Dr. Ken Blanchard taught in “Situational Leadership” courses and books as well as  at our seminar in 1994 that we should choose different leadership approaches with people at different levels of “maturity” and we should even choose different leadership approaches with the same person–if maturity is high, “delegate,” though for a new role “tell.” He inspired part of the concept behind the Leadership and Empowerment Model I will share Thursday.

Coach Bear Bryant said he thought he was right “treating everyone the same” until he discovered later in his career his leadership should change based on the needs of each person.

Dr. Stephen Covey taught in “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” at our seminar in 1993 and in his best-selling book that people should “Be Proactive” in learning and taking action to earn empowerment and “begin with the end in mind.”

Col. Stretch Dunn (USA Ret), my co-author in Professionalism Under Stress and Patriotism in Action, also believes true professionals develop character and competence in anticipation of “the call.” In chapter 2 of our first book,the second lesson for true professionals: earn empowerment rather than wait for it (state intent for action with the leader to boost feedback and cooperation.

Standing on the shoulders of these men and more, I believe this seminar is part of the core curriculum for best-self leadership. –David