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Two recent articles on Total Executive Views:

Creating a New Normal - How do you Do it?

How individuals and organisations respond to life changing events will determine the outcomes they experience.
How do you move forward from catastrophic events like those experienced in Queensland, Christchurch, Japan and many other countries this year?
Leaders of organisations can learn a lot from how successful response to devastation is conducted.
Learn more here

Scan the World for Strategic Advantage via Innovation

Consider how to make your business authentically local as the global speed to innovate for future business growth is accelerating as explained in the video here

As an Executive - are you getting the best executive offer available for your personal skills?

As a Recruiter - are you accessing the full market of quality talent - in the most effective way?

Total Executive have a new partner that can help you move forward efficiently here

Brainstorming is DEAD!

Do you get maximum future benefit from your internal communications and idea generation?

It's time to forget the Brainstorm and start Facilitating Action as shown in the Research Study here

Have you received the best deal for your communications and media spend?

Learn how we can help you communicate with business decision makers in the Innovation Community here

Is your business erring on the edge of HOMOPHYLY?

How familiar are the people around you? Check out a common problem in leadership explained on video here

View dozens of recent leadership articles here

With all the Huff and Puff about Climate Change you may expect an article on whether celebrities should sell new government policies under this heading...

NO:

Our sustainability survey is:

How Sustainable is your Business? - Complete the 1 minute survey here
You can receive complimentary professional feedback from Total Executive vetted providers.

Is Someone Else Getting all your Media Attention?

Are you taking advantage of all the millions of dollars of complimentary coverage available as explained here?

View dozens of articles on communication here

How Healthy is your Digital Consumption? Could you have ADHD?

I came across this article and thought the media were making fun of people with disabilities.
Though, how does this relate to you?

View dozens of technology articles here

Keys to Successful Entrepreneurs in Eastern and Western Cultures
It's time to forget the Brainstorm and start Facilitating Action as shown in the research study here

Leadership begins with Good Communication and Trust
Broni explains how communication needs to provide information on what you want to achieve across business here

View dozens of interviews and reviews with leaders here

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Meet Graeme Samuel - Chairman of the ACCC
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Hargraves Congress 2011
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Hargraves NPD Summit III
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Hargraves Congress 2011
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Hargraves Congress 2011
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Getting Results Without Authority
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Hargraves Conference2012
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 Yesterday I met up with John Vines, Chairman of IBSA (Innovation and Business Skills Australia)

John is widely experienced on the boards of organisations and I asked what Responsible Leadership means to him.

John explained that responsible leadership means that organisations need to take into account every external environment and how their decisions make impact internally as well as externally.

Many boards of directors need to think more broadly.

This brings with it an implication...

Boards need to recognise multiple stakeholders...

• Staff
• Shareholders
• Beneficiaries

Read the rest of this post »

Today I met up with Dr James Bradfield Moody. For any of you that watch ABC New Inventors - you will be familiar with James.

Others may be aware how James is the Executive Director of Development for the CSIRO.

Additionally you may be familiar with the book “The 6th Wave: How to succeed in a resource-limited world” that James has co-authored with Bianca Nogrady http://sixthwave.org/

Our discussion was about responsible leadership and as a young innovator, speaker and thought leader, James had a few very interesting concepts that hold true...

James believes truly responsible leaders take a long term view, past immediate gains to the next decade and beyond. They understand that responsibility means looking at the past as well as the future to create a better world for all humanity.

A responsible leader has a variety of dimensions...

• They honour the past and the lessons we have learnt
• They look towards the future and how we can develop wealth for future generations - not with cash - with a better life
• In this way, responsible leaders leave our world as a better place - that is the legacy they live to create.

They also take a much broader view of costs and benefits for business.

James is particularly interested in sustainability...

Sustainable business Leaders understand scarcity will drive innovation to create new products and services and as good stewards for our future, they also understand the importance of involving all stakeholders in their business, from shareholders and customers to employees and suppliers.

Responsible leaders as stewards of our future understand every business contributes and extracts from our society and environment and every product has a footprint of energy, water and waste.

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James believes a responsible leader has a great sense of purpose. By thinking in the long term, generating value and being a good steward of those areas they are responsible for - a leader automatically taps into effective ways of communicating - it becomes second nature.

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When leadership doesn't work well is when it hasn't tapped into and learnt from the past.

The GFC is a classic example of this which has similarities to other financial slumps like the 70’s oil shocks and the great depression.

Another example of when things don't work is when people don't take future generations into account - when the future costs of their actions are much worse than the low value they are currently creating. This can cost them financially as well - as we become a more knowledge capable society.

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When leaders don't subscribe to a higher purpose is the 3rd major problem - then people don't believe in you as a leader into the future.

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Going forward, James sees people are a lot more selective on who they will work with. Mobility is available - people can move around.

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Responsible leaders understands that it is a competitive world and as technology and communication methods provide more knowledge and mobility - businesses will need to look more closely at how they develop their business model innovations - to cater for the needs for our future generations over the next 30-40 years.

Future generations are more interested in supporting society and our planet dynamically across locations - rather than settling in one house and occupation.

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James believes there are many ways Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainability will drive growth as we lead into an era of more values driven leaders.

Responsible leadership will underlie the values of most successful leaders who are motivated by generating happiness with their staff, stakeholders, clients and the broader community over the next 30-50 years.

If you are not making the world a better place - the world will not sustain involvement with you.

Are you ready for the 6th wave of innovation as a responsible leader?...

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What happens in the second half of the 2000's? - Well that will depend on what we make of the 1st half...

The other day I had the pleasure of meeting up with an old friend from my days in life insurance - a couple decades ago.

Jon and I have had many discussions over the years - a lot to do with innovation, creativity, leadership and life in general, so I knew he would provide some interesting insights into what his thoughts were on Responsible and Effective Leadership as we continue to gather thoughts from executives in preparation for the international conference - Responsible Leadership 2010 in November this year.

Jon began by explaining that you need to first think of where the responsibility is owed. This is not in a legal sense, instead it is an ethical framework that is much broader than religion or the economy and stretches across all communities.

"It is a 'Values Thing'..."

Leadership values suggest that words must be supported by actions. What you say must be reflected in what you do and Leadership is important in developing a culture that follows that process.

Jon explained a lot of things that he has learnt through his times working with various companies. Like the importance of alignment and working as a team.

You also need to value customers and communities in which you operate.

Commitment to high performance is an integral part of responsible and effective leaders. Not only does that demonstarte success that others can follow, it also enables security of peoples jobs, the values these people work by and enables profits and taxes that can then be re-distributed back into the community.

The value of development is also very important. This is a discussion we have had many a time whereby development leads to progress. With progress comes innovation, getting better whilst improving capabilities and skills.

It is going to be rare to have someone love their job for life these days - but leaders should give staff employability for life - no matter where they may end up so they can continue to support their families and those they love and care about.

A business that doesn't follow these principles will often cease to exist - or be taken over - leading to loss of jobs, instead of growing and employing more people.

We decided to not follow the conversation of the role of state versus welfare given the limited time we had. So instead Jon unveiled what he believed are the steps to a successful and responsible leadership.

Jon believes that looking at CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) or Corporate Citizenship is far too narrow a focus when it comes to responsible and effective leadership.

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"The number one thing that companies can do is make a profit!" As they grow profit streams, more people can be employed, more taxes can be paid for re-distribution to the community, shareholders earn dividends which they can spend and or distribute back to the community in ways they choose.

In this way we do what we know best and make the biggest contributions to society. We know business much better that we know how to run a charity.

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Secondly, Businesses are important to societies fabric. Work is important to life. In the right environment and with a good quality culture it is rewarding and fulfilling - as well as challenging so you don't become bored. These are the rewards of work and a responsible employer will do this whilst keeping you safe, both with OH&S, but also physically, mentally - with health and wellbeing.

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Thirdly, businesses should be entrepreneurial. If there is no entrepreneurship, you need to get better to stay in business. If all businesses are going well - then there are more jobs for everyone and the businesses can CREATE VALUE... which is of benefit to

• Consumers / Customers
• Employees
• Shareholders
• Government and society (through taxes)

How much goes to government is a political decision and society selects the politicians.

The customer must receive good value for their money in order for the business to remain competitive and in business.

And employees must receive enough so they want to work.

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Fourthly , Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Here comes the discussion of who is responsible for giving back and Jon believes that in truth, governments should be less bureaucratic and waste less.

With less charities we would also likely have better economies of scale - though these are subjects of other discussions.

Should businesses step in and support charities? Of course, though by working within the areas they have impact on. 

Firstly businesses should consider how they impact the environment and minimise waste. Not only is that better for the environment - it usually saves money in the long term - whilst adding to better business culture and relationships with customers, suppliers, shareholders and society. 

Aligning with shareholders who own the business is usually a good place to start - find areas with mutuality of interest and then work with ways to support society in those areas. 

One of the best ways businesses can do this is by sharing IP they have developed that has made them successful with charities and community organisations through in-kind support. 

As more businesses make it their duty to share intellectual capital with charities and society, they can better stand on their two feet, instead of relying on welfare. 

It is the old story. You can give a person a fish and feed them for a day or you can teach that person to fish and they can feed their family for life.

These should be the social ventures that help to get people out of welfare dependence. 

If a business takes on a person in need with an internship - they can learn, generate an income and support those they care for.

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Fifthly tied in with above is a focus on the environment.

Businesses must minimise environmental damage for our future generations. Often the true profit of business doesn't reflect true damage to the environment. 

A tax could change behaviour. Perhaps what is needed is a combination of a carrot and stick approach. 

At the stick end you have a tax that penalises businesses for damaging the environment. Though Jon is more in favour of a levy - so the money has to be spent on related purpose projects.

So, with climate, the levy could be spent on more renewable power options for example. 

At the carrot end you have subsidies for good environmental behaviour. So for example - buying more green power. Increase demand for sustainable energy resources makes them more competitive over time. 

The one concern with the areas of climate change etc is 'how is everything measured?' - the subject of another discussion.

Within these 5 areas described above, there needs to always be leadership that is measured by corporate governance. Business practices must comply with laws and follow a code of conduct that is reflected by responsibility. It needs to be part of the businesses culture. 

And one final thing that can have a large impact - avoid conflicts of interest.

If you liked this article, you may also enjoy the articles shown here

Last week I had the privilege of meeting with Tara Cheesman, Executive Director of

Corporate Responsibility Network Australia (CORNA)

and

Executive Women Australia (EWA)

We enjoyed an interesting discussion about Australia - current and future...

As Tara explains – Australia is the ‘lucky’ country because it is where we hope to make our fortune and leave a legacy. Whilst contributing to Australian GDP, we can also choose to contribute to our nation’s environmental and social wealth.

Much emphasis is often placed on cultivating our nation’s GDP, however Australia will continue to become the most livable country in the world (note the Business Council of Australia’s mission and vision) as we preserve our nation’s environmental wealth. As we’re reminded at football grand finals ‘our land abounds in nature’s gifts of beauty rich and rare’. We need to empower Australian business to showcase their responsible leadership by contributing to our bountiful natural environments by making decisive actions to implement commercial practices which preserve the planet and reduce (cease) those activities which pollute it.

And Australia will continue to become the most livable country in the world  as we contribute to our nation’s social wealth. We need to prevent travelling down the road of the US, where the gap between rich and poor continues to grow (approximately 1 in 7 Americans are currently falling into poverty). We need to empower Australian business to showcase their responsible leadership by planning for the types of neighborhoods they want to live in – both locally and globally.  By taking decisive action to implement equitable, diverse and flexible working conditions, support non-profits which address cyclical poverty and through supporting broader community contributions such as sporting and arts programs we will continue to cultivate our nation’s harmonious society.

Solutions begin with responsibility, at all levels of business. We all need to create our own portfolio for responsible leadership. One that creates opportunities for environmental gains, social wealth and business capital.

Tara has a strong belief in the involvement of women to influence the future of Australia’s collective prosperity.

Women have the ability to be leaders across all echelons of society... socially, government, corporate and education.

What happens when women are leaders?

AXA surveys show that Australia has one of the most benevolent populations. However when researching who is willing to share their personal wealth it is interesting to note that many contributors are women. A recent UNICEF survey showed that 85% of their monthly contributors are women.  This is a common trend between similar charities and not for profits.

This example extends further when you look into women’s contribution as mothers as and personal carers. Women leave their careers for many reasons - like having a child - and helping them grow up, or looking after family member who needs a carer.

Though when they attempt to re-enter work, its difficult.

There is still much work to be done to develop simple, streamlined methods to provide 'ramp on / ramp off' options for women - so we don't lose their knowledge and skill.

If we are indeed to follow the Business Council of Australia's mission to make Australia the best and most livable country in the world we need to ensure we are creating opportunities for everyone to make their fortune and leave a legacy.

Tara and I discussed many other elements of Australia's future with the input of women – the subject of future discussions.

If you liked this article, you will probably enjoy these here

Yesterday I met with a colleague to discuss leadership and as has recently been the case more and more we strolled into the subject of responsible and effective leadership.

Jon has a very strong interest in the area of sustainability, particularly after years working with management in the mining field. Though given his years of success, more and more he realises that responsible leadership is the key to the future.

Now it is not just about the fact that on this planet we have plenty resources for everyone - if we were to distribute them more equally - and many would argue - more correctly.

This will require co-operation on a larger scale than has ever been done and require people to release assets and ego's like never before - which is a very big step for modern society Jon argued.

So Jon brought it back to how leaders manage their people...

Firstly, as a leader - how do you spend time with staff?

Do you assign tasks - then rush off - expecting them to be completed?

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You MUST NOT delegate on the fly...

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• Come prepared to a meeting with staff
• Get their feedback
• Respond to their feedback
• Be willing to 'BE PRESENT'
• Treat everyone as if they have value

It will be the best present you can give your staff and they will remember your presence for a long time after the meeting.

There is an old Zulu greeting -

Showu Bona

'I see you and all your potential'

The response is -

Sikhona

'Thank you for seeing me and my potential'

There is plenty of research that shows how we see people and what are expectations of them is how they become.

Can you remember a teacher or coach who gave more as an assumption of your future greatness rather than who you were at that time?

How did that affect you?

There are some people who respond to negative engagement and transfer it to a positive as well - this is not as popular an example - though you will no doubt recall...

Those who have rebelled against what their teachers and coaches said and became heroes.

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The key point for leaders is to never assume the potentiality of who everyone can be.

An assumption of who they are now

Or who we think they are

based on scant and skewed data

is a reflection of poor perception

If you liked this article, view more insights from Jon Pratlett here 

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"If you are Looking for the BAD you will find it...

If you are looking for the GOOD you will find it"

For those who haven't read part 1 link to it here

Today Jon gives insights into the Pygmalion affect.

You may be familiar with the Pygmalion affect from books and movies like

My Fair Lady

Looking at My Fair Lady - you have an actor who is approached by another actor and together they show how someone can move between classes with support from someone who believes in their potential.

What is more interesting - the real world and an example of the Pygmalion Affect is explained succinctly by the case of Jane Elliott's Blue Eyes Brown Eyes.

In response to the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. over thirty years ago, Jane Elliott devised the controversial and startling, "Blue Eyes/Brown Eyes" exercise. This, now famous, exercise labels participants as inferior or superior based solely upon the color of their eyes and exposes them to the experience of being a minority. Everyone who is exposed to Jane Elliott's work, be it through a lecture, workshop, or video, is dramatically affected by it.

To learn more - contact Jane

Essentially, class students arrived at school after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr to discover separation of classes - in the classroom.

Brown eyed students were told they were bad

Blue eyed students were told they were good - smart, intelligent, well mannered

and

deservered more time in the playground

Kids obviously picked up on this as shown in this video

The next day, they switched roles.

As shown in various video's - when people returned many years later - the responses were profound. Google Jane Elliott Blue Eyes Brown Eyes video.

This example of education is not likely to happen in todays society.

However, it provides an example of how quickly thinking and behaviour can change.

As a responsible leader - which perceptions about those who are guided by you do you work with?

Learn more about Jon here