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Tag(s): 2006 Elections; 2008 Elections; Leadership- Leaders; Presidential Campaign; Presidential Campaign Democratic; Presidential Campaign Democratic; Presidential Campaign Republican; Presidential Campaign Republican; Story; Story Persuasion; (more...) Story Persuasion; USA United States Of America (less...)
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July 6, 2006 at 01:25:09

We need leaders, not managers

by SteveDenning Page 2 of 2 page(s)

www.opednews.com

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Labels don't stick to real leaders

Which story will prevail? What's important to note is that the labels and the name-calling and the mud-throwing only stick if there is a grain of truth in the charge.

Since Al Gore himself didn't seem comfortable with what he was saying in 2000, who could not forgive voters for not wanting him around for four years? Since John Kerry was uncertain who he was or what he believed in 2004, it was easy to persuade people that he was a flip-flopper, because that is indeed what he sounded like.

For leaders who know who they are and who believe what they say and who know how to communicate it, it hardly matters what labels their opponents try to paint them with.

People can smell the truth when they encounter it. What is needed is someone who can speak it.

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Stephen Denning is the author of several books on leadership and narrative, including The Secret Language of Leadership: How Leaders Inspire Action Through Narrative (Jossey-Bass, 2007), which was selected by the Financial Times as one of the best business books of 2007. To learn more, go to http://stevedenning.com/SecretLanguage.htm. Formerly the program director of knowledge management at the World Bank, Steve now advises organizations world-wide on leadership, innovation and business narrative.

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1 comments

The author lives in Eugene, OR. Interests include 'Group Psychotherapy' and 'Psychodrama'. She is also an RN. One 'Favorite Quote': 'Insanity is the exception in individuals. In groups, parties, peoples and times it is the rule.' ......Friedrich Nietzsche
Katrin R.The author lives in Eugene, OR. Interests include 'Group Psychotherapy' and 'Psychodrama'. She is also an RN. One 'Favorite Quote': 'Insanity is the exception in individuals. In groups, parties, peoples and times it is the rule.' ......Friedrich Nietzsche

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Thank you for writing this article. I only read it today, and I think you have some very good ideas. What you are saying is not just a matter of truth, but you are literally offering, and teaching a plan of action that has the power to change results. (i.e. between 'make it', and 'not make it') Of course, Bush has also stolen his story from 'basic religious beliefs and morals'....and which appeal to the majority of Americans who have come to rely on, and believe, the preachings of their church. Firm beliefs in that regard do not need to make sense. Democrats cannot use 'that speech'.....they are insecure, because they think. As you say, 'the speech' does not need to sound perfect...it's more important that the leader is 'real', and that he communicates who he is, and what he really believes in. That will also give him the freedom, and acceptance, to change his mind...as long as 'he' remains 'real' and 'solid'.

by Katrin R. (3 articles, 0 quicklinks, 11 diaries, 514 comments) on Saturday, July 29, 2006 at 12:05:18 AM