Riding The Tiger

I received your book on Friday and have read it twice!  I will be reading it many times more, it’s like a new bible of usefulness in the work that I do.

As to page six, paragraph two “Somehow, something good must come from this catastrophe.” – Something phenomenally important and inspiring has indeed come from an event that I almost wish to have been part of.  Many congratulations to you both, I know too many people who very quickly wish to distance themselves from disaster, however, you have courageously ensured that all the good lessons and experiences are captured here for all time and in a most constructive and humanistic fashion. Genius!

I could almost write a whole book of praise after two reads!

I do hope that the “leaders” of the financial crises buy your book and learn from it.  Some day, when I put together my own book of life experiences in helping people to deliver sustainable change, I’d be grateful for your counsel. Many things in your book clearly articulated thing that I already knew but did not consider so deeply until now.

My very best wishes and look forward to reading of your next adventures.

Regards

Diane McWade
CEO
Evolution Network Limited
http://www.linkedin.com/profile?viewProfile=&key=7256585&trk=tab_pro

published May, 2010 in Leadership Excellence Magazine 

WHEN YOU ENCOUNTER STRONG Turbulence,you should revisit your core values and then adjust, communicate, and reinforce them. For most leaders, today’s turbulence stems from the global recession; but others may be dealing with rapid growth, mergers and acquisitions, reorganization, internal corruption, or other changes.

We invite you to review your core values and decide what to keep, what to change, and what to add, ensuring that each value is clearly articulated and the boundaries of behavior are well defined. We’ve identified core values that are vital for all leaders: 

1. Conviction: Conveys sincerity and confidence in beliefs and decisions; willing to make and stand by decisions.
2. Diversity: Values different perspectives; builds multifaceted, diverse teams; seeks to understand what drives and motivates individuals.
3. Entrepreneurship: Recognizes opportunities and organizes resources to maximize them.
4. Excellence: Strives for excellence, not perfection; recognizes that excellence may vary from country to country, depending on the local context.
5. Fairness: Makes decisions that are fair, consistent, and equitable.
6. Humility: Acts in the knowledge that you are no better or more important than others.
7. Integrity: Demonstrates honesty and makes ethical decisions.
8. Passion: Leads by example; shows high energy and enthusiasm.
9. Perseverance: Shows resolve in moving along the path, with a strong will and the drive to accomplish.
10. A positive attitude: Maintains a positive attitude; represents decisions and policies in a positive manner.

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The canvas we were painting was a collaborative effort, a true partnership. We were partners in developing world-class leaders. Our inter- and intra-team diversity made us stronger with team members from Nigeria, Germany, Greece, Columbia, Sweden, the United States, and of course India. We had measured significant business impact and won numerous international recognitions.

We created best practices and next practices that were being proliferated to diverse industries all over the world, and were the masterminds of a new model to build global leaders faster. We were the first organization outside of the United States to receive top honors in ASTD’s BEST Award; and we had journal articles, numerous interviews, and keynote presentations and requests to add to our beautiful canvas of success.

Then, without warning our canvas was taken from us. We watched as our Taj Mahal of learning began to crumble. On January 7, 2009, Ramalinga Raju, the founder and chairman of Satyam Computer Services, told his board of directors that he had inflated the amount of cash on the balance sheet by nearly $1 billion, incurred a liability of $253 million on funds arranged by him personally, and overstated Satyam’s September 2008 quarterly revenues by 76 percent and profits by 97 percent. There we were, close to 50 of us huddled in this small conference room, watching the television, shocked beyond belief…

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