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Former CEO of GE, Jack Walsh wrote a book, Jack: Straight From The Gut, stated six rules for successful leadership:

In the book by Peter Drucker, Managing in Turbulent Timeswrites, “A time of turbulence is a dangerous time, but its greatness danger is a temptation to deny reality.”

Here are six questions to ask yourself to help you define reality.

These questions will assist you in looking at reality without putting a glossy spin on it. Here are four ways to guard against unrealistic thinking.

Admit My Weaknesses

Admitting my weaknesses is the first step toward any recovery. You can’t define reality if you will not face reality.

Embrace Realistic People

The old saying that birds of a feather flock together is really true. I like to be around people who are like me. That may be a good thing when I want to have some fun. It may not be a good thing when leading from the front is required. I need people that fill the blanks on my weaknesses. Effective teams compliment each other.

Ask for Honesty From Others

All leaders need to have a group of people around them who will tell them what they really think. You do not need yes men on your leadership team. The only way to get honest feedback is by asking for it and by treating people well when the actually give it. There is a pitfall in this line of thinking –sometimes we do not want to hear the truth even though that is exactly what we need. Secondly, make sure that your ego strength can handle this type of conversation.

Invite Fresh Eyes to Check Me Out

It is said that over familiarity breeds contempt –that is a true statement. It is amazing what we do not see because we are so close to the issues. It is worth the price tag to pay for outside eyes to take a close look at what you are doing.

Jim Collins states in his book Good To Great, You absolutely cannot make a series of good decisions without first confronting the brutal facts.” Remember that good leaders who lead great organizations face reality and make changes accordingly.

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Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!