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SEPTEMBER 2004

Based on the book : Partnering for Results! by Virginia LaGrossa and Suzanne Saxe. Subscribe to the Newsletter See Newsletter Archive

	Developing Leaders at all Levels NEWS New feature in this issue: Ask Suzanne		In today’s complex and ever changing marketplace, the need to develop leaders at all levels of an organization is essential. Many companies realize that the leadership competencies of their employees, from the front-line to executives, are their most important source of competitive advantage.  Advance Consulting is helping organizations develop their leaders of today and tomorrow by providing skills training related to the following leadership competencies: Building relationships and partnerships Managing client interactions Building commitment and trust Managing conflict Coaching individuals and teams Whether you lead teams, manage individuals or groups, or are interested in becoming a future leader, we have workshops and programs that can meet your needs.  Our next series of newsletters will focus on these areas and will provide tips and information to help you develop yourself in these specific domains.  We will also include a special section, “Ask Suzanne,” where we invite you to email us your questions regarding your workplace leadership challenges. Please email Suzanne Saxe, at suzanne_saxe@advanceconsulting.com. Book Corner This month’s recommended book is Journey to Center: Lessons in Unifying Body, Mind, and Spirit by Thomas F. Crum. Crum, a motivational speaker involved with corporate retreats, discusses "centering" as a practical tool for aligning the body, mind, and spirit toward an increased sense of vitality, purpose, mental calm, and physical alertness.
	QUOTE "Leadership is a combination of strategy and character. If you must be without one, be without the strategy." -Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf		Ask Suzanne Dear Suzanne: I was recently leading a meeting with my client and a group of my team members. In the middle of my presentation, one of my team members challenged me. He was concerned I was going in the wrong direction. Because there were clients in the room, I felt angry and thrown off guard. I glossed over his question and managed to get back on track but felt as though, I could of handled the situation differently. Do you have any suggestions? Jane Software Company Dear Jane: I know how frustrating that can be. I'm sure you felt like strangling your team member's neck! I would suggest that the next time you find yourself in that situation, that you take a deep breath, and ask your team member to explain more specifically his concerns with the direction you are taking. As your team member explains his/her concerns, respond with questions that emphasize the client's perspective. That way you will be able to steer the conversation better and respond to your team member's concerns. It is important to remember to not react immediately when someone throws you off guard. It is always best to respond consultatively in the moment and explore concerns--whether they are the client's or your team members. Best of luck, Suzanne FIND OUT MORE Advance Consulting is a professional development company that provides state-of-the-art consulting services, workshops, seminars, and speaking engagements throughout the U.S. and internationally. Find out more at www.advanceconsulting.com, send us an email at advanceinfo@advanceconsulting.com, or call us at (831) 372-9444 for more information.