Leadership - A discussion of traits, characteristics, and current news of leaders.

Bono continues to show up in the strangest places. On Thursday, February 2, Bono addressed President Bush and members of Congress at the National Prayer Breakfast.  His leadership in the cause against poverty is a lightning rod that crosses political, economical, racial and religious boundaries. That is good and I hope that this message can be universal and supported by all. Bono quoted from Islamic, Jewish and Christian texts in his speech.

The highlights are below. To read the entire text, click here.

"Well, I’m the first to admit that there’s something unnatural… something unseemly… about rock stars mounting the pulpit and preaching at presidents, and then disappearing to their villas in the South of France. Talk about a fish out of water. It was weird enough when Jesse Helms showed up at a U2 concert… but this is really weird, isn’t it?.....
……I presume the reason for this gathering is that all of us here—Muslims, Jews, Christians—all are searching our souls for how to better serve our family, our community, our nation, our God. I know I am. Searching, I mean. And that, I suppose, is what led me here, too……

Over the weekend, I fought through the movie going masses that were looking for sorcery from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire or in line to see a tribute to the Man in Black in Walk the Line. Don’t get me wrong, I am part of the masses. I am keenly interested in seeing both of these films, however, not on opening night. Instead, I took the contrarians path and threw down my ten spot and sat down to Good Night, and Good Luck.

The result was a mesmerizing experience. This was not traditional movie making but more a civics lesson from the past with clear implications and relevance to today. A review by Stephanie Zacharek from Salon.com could not have said it any better


Good Night, and Good Luck was directed by George Clooney, and was billed as a film that showcases the historic battle between Senator Joseph McCarthy  and Edward R. Murrow.

For me, the story this movie told was much more. It was about the power of one man’s ability to change history and the responsibility each of us has to seek and report the truth. On one hand, was the power of McCarthy and his ability to whip the public, through fear, into a froth of misguided judgment. Juxtaposed to McCarthy, was Edward R. Murrow, a seasoned and celebrated journalist who took a stand for truth and innovatively used the media to share that truth and thus, represented several qualities of leadership.

This morning, a group of women business leaders gathered in Chicago to discuss strategies and opportunities for women business executives. The symposium is sponsored by EmployeeROI and co-hosted by Boardroom Bound and Diversity Pipeline Alliance.

The symposium’s mission is to:


Linda K. Bolliger, Founder and CEO of conference partner Boardroom Bound described further the purpose of the conference, "Instead of having to wait for doors to open, we are creating our own pathways to the top. This is an ideal venue to showcase developing women leaders alongside prospective mentors who are currently serving on corporate boards and other notables who are in a position to help them attain the visibility, access and support they might not otherwise have as easily.”

Valerie Jarrett, Chairman, Chicago Stock Exchange Board was the keynote speaker.

A great source for keeping track of news on women leaders is News on Women.

There are some great thoughts pouring through the Blogosphere relating to management, leadership and Peter Drucker. I note this thought from Civil Commotion:


Thanks to Christian Sarkar for pointing out this podcast featuring Peter Drucker.


All good stuff and ideas that can make a difference in your world and the world at large.

Peter Drucker created a lifetime of thought and ideas about leadership.  And even at age 95, he boiled it down to doing the simple things.  From Forbes:

If you are a disciple of Drucker or just want to know more, check out The Daily Drucker as well as other Drucker gems.