Category: Blog
Starting with a prayer — Part 2
While there are many topics that students ask me to discuss, I cannot stop thinking about the terrible situation in the Middle East, and the impact on all people, especially the children. Since this topic is highly emotional and polarizing around the world, many people shy away from discussing it. However, I strongly believe leaders need to be able to openly discuss all sides of any issue if we want to make progress…so here are a few thoughts.
Read MoreStarting with a prayer
I realize some of my readers do not believe in prayer, and that is fine with me. However, maybe some of my readers meditate, or take the time as I suggest in my values-based leadership classes to self-reflect on their values, their true purpose, and what really matters in their lives. I believe that process makes us better human beings and better leaders. As I tell my students, if you cannot lead yourself, how can you lead others?
Read MoreA picture is worth a thousand words
Khalid Ali, my former Kellogg student, good friend, and communications partner, has encouraged me to write a blog post EVERY Sunday that we publish every Monday. Khalid has advised me that the posts shouldn’t be too long, maybe around 500 words max. Well, given the famous saying “a picture is worth 1,000 words,” I can save time this week with a picture that may be worth a million words (okay, I realize I am VERY biased): I want to introduce you to my first grandchild, HARRISON THOMAS CLARK, who entered the world 7 days ago!!!
Read MoreAsk Harry #13: When Company Values are at Odds with Personal Values
My Kellogg students and participants in the Allen Center executive programs will often ask me, “Harry, I have read all three of your books, and I strongly agree with your values-based leadership principles. However, the values and culture of my company are totally at odds with my values. What do you recommend I do?”
Read MoreAsk Harry #12: How can I reduce the level of frustration in my job?
I often get asked by students and executives in my classes and leadership talks: “Harry, how can I reduce the level of FRUSTRATION in my job?”
Even if you enjoy your job and your career is going well, there are times when you will get frustrated. After reflecting on times that I personally have gotten frustrated, I realized that the usual cause of my frustration was that I made assumptions. I ASSUMED that what I was asking someone or the team to do was clear and that they had agreed to do it. AHHHH, that was the mistake! (Remember the saying about assumptions? I probably shouldn’t include it in a post, but it isn’t good 😉).
My 50th High School Reunion: Definitely a Time for Self Reflection!
It seems like only yesterday that I was attending 5- and 10-year reunions, and I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to attend a 50th reunion…Are those people still capable of even walking around on their own? Well, somehow, here I am already.
Read MoreAsk Harry #11: If your boss undermines the trust in your working relationship, should you confront him?
Ask Harry #11: If your boss undermines the trust in your working relationship, should you confront him?
This question was sent to me by a student who experienced this situation recently. It reflects a theme I encounter frequently in my discussions with my part time Kellogg MBA students who work fulltime and take classes in the evening, as well as the Kellogg EMBA students who fly in for weekend classes. For these students, these questions are not a theoretical exercise; they are trying to apply the leadership concepts in my classes to actual decisions in the real world.
Kellogg and Singapore
Well, after a 20-hour plane ride from Singapore to Chicago with a stop in San Francisco, it is already time for another blog post (or I will get a lecture from Mr. Khalid Ali) 😉. The trip to Singapore was both productive and fun. Matt Allen, the new leader for the Ward Center for Family Enterprises at Kellogg, and his team put on a fantastic conference for Asian family businesses. I gave a presentation on leadership, but I definitely learned more than I contributed. Kellogg is clearly well-positioned to be the leader in family business education, including governance, research, and balancing family members and stakeholders.
Read MoreA fun college get-together and greetings from Singapore
One of my most enjoyable activities is getting together with true lifelong friends. It seems like only yesterday that it was September of 1973 and I arrived at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin for my freshman year where I was assigned to Colman Hall. On that first day I met a group of other 18-year-olds that included Gary, Jimmy, Mark, Steve, and Craig. Our dorm counsellors took all of us outside to play football and get to know one another — it really does feel like yesterday!
Read MoreAn author and article worth reading
A few years ago I had the opportunity to read a fantastic book, “The Road To Character,” by David Brooks, a political and cultural commentator and best-seller author. I use the word “fantastic” because Brooks does a wonderful job in the book of challenging us to differentiate between external success, which he calls “resume virtues,” and what really should matter in our lives — our core values. I often refer to Brooks’ examples in my values-based leadership classes. I highly recommend this book.
Read MoreLeadership Talks and Anniversary Celebration!
I realize that I am a very fortunate fellow. I truly love teaching, especially any aspect of VALUES-BASED LEADERSHIP! It is very clear to me that one thing we clearly need everywhere in the world, including government, business, education, and religious institutions is more VALUES-BASED LEADERS. I often mention to the Kellogg dean that having the opportunity to make a small positive impact on future leaders is an honor and a blessing. I hope to teach at least another 20 years!!🥳 In addition to my Kellogg classes for the full time, part time, and Executive MBA classes, I try to give at least two leadership talks and seminars each week to companies, non-profit organizations, schools, and associations (basically anyone looking for a speaker for values-based leadership). Instead of asking for a speaker fee, I request they make a donation to the One Acre Fund in Africa. Last week was no exception.
Read MoreOne of My Favorite Quotes
One of the assignments in my Kellogg MBA leadership classes is for the students to write a three-page paper on a leader they admire. I require them to include their chosen leaders’ strengths and weaknesses. I love the wide variety of leaders they choose, including everyone from Gandhi to Churchill to Jesus to their parents or bosses. I particularly enjoy the quotes the students often include in their papers, and I save many of them. Once in awhile my former students send me quotes that they think I would enjoy.
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