Would anyone in the business world openly declare driving consensus to be an undesirable team phenomenon? Perhaps not!

Yet so often during our leadership seminars/coaching sessions, there seems to be a distinct reluctance on the part of would be leaders to step up and cast a dissenting vote or opinion. It seems as if perceptions of “Wasting time”, “Breaking the flow” or being perceived as “Negative” more often than not carry the day.

The Harding Leadership Model has as its cornerstone the ability of a leader to speak up and give utterance to discovered possibilities or realities. We infer that true leaders should be prepared to:

• Risk the annoyance, resistance, or even ire, of those wanting to just get done with a task or project
• Deploy better than average powers of persuasion, as well as presentation and negotiation competencies! 

A young leader recently forwarded me a link to an online viewing of 12 Angry Men! In this movie, a lone juror speaks up against 11 co-jurors all determined to find the defendant guilty and then to go home. The players are timeless… I saw myself and so many usual suspects…

This movie would provide effective awareness training for any team leader – An incredible tool for observing the wonder of how to sustain rational communication, manage conflict, stay on point and ultimately achieve buy-in!  Similarly understanding the importance of factoring individual circumstance into any business equation!

Invest 1.5 hours and check it out! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RelOJfFIyp8

For more information on our Business Leadership Training: (416) 962-6700

Dear Clients & Friends, 

Since I first started the operation of Harding International & Associates Inc., I have often been asked why I don’t consider trimming, rather than growing, the array of services on offer to better develop a more distinctive brand. Ten years on I am glad I trusted my instincts. The changing requirements of clients have dictated the expansion of our services. Looking back, I have also noticed that client program hiring patterns closely match the sequential business progression of any organizational operation: 

• Corporate Intelligence Awareness investigates economic, industry, competitor and product realities to ensure effective Competitive/Strategic Planning
• Leadership Enhancement explores the ability, creativity and willingness to meet market demands and drive innovation
• Collaborative Management, Negotiation, Team-Building, Conflict Management, Problem-Solving and Effective Communication support organizational leadership by securing full/effective employee contribution
• Risk, Change, Performance & Project Management initiatives ensure sustainable viability in time of crisis/innovation/chaos
• Presentation, Etiquette & Business Writing/Report Writing, facilitate internal external communication excellence as well as the important representational factor of every member of the organization
• Mentoring/Coaching & Career Development/Transition modules assist individuals/teams in all aspects fully investing their innate/learned ability  

Underpinning all my program development and delivery is the unshakeable belief that organizations and individuals should strive to deploy their unique ability and experience to meet their own aspirations. I am persuaded that it is this single factor that decides whether or not I establish the all important client/vendor fit. In a good client relationship, I find I not only enjoyably utilize all my ability, but continue to evolve on both professional and personal levels.  

The sustainability of service and surviving the vicissitudes of running a boutiquish operation would not be possible without those of you who request our services, ask for proposals, share information, send articles, meet for a chat and, most importantly, who have given so generously of yourselves over the years.  Although we might not always meet frequently my gratitude for your support, insight, collegiality and friendship is ongoing. You allow me to find unbelievable fulfillment in what I do!  

My very best wishes for a happy, safe & prosperous 2008! I look forward to renewed contact throughout the year! 

Warm regards, 

Rodger