Welcome to the September 2004 edition of  "Leadership:  It’s All About Trust."

 An on-line newsletter from Ellen Castro that addresses

leadership in today’s ever changing world.

Today’s Leaders

Today’s leaders know ...

·                    They set the tone, values and standards for their entire organization.

·                    That everything they do, say, write and even their silence, communicates.  THERE ARE NO NEUTRAL ACTIONS.

·                    They must communicate the vision, the roadmap and how EACH and EVERY person contributes to the success of each other and the organization.

·                    That clear roles, responsibilities and expectations are critical to alleviating ambiguity and conflict.

Thus, the leaders of the 21^st century are cut from a different cloth because...

·                    They have the courage to communicate clearly and directly... the good, the bad and the ugly.

·                    They are willing to confront issues because when dealt with correctly, they know that issues provide opportunities for improvement, innovation AND people growing closer to each other.

·                    They LISTEN with an open mind and an open heart.

·                    They know how to be honest and frank with respect thus preserving the relationship and the human spirit.

·                    They are aware of the truth in their heart, not merely the facts, and act accordingly.

·                    They know that TRUST and CREDIBILITY are the foundation for effective communications.

Today’s leaders are CONSCIOUS of their communications in every single moment, in every single way.

Questions for Reflection

How effective are your current communications?  Do they add to or diminish your credibility?

Do you confront issues?  If not, why?  If yes, does your approach create commitment and synergy or destroy and divide?

The choice is ALWAYS yours.

Feel free to share this with a colleague or friend.  Your comments and thoughts are always appreciated... I am always learning.  Until next time, choose wisely.

Ellen Castro is a bestselling author.  She holds an EdM from Harvard University and an MBA from SMU where she currently serves on the faculty of the Business Leadership Center.  Ellen is a REALTOR® for Coldwell Banker.  She can be reached at 214.750.7718 or ellen@ellencastro.com.

Ellen Castro 2004.  All rights reserved worldwide.  If this was forwarded to you and you want your own copy each month, please email ellen@ellencastro.com with "Trust Subscribe" in the subject line.  Your name will never be sold or shared.  If you prefer to unsubscribe, or received this in error, reply with "Trust Unsubscribe" in the subject line.