Profile of a Product Leader: P&G

One of my favorite business travel books is Winning with the P&G 99: 99 Principles and Practices of Procter & Gamble's Success by Charles L. Becker (1998). The little book has its own place in the outside pocket of my worn briefcase, and my ongoing addiction to its content is evidenced by hundreds of scribbled notations in the margins, underlined words, and pink and yellow highlighted phrases and quotes.

Three Learning Principles
By Wally Adamchik

Here is a great article by Wally Adamchik about three essential learning principles.

As a Marine Aviator, business owner, and consultant, I have dedicated many years to honing my leadership and development skills - both organizational and personal. In my experiences I discovered three simple principles that, when properly applied, will make your leadership journey incredibly rewarding.

• Number One - it is all about you
• Number Two - it is all about them
• Number Three - it is all about the organization

I confirmed these proven principles in interviews with over one-hundred successful leaders. Here is an overview for you.

Organizational Leadership Principle Number One - It is all about you.

You must make the conscious choice to accept the leadership role. It is not enough to occupy a position of leadership (as defined by a box on the organization chart with your name on it). In fact, many people have made the choice to lead, exercising vast influence, without being in a so-called "leadership" position. In making the choice to lead, you take responsibility for yourself first, which means you must commit to working on your own personal and professional development. If you cannot, or will not, lead and develop yourself, you cannot lead and develop others. You must recognize that you will take some hits in your visible leadership role but you must also not shy away from them. You must realize that your decisions may not always be popular, but understand this comes with the territory. You will discover the rewards of leading are well worth it..

Interview with Dr. Jim Chambers

In a recent interview IOL Founder, Dr. Jim Chambers, talked about some of his personal insights on leading from the top.

Best Leadership Advice: "Work hard to get things done through other people rather than doing it yourself.  The people who work with you expect you to delegate important tasks and it is essential to continue sharpening these skills no matter how long you have been in a leadership or management position."

Personal Accountability: "One of the most important things you can do is find one or two people to hold you accountable - personally and professionally.  There are two other men in my life who have been helping me stay focused for about 15+ years now, and the value that they bring to my life and business is immeasurable.  They are not afraid to ask the hard questions and they probably know me better than anyone except my wife - and they have her number if necessary."