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Archive: Michael Useem
Not a five-minute journey
In Sullenberger's story, we come to appreciate the highest calling of leadership: An absolute focus on the mission, whatever the chaos, fears, or even terror of the moment.
By Michael Useem | October 19, 2009; 05:28 PM ET | Comments (0)
Surviving the Good Times
Given that we suffer from over-confidence when things are going well, company executives and directors can require a culture of caution and a mindset of continuous improvement.
By Michael Useem | September 15, 2009; 11:51 AM ET | Comments (1)
FedEx on the Beach
A first principle of leadership is to take care of yourself. That means making sure you are of sound mind and reasoned judgment.
By Michael Useem | August 11, 2009; 10:44 AM ET | Comments (1)
Give a Billlion Dollars
With the banks' financial deficit erased with federal assistance, now is the time for their executives to also erase an enormous leadership deficit.
By Michael Useem | July 20, 2009; 12:56 PM ET | Comments (0)
Convey Your Character
If personal histories are perceived as self-serving or conceited, all is lost. If received as a window on an appealing temperament, much can be gained.
By Michael Useem | June 8, 2009; 11:42 AM ET | Comments (0)
Governance Traditions
Short of a crisis, owners try to keep their hands off the operations they own. But well-established precedent shows that even hands-off owners must stay vigilant to ensure their mission is achieved.
By Michael Useem | June 1, 2009; 11:07 AM ET | Comments (0)
Critical Moments
On most days, what is good for our organizations is good for us too. But when collective purpose and self-interest diverge, that is when a person's leadership qualities are laid bare.
By Michael Useem | April 14, 2009; 07:14 AM ET | Comments (0)
The Officer Should Eat Last
When executives take pay cuts, it makes a more powerful statement about their leadership than words could ever convey.
By Michael Useem | March 16, 2009; 10:29 AM ET | Comments (2)
Fire Yourself
If you are doing the firing, take a moment to imagine you are on the receiving end. Such exercises in compassion, research shows, can lead to better practices.
By Michael Useem | February 9, 2009; 12:28 PM ET | Comments (0)
Listen to the Team
Who can best evaluate leadershhip potential? According to research, it is a person's subordinates -- not the boss.
By Michael Useem | January 27, 2009; 08:41 AM ET | Comments (0)
The Optimism Paradox
For General Lee at Gettysburg, optimism turned out to be fatal. Every leader must balance the need for confidence with clear-eyed realism, and Obama tried to do that in his inauguration speech.
By Michael Useem | January 22, 2009; 10:13 AM ET | Comments (0)
The Gifted Speaker
In his direct, sober, calm, deliberative, informed, uplifting, stirring and -- of course -- hopeful -- way, Obama displays naturally what many of us work painstakingly for: the gift of public speaking.
By Michael Useem | January 12, 2009; 01:29 PM ET | Comments (0)
Decisions Without Reflection
Though sometimes mocked, Bush's description of himself as the chief "decider" captured a willingness to make tough decisions. Yet even the best decisions, when unreviewed, can become the worst mistakes.
By Michael Useem | January 6, 2009; 11:52 AM ET | Comments (2)
The Failed Leader We Love
A cartoonish micro-manager who exploits his employees, Santa makes all the wrong leadership moves -- and yet we still value and love him.
By Michael Useem | December 22, 2008; 11:11 AM ET | Comments (2)
Try the Warren Buffett Way
Even a hint of an ethical lapse can destroy a reputation of integrity. When scandal hit Salomon Brothers in 1991, Warren Buffett set a gold standard for restoring a culture of integrity.
By Michael Useem | December 15, 2008; 02:26 PM ET | Comments (1)
Learning From Missed Opportunities
Four leadership failures in GM's past paved the way for today's life-or-death crisis.
By Michael Useem | December 8, 2008; 07:41 PM ET | Comments (1)
