Sitting with The Inner Dragon

Authentic Leadership is not a path for the timid.

Courage is a prerequisite, an absolute necessity.

That’s because in order to become an authentic leader, you have to change. And change requires courage.

For those who simply want “leadership development,” there are books, courses and coaches. But for those who understand that the world has changed along with the economy comes a soul-deep awakening that leadership at all levels must also change.

The days of leadership through intimidation are dimming, their dusk is falling, and the dark night will soon be upon them.  The daybreak of the light of authentic leadership is already brightening the horizons.

The time of the new authentic leaders is upon us. Some who were leaders under the old model will embrace the new style of leadership. They will do this because they understand that leadership is not just about having your followers do as you command, but rather having your followers flourish in an authentic environment. 

Business is now more than ever a process of relationship. As I’ve said before, those relationships must be authentic .That means face-to-face business, not just with your customers, but with every one in and on your team, You Will Have To Let Your Employees, Co-workers, and Customers In..

The great writer and visionary Joseph Campbell outlined the hero’s journey in his classic work, “The Hero with a Thousand Faces.”

Today’s new leaders must enter the hero’s journey that is already changing the face of business. They will hold true to the path, knowing that real treasure is always hidden in the darkest place, and that it is to this dark place that you inherently fear to go in case you never come back that everything that will give your life meaning awaits.

I know this to be true because I have journeyed there; I have faced the dragon that can’t be slain, but merely tamed. I have also had the honor of guiding many others on their own heroic journey.

Why should you undertake such a journey if you have all you want, if you have many things that others envy?

The Cave of Self Discovery

It’s because those who seem to have everything know it isn’t enough. You must enter the cave you fear or live a life without true fulfillment.

Know this: everything you truly desire awaits you in that darkest of places.

Remember, an Authentic Leader is not without fear. However, the Authentic Leader’s vision is always going to be greater than the fear.

So it comes down to this: Do you have the courage to be an authentic leader, to go in and claim that treasure on your own heroic journey?

As Joseph Campbell says, “The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.”

Until you enter the cave, nothing will ever be enough!

I trust that you found this article valuable, if so feel free to send this to your friends.

I eagerly anticipate your feedback and comments. Please share, like and comment below!

With gratitude,

Dov Baron Speaks internationally on leadership in the new economy. He is the Leading expert on Authentic Leadership and is the world’s Only Corporate Cultural Strategist. To bring Dov in to speak to your group or organization please contact Baron Mastery at +1 604 436 2063

P.S. Have you heard “The Accidental Guru” Radio Show yet? The Very Best in Personal and Professional Leadership. Dov is the Host and Executive producer every Thursday Morning from 10:00 AM (PST) 1:00PM (EST) Details are at: http://radiodov.com

 

 

All contents of this blog and articles herein fall under full copyright law and are the soul intellectual property of Dov Baron and Baron Mastery Institute INC

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He is the founder and director of Life of Learning Foundation, a nonprofit center for self-study located in southern Oregon where he gives talks four times each week.

Guy is a faculty member at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, New York and is a regular expert contributor to Beliefnet and the Huffington Post.  For more information visit www.guyfinley.org, and sign up to receive free gifts and a helpful newsletter emailed to your desktop once each week.

Clack Kokich

What’s the modern day version of this fictitious firm?

Arguably, it’s Razorfish.

(No, not because of the debaucherous antics of the owners.)

In today’s new economy,  Razorfish is the marketing leader, specifically in  digital marketing.

In 2009, Clark Kokich relinquished the Razorfish CEO role to Bob Lord, although Clark stayed on and is now chairman of the company. However, Clark is not just at the forefront of marketing, he has actually put himself at the forefront of another industry, an industry he pulls no punches in saying that is as visionless and outdated as vinyl records in a download world. (That’s a not a direct quote, by the way, but it’s an accurate image).

That industry is the publishing industry.

Last fall, Clark wrote and released his book: Do or Die: Surviving and Thriving in a World Where Old Ways of Marketing Aren’t Getting It Done.

Do or Die by Clark Kokich

What makes this book so extraordinary is that it was the world’s first business book published exclusively as a fully-interactive app. I had to get it on my iPad to see what it’s all about, and I loved it! In fact, it is currently available only as an iPad app. (Android and Kindle Fire versions are planned for release shortly).

Let me tell you, this is the future of books as we know them. The book is fully interactive. You can read or listen to the contents. You can also watch a series of videos from other experts in the field of marketing, and you can see case studies of those companies who have really grasped the advantages of digital media.

Do or Die is more than just a model of the evolution of publishing. It also outlines a clear strategy for businesses to survive and thrive in a world of never-ending technological change.

Here’s where it gets really exciting.  On May 10, 2012 Clark Kokich is my guest on The Accidental Guru Show. At that time, we are going to get into the nitty gritty of the modern marketing world and how quickly it is changing. What’s REALLY exciting is that we are going to talk about how you can get on top to it right now.

But that’s not all. Clark Kokich has some very radical ideas of what leadership is, and is not, that he is going to share with all of us.

Just as a hint, he talks about the fact that we are now in the age of  “What you know is an Anchor,” which means that experience no longer equals expertise.

Interested? You should be. In fact, if you care about business, if you care about your future in business and the fast-paced changes in today’s marketing, you owe it to yourself to listen to this totally enthralling interview.

The fact is: you can’t afford be a “Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce” in a “Razorfish” world!

 I trust that you found this article valuable, if so feel free to send this to your friends.

I eagerly anticipate your feedback and comments. Please share, like and comment below!

With gratitude,

P.S. Have you heard “The Accidental Guru” Radio Show yet? The Very Best in Personal and Professional Leadership. Dov is the Host and Executive producer every Thursday Morning from 10:00 AM (PST) 1:00PM (EST) Details are at: http://radiodov.com

 

Dov Baron Speaks internationally on leadership in the new economy. He is the Leading expert on Authentic Leadership and is the world’s Only Corporate Cultural Strategist. To bring Dov in to speak to your group or organization please contact Baron Mastery at +1 604 436 2063

All contents of this blog and articles herein fall under full copyright law and are the soul intellectual property of Dov Baron and Baron Mastery Institute INC

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Authentic Leadership Snippet #1: FOCUS

Authentic Leadership Snippet #2: Their Approval or Your Dreams, you will have to choose!

I trust that you found these Authentic Leadership Snippets valuable, if so feel free to send this to your friends.

I eagerly anticipate your feedback and comments. Please share, like and comment below!

With gratitude,

Dov Baron Speaks internationally on leadership in the new economy. He is the Leading expert on Authentic Leadership and is the world’s Only Corporate Cultural Strategist. To bring Dov in to speak to your group or organization please contact Baron Mastery at +1 604 436 2063

P.S. Have you heard “The Accidental Guru” Radio Show yet? The Very Best in Personal and Professional Leadership. Dov is the Host and Executive producer every Thursday Morning from 10:00 AM (PST) 1:00PM (EST) Details are at: http://radiodov.com

 

 

 

 

All contents of this blog and articles herein fall under full copyright law and are the soul intellectual property of Dov Baron and Baron Mastery Institute INC

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In 2009 Clark relinquished the Razorfish c.e.o. role to Bob Lord, and is now chairman of the company.  His is currently focused on working with a number of key clients, as well as leading strategic initiatives across a range of issues.  Razorfish was a division of aQuantive, which was sold to Microsoft in 2007 for $6-billion.  The company was subsequently sold to Publicis in the fall of 2009.

In the fall of this year, Clark wrote and released Do or Die, the world’s first business book published exclusively as a fully-interactive app.  Do or Die outlines a clear strategy for businesses to survive and thrive in a world of never-ending technological change.  It is currently available exclusively as an iPad app.  Android and Kindle Fire versions are planned for release after the first of the year.

Jobs-osaurus

In my last article, some considered me a little blasphemous when I asked:  Was Steve Jobs a Leadership Dinosaur?

In that article I spoke of the innovations and advancement Jobs had brought to our planet and I said that I admired his single-minded drive for innovation.

However, despite the near- mystical aura that surrounded him especially right after his death, I also said that as a leader he lacked certain qualities that are needed in this, the new economy.  He built a highly successful company but I questioned whether that’s enough today.

You see, the path to lasting leadership is not as easy as it was in the days preceding the recession. It used to be that we put people in leadership roles because they looked the part or they had charisma or could issue orders that were obeyed. It turns out that’s not enough — Surprise!!!

The reins of power have shifted.  People are sick of having to tug their forelock in hopes of receiving favor from the great and often entitled one called “the boss.” Rather than look up to the untouchable, aloof leader of yesteryear, people now want to do business with, partner with, and purchase from Transparent Authentic Leaders that they can reach out and touch and trust.

To be in business these days you better know how to get down and play at the level of the people you serve….wherever that is. And you can’t do that without having relationship.

That being said: relationship is NOT a one way street,

You Will Have To Let Your Employees, Co-workers, and Customers In.

As comfortable as the last generation of business leaders have been off in their ivory towers, the new leaders in business are going to be just as comfortable with really letting their co-workers and customers in.  New leaders are going to have to learn to speak to those they are in contact with rather than at them.

Doing this is changing the landscape of corporate culture

If you want to succeed in the new economy, you will never get the level of loyalty it takes if you don’t let the people you work with know you as a person. People no longer want to be part of, or even do business with a faceless corporation. In the new economy it is all about Transparent, Authentic Relationships.

So how do you do this?

Transparent Leadership

Let them know YOU. Let them see that you are a real person, rather than some corporate entity resembling a human being. 

Your imperfections can and will assist you in your journey to being a highly effective and Authentic Leader because people want to know that they are not the only ones who have struggled. Forget yesterday’s leadership agenda of charisma and aura mystique! If that’s not who you really are, they will see through it far faster than you can imagine.

Remember people want to follow, and do business with people they trust, and that can’t happen without transparency in relationship.

Possibly one of the greatest side effects of becoming more open and transparent in your leadership is that you will inevitably attract more like-minded followers. Rather than sitting in locked office and having to pay gatekeepers to protect you, you’ve got to be with those you work with.

As an Authentic Leader, your followers will naturally bring to you only people who are aligned with your business values (because no one is left guessing about what you want because you are fully present and transparent). This, by its very nature generates a corporate culture that is building momentum upon the leader’s values.

The implications are far greater than customers, or even “C level” executives. Being an Authentic Leader who transparently communicates also means you are likely to attract investors and a board of directors to your company who get where you are going. They understand the vision and are far less likely to fight against the next level you are working to take your organization to.

I would suggest that, as an Authentic Leader, you make it your imperative to become known.

Further, I suggest that you do this in all forums, whether it’s in person, shaking hands through introductions, giving presentations, or even in the environment that scares so many still battling with holding on to the old model of leadership– social media.  No matter where you are, there’s a need for you to authentically show up so that those whom you wish to follow you understand your vision, your driving values, and your style of leadership.

How are you being transparent with your colleagues, employees, and customers?

If you’ve not been being transparent, what is it about this that you find uncomfortable?

If you are being transparent, what results are you seeing?

Finally, do you really want to succeed in this new economy?  Then know it’s going to mean giving up the old familiar models and putting yourself out there as a transparent Authentic Leader.

I trust that you found this article valuable, if so feel free to send this to your friends.

I eagerly anticipate your feedback and comments. Please share, like and comment below!

With gratitude,

Dov Baron Speaks internationally on leadership in the new economy. He is the Leading expert on Authentic Leadership and is the world’s Only Corporate Cultural Strategist.  To bring Dov in to speak to your group or organization please contact Baron Mastery at +1 604 436 2063

P.S. Have you heard “The Accidental Guru” Radio Show yet? The Very Best in Personal and Professional Leadership. Dov is the Host and Executive producer every Thursday Morning from 10:00 AM (PST) 1:00PM (EST) Details are at: http://radiodov.com

 

 

 

 

All contents of this blog and articles herein fall under full copyright law and are the soul intellectual property of Dov Baron and Baron Mastery Institute INC

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Encore Presentation

Mark Sanborn is the president of Sanborn & Associates, Inc., an idea lab for leadership development.  Leadershipgurus.net lists Mark as one of the top 30 leadership experts in the world. In addition to his experience leading at a local and national level, he has written or co-authored 8 books and is the author of more than two dozen videos and audio training programs on leadership, change, teamwork and customer service. He has presented over 2400 speeches and seminars in every state and a dozen countries.

Mark is a member of the prestigious Speakers Roundtable, 20 of the top speakers in the world today. Mark holds the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) from the National Speakers Association and is a member of the Speaker Hall of Fame (CPAE).

Mark’s book, The Fred Factor: How Passion in Your Work and Life Can Turn the Ordinary Into the Extraordinary is an international bestseller and was on the New York Times, Business Week and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists. His latest books include You Don’t Need a Title to be a Leader: How Anyone, Anywhere Can Make a Positive Difference and The Encore Effect: How to Achieve Remarkable Performance in Anything You Do. His next book, Up, Down or Sideways: How to Succeed When Times are Good, Bad or In Between will be released by Tyndale October 2011.

Mark is a past president of the National Speakers Association and winner of The Cavett, the highest honor bestowed by that organization. In 2007 Mark was awarded The Ambassador of Free Enterprise Award by Sales & Marketing Executives International.

http://www.marksanborn.com/up-down-or-sideways/

Apple Store Memorials

When Apple’s CEO Steve Jobs died, people left loving notes at every Apple store around the world. There was tremendous gratitude for the innovations and advancement Jobs had brought to our planet.

However, there was something else going on in direct response to Steve Jobs’ passing– “The Canonizing Effect.”

This is an odd phenomenon that often occurs when someone dies. We instantly erase all their “sins” and turn them into some kind of saint. Once they are gone, we suddenly seem able to say only “nice” things about them and what they did. We don’t feel like we can bring up any of their faults or flaws. (don’t speak ill of the dead etc)

As a result of this canonizing of Jobs, one of the things that I experienced was that I began hearing people in the leadership community speak of how they wanted to be the kind of leader Jobs was.

Really?  People wanted to emulate Jobs’ leadership style?

Let’s be clear–there were many things about his leadership style that were highly admirable. For instance, his single-minded drive for innovation was remarkable. However, there was another side, to Jobs as a leader.  He was oftentimes nothing short of cruel to those under him and very much isolated and unapproachable. (You can read all about this in the book Steve Jobs)

You might argue, “Yeah, but his style of leading worked. Apple Inc is a vastly successful company and the #1 recognized brand in the world!”  Of course, you would be right.  Apple is one of the most successful companies in the world. However, the question that rises here is not one of Steve Jobs’ innovative genius, (which I highly respect), but rather his ability to effectively lead now and in the future.

Therefore, we are left to consider:

Was Steve Jobs a Leadership Dinosaur?

We have to consider what it takes to be a leader, more specifically an Authentic Leader in this, the new economy.  As we move forward, we must face the fact that the old model of leadership, based on being unapproachable and speaking down to those under our leadership will no longer work. It does not build loyalty either with our teams or with our customers. Fake relationships, which in many ways were the back bone of the old boys club are the kiss of death for doing business in the new economy.

Unless you are completely ignorant of the economic changes and the impact of how business is operating today, you now know that business is and will be done via relationship, real, nurtured relationships.  (This is one of the fundamental reasons, and rightly so,  why women are becoming the dominant force in business)

Now hold on a minute!  Don’t let that little Chihuahua in your head start yapping about how you already know all that.  We aren’t talking about the old fake smile, pat you on the back, and then badmouth you behind your back kind of relationship.

That is the old model.

The outdated model.

The model that just won’t work anymore.

In the new economy you better be willing to “show up” and let people actually see you. Transparency and Authenticity go hand in hand.

Authenticity will be—and already is—the hallmark of leadership today.
The question comes down to this: Do you have the heart, soul, voice, balls (or ovaries) and willingness to be transparent to make it?

 I trust that you found this article valuable, if so feel free to send this to your friends.

I eagerly anticipate your feedback and comments. Please share, like and comment below!

With gratitude,

Dov Baron Speaks internationally on leadership in the new economy. He is the Leading expert on Authentic Leadership and is the world’s Only Corporate Cultural Strategist. To bring Dov in to speak to your group or organization please contact Baron Mastery at +1 604 436 2063

P.S. Have you heard “The Accidental Guru” Radio Show yet? The Very Best in Personal and Professional Leadership. DOv is the Host and Executive producer every Thursday Morning from 10:00 AM (PST) 1:00PM (EST) Details are at: http://radiodov.com

 

 

All contents of this blog and articles herein fall under full copyright law and are the soul intellectual property of Dov Baron and Baron Mastery Institute INC

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