The tree analogy is very powerful and so true! I have seen the perseverance of one or a few breath life back into the branches of an organization, spread to other branches within and without the organization, and even in some cases change the main roots or upper leadership and management. Unfortunately as a realist, I have seen where sometimes the roots are too entrenched in their diseases of control, ego, and fear that they refuse to change to the eventual detriment of the organization. Regardless, the option in the now to change ourself is always the best course of action imho. Great article! Dale

My advice would be to remember that it is a conversation, collaboration, or communication of ideas that will take place with or without them. People utilizing technological assisted social interaction and community building through social media platforms is becoming as commonplace as radio and TV were a generation ago, but with the involvement of everyone participating. With that said, there are some important considerations: 1) Understand the platform and organizational rules or guidelines relative to social media or collaboration softwares. 2) Be succinct in your message and engagement to avoid information overload. 3) Use it to engage and collaborate but do not let it replace any opportunity to engage face-to-face -- it is useful as an added real time conversation tool, but not as a replacement for human or social interaction. Dale

Very useful example of this type of communicator. While her accomplishments are very admirable, the shortcomings of this style are definitely worth taking note of. Particularly with a changing world with globalization and organizational structure changes from a hierarchical to more team or circular structures. I could see this style working well in a corporate or hierarchical environment but less desirable in certain cultures or shared leadership environments if one does not take notice of the points of caution that you listed. I am know of Hofstede's, Schwartz's, Project G.L.O.B.E., but from your posts I am intrigued to learn more about SPM... Great Post, Dale

Very inspiring story and example of the possibilities that one can overcome! Her mother reminds me of my God Mother (not a fairy god mother, but very close). She gave me similar advice growing up in the inner city of Kansas City. Dale

Great reminder for anyone in a management, leadership, or a supervisory position! From watching the TV series of "Undercover Boss" recently, I was reminded of a discussion about "management by wandering around" and the importance of engaging. Additionally, I believe that top-down or hierarchical organizations tend to inherently detract from these attributes where newer paradigms are more encouraging to create better engagement and open dialogue... Dale

There were a few points that caught my attention of being important perspectives in both the interview and the points listed. One of the first points was a statement in the interview, "...its not personal its business." Second, was the seven bullets listed stemmed around two points to me: 1) assertive communication; 2) self confidence or self esteem. From each of these that caught my attention, the most important aspect was self confidence, and the rest are best served within a balance. I know from experience that, dependent upon the organizational or team climate, that speaking out can have both a positive or an adverse effect. From research and case studies it is known that some friction is conducive for innovation and creativity, but too much creates a break down. For me, the leaders who apply the right balance are those that are savvy or inept with social and emotional intelligence. However, a confident person (not egotistical) is usually more capable of handling these situations, but can still be personable without it impacting them personally. Enjoyed the post... Dale

A great reminder that is beneficial for all people to remember. For me this reminder came full circle in life experiences. When I was a young supervisor in the Air Force, I made an effort to put two things in practice -- the concept of Sam Walton called "Management By Walking Around," and to learn at least one thing about the worker I was talking to. One particular morning, I was talking to an individual and asking him how his weekend was and thanking him for his work and how I felt he was showing great progress when he asked to speak to me in private. I learned that he was having problems and was thinking of taking his own life that day. I immediately encouraged him to speak to a professional and he eventually resolved his issues to continued success in his life and his employment. Years later, I retired from the military and was working as a drug and alcohol counselor. The job paid very little and I was in a Master's program for counseling psychology full time. I quite the job for various reasons and was frustrated by the experience. Then I ran into a old client who stopped me to thank me for saving her life. When asked what it was that made the difference, her reply was, "it was the little things." A reminder to me to never forget the importance of the little things we do to engage those we work with.