My thanks to web editor and writer, Will Wlizlo, and Utne Reader

The Fine Art of Leadership

by Will Wlizlo

Although we typically think of the titans of industry and leaders of the free world as products of the military or an ivy league MBA program, for an unconventional leader we might look to the fine arts. “Theater, music and the fine arts all require, undeniably, an above-average level of creativity,” writes Miller-McCune’s Ritch K. Eich. “But they also require the type of discipline, passion and commitment that can be extremely valuable in many areas of business that are now floundering.”

Eich’s favorite example—not to toot any fine art’s horn exclusively—is found at the front of a marching band:

Under [bandmaster William] Revelli’s direction, the Michigan Marching Band was the first to use original scores for their band shows and employ synchronized music and movements. They were highly praised for their precision, formations and style. Revelli was tough on his young band members and would not accept mediocrity in his organization. His exceptionally high standards called each member to a higher commitment, not only to their music, but also in all areas of their lives. He looked at the band as an antidote to juvenile delinquency.

Translating the same qualities he exhibited in rehearsals and on the field, and looking at how he made everyone in his band reach for their greatest potential, there is no doubt that he would have made an excellent corporate leader had he chosen that path.

Source: Miller-McCune  Image by Tulane Public Relations, licensed under Creative Commons. 

Read more: http://www.utne.com/blogs/blog.aspx?blogid=32&tag=Miller-McCune#ixzz2CFUMsS7n

Renaissance Weekend in Napa Valley: A Superb Leadership Retreat

Joan and I recently attended Renaissance Weekend in the Napa Valley during harvest time. Our experience was inspiring and rewarding. Renaissance Weekends as you may know are apolitical, family retreats begun in 1981 to build linkages between leaders from many different fields.

Leadership by Fiat Seldom Works

Pacific Coast Business Times recently published my article that asserts that effective leaders don't put obstacles if front of people; they help remove them. I hope you enjoy my latest contribution. The article is available in its entirety at www.pacbiztimes.com  Simply enter my name, Ritch Eich, in their search box to retrieve it.

Many thanks to the fine folks at the Business Times, especially Henry Dubroff and Marlize van Romburgh, for their assistance and courtesy.

The Journal of Value-Based Leadership

Leadership Shortcomings: A Values Deficit

Introduction

The leadership gap that exists in today’s workplace is painfully evident. Too many workers are dissatisfied with their jobs. Middle managers complain of a lack of top-level leadership — one that sets high standards of morality and concomitant personal conduct, reflects ethical ideals, acknowledges a worker’s authenticity and contributions, instills trust, and fosters dedication. Even corporate leaders recognize this paucity of values in leadership and the serious threat it poses to sustained future economic growth. After all, leaders are needed to weather an economic storm, but thereafter, to ameliorate battered companies for future growth and sustainability.

For more information, please visit: http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/315111e6#/315111e6/36

Strategic Health Care Marketing Publishes Ritch's Response to "On-Hold" Messages Article

Here is an excerpt from Ritch's response to the well-written June 2012 piece by Sheryl Jackson on "On-Hold" messages: "I would suggest...that a prime criterion by which one should judge how consumer-centric or market-driven a hospital, physician office, or clinic is in responding to callers is how many rings occur before the call is answered and how well-informed, gracious, accurate and helpful the respondent is."

Ritch went on to write "In addition, TV or radio professionals should record the ("On-Hold") messages. Many people believe "talking on the radio" is easy, until they do it and realize they sound terrible!"

In conclusion, Ritch suggested "I would be a tad bit skeptical about accepting on-hold messaging statistics provided by companies in the business of selling such services. And, if an institution is going to use them, be sure staff members don't rely on them excessively in lieu of being prepared to answer most questions and being able to swiftly connect the caller with the most appropriate person."

Eich Column about Congress called "On Leadership" Published in Santa Barbara Independent

On August 2, 2012, the Santa Barbara Independent newspaper published my article called "On Leadership: Congress Could Learn Much from Santa Barbara." I hope you enjoy reading it.

The link is: http://www.independent.com/news/2012/aug/02/leadership/

Success Requires A Team Effort

An article based in part on my new book, Real Leaders Don't Boss (Career Press, 2012), was published by the Ventura County Star on July 21, 2012. Titled "Success Requires A Team Effort," the article highlights some of the principles required in building an effective team. Please visit the Ventura County Star to read my latest article.