Note from Art: It’s Friday again, and the weather looks great here in Chicago…high 80’s and blue skies.  I’m breaking out the Friday Leadership Shorts to share some quick thoughts and let you get on with your day and weekend.  I’ve got another son to help pack for college, and maybe, just maybe he’ll play me in tennis one last time this season and not run me around too much.

-The Power of Your Words

The words of a leader are either the tools of a master builder or tools of mass destruction. To you they are just words, but to others looking to you for guidance and inspiration, they are the fuel of dreams and opportunities or the seeds of self-doubt. Choose your words carefully.

-Machiavelli Was Here

A very capable individual was recently rehired by a firm that he had resigned from a few short years ago. He was a rising star then, and the time away may have raised his stock even more. When asked what his plan was for the first 100 days, he responded very honestly that he was going to focus on building the base of his empire. In this highly political organization, the heads nodded in understanding.

Some thrive in those environments and others suffer. Know your environment and your leader’s agenda before committing.

-“Nuts” to You

Conditions were deteriorating quickly for the Allied forces at the Battle of the Bulge in World War II, and when faced with the ultimatum to surrender by the enemy forces, the acting Commander, Anthony McAuliffe provided his now famous response of, “Nuts!” While the town they were attempting to hold was momentarily lost, reinforcements arrived from Patton’s army and the Allies won the battle that ensured the changing tide of the war.

It takes intense courage to stare down the enemy when you are outgunned and outnumbered and stay the course. It takes leadership to have your troops do it with you and for you.

Would your troops fight through almost overwhelming odds to help you, your team, and your firm overcome adversity?

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Have a great weekend!