Category Archives: The Executive Edge

Servant Leadership

Posted on May 5, 2011 by Gary Tomlinson

Servant Leadership is a values and relational-based approach to leadership. It involves identifying and meeting the legitimate needs (as opposed to wants) of those entrusted to the care of the leader. This means getting people involved from the “neck up” … Continue reading →

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Land Mine #2 – Managing to the Exception

Posted on April 11, 2011 by Gary Tomlinson

Below is an excerpt from Marty Clarke’s Leadership Land Mines.  The Managing to the Exception land mine gets triggered in two ways:  Any time a person, or group of people allow an idea to be shot down because it’s not … Continue reading →

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The Importance of Reading the Signs

Posted on April 4, 2011 by Gary Tomlinson

“An excited truck driver called to say that his truck had fallen through a bridge, and was now hanging precariously in the under-supports of that bridge, twenty feet above a scenic waterway. He asked what he should do.”  The first … Continue reading →

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The Secret Blend for Effective Leadership

Posted on March 28, 2011 by Gary Tomlinson

Wouldn’t it be great if there was a magic pill for leaders to take to help them become better leaders? This pill would help them show integrity, build a culture of partnership and affirm people’s sense of self-worth by letting … Continue reading →

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Why is Excellent Customer Service So Rare?

Posted on March 14, 2011 by Gary Tomlinson

The business world has undergone a major revolution in the way customers shop, buy, and decide to come back or take their business elsewhere. “In the 1980’s companies began to realize that the balance of power was shifting from sellers … Continue reading →

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Are “Nice Customers” Ruining Your Business?

Posted on March 7, 2011 by Gary Tomlinson

“I’m a nice customer. You all know me. I’m the one who never complains, no matter what kind of service I get. I never kick. I never nag. I never criticize. And I wouldn’t dream of making a scene, as … Continue reading →

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Take Command

Posted on February 21, 2011 by Gary Tomlinson

One of my favorite books on leadership is It’s Your Ship by Captain D. Michael Abrashoff. “Leadership is earned, not designated.” Captain Abrashoff’s experiences showed him that helping people realize their full potential can lead to attaining goals that would … Continue reading →

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Painting a Clear Picture

Posted on February 7, 2011 by Gary Tomlinson

Painting a clear picture of the target is a fundamental obligation of all managers. People can’t give you what you want unless they know what that is. And because they are not clairvoyant, you have to tell them. Or, better … Continue reading →

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Ali’s Greatest Lesson

Posted on January 31, 2011 by Gary Tomlinson

…. “Champ, I speak to audiences all the time. Would you tell me what the greatest lesson you’ve learned from life is, so I can share it with people?” Ali thought a moment, and then said, “It was February 25, … Continue reading →

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Leaders Help People Become Their Best

Posted on January 24, 2011 by Gary Tomlinson

“People are more important than processes. Processes don’t produce, people do. Processes don’t think, feel, or create. People do. Before processes can improve, people must improve.” “A highly productive and profitable organization is like a beautiful symphony. It brings together … Continue reading →

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