repeats

I'm getting better about paying attention when I hear something repeatedly from different sources over a short period of time.

At the Global Leadership Summit, here are a few themes that I heard repeated from different speakers over the two day summit:

1. Where are we? Diagnostics are important. Bill Hybels talked about how leaders not only have to cast a vision, but they must help people clearly see where they are now and why staying there is unacceptable. Jim Collins talked about dealing with harsh realities and creating an inventory of brutal facts with your core team. Jack Welch talked about helping people know where they stand, and Daniel Pink talked about rich, robust feedback that differs from a traditional "stiff" performance evaluation in that it should be just real and authentic conversation.

2. Celebrate progress. Several speakers talked about the importance of celebrating along the journey. Hybels talked about how it's the middle of the journey where we need motivation to keep going. We need hope that we're getting somewhere and will make it to the destination. We need encouragement and inspiration. Celebration of small victories is important! Pink said, "Leaders help people see the progress."

3. Change practices without changing core values. Both Jim Collins and Terri Kelly talked about the importance of living out core values, but changing practices to fit contexts, cultures, and next generations.

4. Team. So many of the speakers talked about the importance of gathering fantastic people around you. People of character, competence, chemistry, and people who fit the culture of the organization. People who can execute the vision. People whose gifts compliment one another.