For years, people have complained about the shortage of leaders. We have plenty of leaders; the problem is, many of them are lousy.

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• Raise your hand if you’ve ever worked alongside a boss who didn’t value you and didn’t care about your thoughts or input.
• Raise your hand if you ever had a supervisor scream at you and say, “I’m tired of telling you, you should already know this.”
• Raise your hand if you ever worked for a leader who uttered the phrase, “That’s not my problem,” shrugged or shirked responsibility.

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Perhaps, an earlier version of you did some of these same things. It’s not a stretch to see the rise of lousy leadership. Selfish, lazy, entitled, arrogant, poor leadership comes in all shapes and sizes, ages, and occupations. Here’s the thing, so does great leadership. The mind trick around leadership is that lousy leaders think that they’re great, and great leaders don’t give it much thought.

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Aspiring leaders tend to emulate what they’ve experienced, which, more often than not, has been lousy leadership. Many don’t know an alternative. Sadly, many that believe good leadership is possible are still too injured from their experiences with poor managers to pursue it for themselves. That, to me, is a tragedy.

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The world needs a better cohort of better leaders. Marketing gurus offer rote learning and call it leadership development with no distinction or nuance; essentially automating a make-a-leader factory, churning out hard-charging, well-meaning mini zealots with little street smarts, a lot of attitude, and a new certification for their wall.

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The dedication of my new book reads, “This book is for the leaders, present and aspiring, who give a damn; we need you.”

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You could lead right now if you wanted to. You can create a vision for a better future, craft some goals to chase, and a set of values to guide your behavior when times get scary. My preference is to work with people who are ready to whine less and lead more. Those who know leadership is a privilege, not a right or an inheritance. While the skills and talents differ between self-leadership, one-to-one, team, and organizational leadership, a crucial trait is the ability to care. If you can lead without caring, you’re manipulating, not leading. Whether you get quick insights from any of my leadership books, my other work, or from others, my hope for you is that you learn to lead better.

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In this update, you'll find ...

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1. In The Wild
2. Podcast
3. Ponder Your Year
4. The Journal For People Who Don't Journal

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In this weekly update, I share astute insights, useful resources, and unique distractions. If you don't want this type of communication anymore, scroll down to the bottom of this message and opt-out, so we don't waste each other's time.

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Thanks!

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In The Wild

If you happen to see any of my books out in the wild, please post a picture and tag me so I know. There are some great titles on this leadership book wall that the Padre Dam HR team created for employees. I’m thrilled to see that my latest book is in the mix. Can you find it?

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GIVE A DAMN! How to Lead Better. It's a short, inspirational picture book illustrated by Marija Djaković, calling on those who lead to do a better job. Order your copy of “Give A Damn!” on Amazon today!

Order Copies on Amazon Here => leadership book wall that the Padre Dam HR team ​

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Podcast

Leadership advisor, writer, and no BS accountability partner, Karl Bimshas, shares quick reflections on leadership, and interviews other busy professionals, to challenge your perspective, provide inspiration, and give insights to help you manage better and lead well. Listen on Your Choice of Podcast Platforms => Reflections on Leadership Podcast​

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Ponder Your Year

Before the end-of-the-year rush gets too crazy, grab a beverage of choice and spend a few minutes pondering your year with these ten questions. READ MORE​

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The Journal for People Who Don't Journal

The Disposable Journal is a booklet-sized journal with a week’s worth of daily prompts, designed for you to take on your biggest challenges. This unique journal isn’t for writers to capture great prose. It’s for busy professionals who want to regain control of their emotions. I’ve been using this system on and off as life’s dramas have unfolded, and, to be honest; it seldom takes a full week to get me back on track. Order Your Journal Here => Disposable Journal​

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As the first wave of vaccines deploys against the deadly coronavirus and the holiday spirit compels us to celebrate together, it's imperative for your safety and the health and well-being of others more vulnerable to not grow complacent. "Just this one time," "I haven't gotten it yet," and "It's tradition." are not persuasive arguments for letting your guard down.

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• Remember to wash or sanitize your hands each time you leave and return to your home for any reason.
• Wear a mask when out of your home and if going to a high-risk area in your county.
• Maintain a physical distance of a minimum of six feet.
• Avoid indoor places other than your home as much as you feasibly can because the disease is spread effectively through aerosols in poorly ventilated spaces.
• Stay home as much as possible to reduce the burden on others.

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These are not pleasant activities, they are not particularly difficult, and they are not forever. With hospitalization rates rising and deaths looming ever closer to 300,000, this nation has thus far failed miserably at blocking the virus. Even with positive changes underway, we are at best three months away from functioning at what many call "normal," though we all know we are no longer in normal times.

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It seems like an excellent opportunity to practice your leadership!

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Keep advancing confidently in the direction of your dreams, and help others along the way.

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Thank you,

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-Karl

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Karl Bimshas Consulting

​Leadership Advisor | Writer | Podcast Host​​

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Friends Don't Let Friends Become Lousy Leaders.

They introduce them to Karl Bimshas Consulting.

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I WANT TO BE A GOOD FRIEND!

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