Jun 28

Some time ago , in helping design an internal Leadership Learning Forum in The University of Kentucky’s I.T organization, we  choose five excellent themes, one of which was  the title above. It’s certainly needed everywhere. Especially you might argue in a large University. It turned out, of course, to be a very important focus. And with some real results.

Since then in almost every other organization I’m in, it’ s a key area of emphasis. Perhaps having become sensitive to it, I’m noticing more often, how much the planning/executing/communicating necessary for  today’s work., requires more of it than has been the case! Few things can be effectively accomplished in 2011,  because of the extensive “fish-netting” required . Everywhere.  Much more than a few years ago, when we also knew it such cooperation was useful. 

Pay attention to how you can increase cross-functional  collaboration. It can be done. Others are!! It’s an imperative!! And also is divergent [ i.e., we’re never finished]

Jun 19

Having  just returned from my 55th  @ The College of The Holy Cross,  I was impressed by the frequency, commonality,  intensity of both feelings and perspectives about our Country today: – Very little if any real leadership in either [Any?] political party – Very worrisome  lack of  jobs or their creation – Deep concern about the lack of debt management & its implications – The number of home towns/cities/states where Classmates live, that are facing serious $ deficits right now  – The growing gap between the “Haves” and the “Have nots” – Major industries in huge turmoil/change, e.g. Real Estate, Health Care, Finance, Retail, Higher  Education, – Focus on much less relevant concerns, for too long, e.g., scandals by several male leaders, rather enough  effective focus on the difficult challenges just referenced.

And not a lot of  “Hope”

Was that ever so in such past gatherings?? I don’t think so. Maybe just age. Maybe just my own concerns finding like others to feel validated against.  As I said I was surprised, but did feel validted. We’ll see.  The next year or two seem crucial.

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