney, Australia this last spring, I saw that Leader of the Pack was coming to the playhouse (sorry I don't know the name) where I'd just seen the equally fantastic Mamma Mia! I was surprised to have found it and was disappointed that I would be leaving before I'd get a chance to see it. So, if you see it being performed somewhere near you, no matter what country you're in, go!! Both Leader of the Pack and Mamma Mia! are highly recommended!

Bob Danzig was the senior corporate executive in charge of the Hearst Newspaper Group for two decades. During that time-and through his career leading up to that point, he met movers and shakers and a lot of "ordinary" people who made a difference in one way or another. In this book, he's tried to capture a wide range of experiences and perspectives-almost too much-to make his points about leadership.

The autobiographical thread starts at the beginning of the book and continues all the way through. If you're interested in selected aspects of the life of a highly involved newspaper man, this book will provide you with one historical anecdote after another. Danzig shares many of his experiences with people of significance and, well, other people of a different kind of significance. His professional life story weaves through the book-in disjointed pieces. I found myself wanting a stronger stream of consciousness, a more connected flow of this man's life. He is obviously a key player kind of person, but the reader never gets a full story of Danzig, the man.

To present and illustrate his nine powers of leadership, Danzig shares the stories of men and women who exemplify the powers he enumerates. He provides evidence for his points, describing how each role model lived the power he describes. Then a third person's comments are inserted to validate Danzig's points by lauding the celebrity. Some of these role models are well-known. Others are not as familiar to us, if known at all. As one example follows another in a well-designed flow, they help Danzig make his powerful points about the role of leadership.

Readers will learn about 9 Powers: Quality, Innovation, Inspiration, Perseverance, Passion, Character, Charisma, Energy and Enthusiasm. The instructional thread can be followed, interwoven with the autobiographical and biographical threads. While sharing some of the experiences of an important newspaper man, you'll gain from the knowledge and perspective he learned from the people he met and quoted in this book.

For a thought-provoking and inspirational read, pick up a copy of The Leader within You. You'll learn a lot about leadership, the leader with in you, and what you can achieve with the resources you have.

My bookshelf is full of books that address "thinking skills."
I teach university courses aimed at sharpening such skills. And as an outplacement counselor, I also assess client skills for the job market. In what I have read and experienced, so far, Hale's book is best for clarity, conciseness, and practicality.
If I were invited to suggest an area for improvement of the text, I would suggest a little more elaboration in the area of
"Innovation Skills."

After searching numerous places for a program that people can relate to and attract to, this one hits the spot. Its combining of topics and the way it identifies its principles allows for a real flexible program. It allows for people currently in 12 step secular programs to see the need for Christ in their lives. It also allows for suffering Christians to see where they need fellowship with others like themselves in order to overcome. We are adopting this program by year end 1998.

This leader's guide helps you to get the most out of "I Like Being Me." Not only are there activity suggestions for reinforcing and expanding each skill, but also literature that personalizes and brings to life the importance of each of the social skills. Mary Martha Whitworth and Judy Lalli have combined here to encourage the development of skills that very much need to be developed in our children.

This book allows for sameness as well as differences, making it possible for people of all ages to remember that uniquenesses are common from person to person. An approach like the ones suggested in the book, will in itself explain the racial and physical differences which are destroying the nation. Acceptance of the fact that we are all the same and yet different is a concept that could be taught to all adults who harbor prejudices around the world. This book is said to be developed for ages 3-8, but the concepts as presented are to be lauded for their simplicity and authentic reality. The activities are well thought out, and this book is a blessing to the educator, as well as, the child who is fortunate enough to have a benefactor who truly cares.

Our small group has been using the Leader's Guide to study Stretch Out Your Hand. The Guide is well written, easy to follow, with wonderful exercises to help the group leader guide the group through the steps towards discernment, healing prayer for ourselves and others. A project that we all began with a bit of apprehension and doubt has turned into a very meaningful and spiritual experience -- each week's session brings more surprises, growth, tears and joy. A great experience!

A unique and empowering guide for anyone concerned with youth development. A Leader's Guide to The Struggle to Be Strong presents a creative and insightful connection of thirty stories written by teens about their own struggles to the seven resiliencies developed by Sybil and Steven Wolin is a masterpiece of strength based practice! It is refreshing and truly empowering to find a book that uses kids' struggles and pride to help other kids identify their unique resiliencies. A Leader's Guide to The Struggle to Be Strong is a gift to any strengths based practitioner. The concrete session plans offer suggestions for group leader preparation and practical suggestions for using the thirty stories in The Struggle to Be Strong. I will immediately give a personal copy to my teachers and group leaders.

An excellent and one of its kind resource for changing hearts and minds!

Erik K. Laursen, Ph.D.