Lessons 7 and 8 from The Journey of the Accidental Leader

This is the 5th of several posts this week on my book The Journey of the Accidental Leader (HRD Press 2008).

Basic tenants of The Journey of the Accidental Leader follow:


7. Courage: Leadership is all about courage. Here’s a simple formula for this principle: Leaders do the right thing, at the right time, for the right reason. Companies with thick rule books miss the point of this idea. If you have to tell managers everything they can and cannot do, you never develop the kind of courageous leader who will take the company to the next level. The best rule to lead by: Do the right thing, at the right time, for the right reason.

8. Principles: Change will happen if you stick to your core principles while reaching toward the future and adapting to the world as it changes. Everything changes dynamically. Nothing stays the same, so leaders must adapt and remain flexible or be set adrift. The key: Stay focused on core, sound principles upon which the company was founded. Try to keep those always before you.