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I’ve been spending the last few years reading some of the classic philosophers. One I keep coming back to is Machiavelli. Over the next few weeks we will dive into the works of Machiavelli from a DeMarconian angle. We all know—context matters. Given the context of Machiavelli’s writings—is it possible he is a bit misunderstood? …
Continue reading "Machiavellian Leadership and Knowing Yourself to Lead Yourself: DeMarco Banter"
By J. William DeMarco In speaking with a colleague the other day regarding gaining traction with new innovative ideas in large organizations we quickly devolved into a history lesson. Selling ideas is indeed an art form, especially when senior leadership might be more concerned with survival vice improving the organization. As we discussed the concepts, …
Many people confuse good leadership with effective leadership, but a contrarian leader knows there is a huge difference between the two. Hitler was an extraordinarily effective leader, but few would refer to him a good leader. I came across some interesting thoughts on good vs. effective leadership and moral codes as I read through The …
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In all the classes we teach here at ACSC on leadership—mentoring is always a topic that comes up. In the past decade or so—there has been increased talk of “coaching” vs mentoring and honestly, it is an interesting conversation. I worry at times we get stuck in the minutiae and forget the big picture—what are …
By J. William DeMarco Sitting in the all too warm classroom….staring at the clock…wondering if sixth period English was ever going to end…glancing to my left… I notice Scott's Pee Chee folder with 6000 doodles on it…and a massive Union Jack labeled Teenage Wasteland in thick black Sharpie. A great song to be sure… but in …
Continue reading "Who is Baba O’Riley and where is Teenage Wasteland?"
I am blessed to have the opportunity to work with future leaders as I teach several courses on leadership, command, and innovation. One of the first assignments is a piece on THE most important leadership trait or characteristic. Integrity usually appears at the top of the list. When a leader places integrity at the top …
By J. William DeMarco I am sure there are others out there like me... maybe? Writers with a million notes and thoughts scattered between computers..in word, pages, Evernote, iPads, iPhones, and when there is finally time to sit down and ponder which ideas to pull on... you start looking for your muse. Sometimes it shows …
Continue reading "Where is My Muse or 5 Steps to Helping a Muse Find You–DeMarco Banter"
I'm sure all the "old" folks out there recall the phrase "It's the economy, stupid." In the realm of leadership... we might look at this infamous phase in a deeper and slightly new light. While on a U.S. National Level.... it appears to still be about the economy (more or less, COVID, etc)... but on a …
Continue reading "It’s the Strategy, Stupid…or How Did I Get Here? DeMarco Banter…"
By J. William DeMarco John Maxwell notes… "leadership is influence." In order to influence, we all need relationships, as such leadership is hugely relational. I could be way off base on this but this has been my observation through a myriad of leadership positions. Do I have it right, no…I'm just trying to get better. …
Continue reading "SEVEN! The Contrarian Traits Required of the Greater Good Leader"
Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way. - Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy With this dramatic sentence, Leo Tolstoy begins his famous novel Anna Karenina about the struggles of multiple, interconnected families to find happiness. Tolstoy weaves and dramatizes not only the interconnectiveness of their problems but also the interconnectiveness …
Continue reading "Anna Karenina, Tolstoy, and the Interconnectiveness of Leadership: DeMarco Banter"
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