Leadership Presence | Brilliant Visions, LLC

Gut Check: Are You a Compassionate CEO?

Posted on August 22, 2014 by Martha Carnahan | 0 Comments

There have been quite a few studies in recent years conveying that a number of business leaders, entrepreneurs and politicians (ummm, no surprise!) have a propensity toward sociopathic traits. The hallmark qualities of a sociopath include: lack of empathy, an insincere charm, and great skill in manipulating others. We’ve all seen that boss, I’m sure. And I would bet that…

Why Failure is FANTASTIC!

Posted on October 21, 2012 by Martha Carnahan | 3 Comments

“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” ~Thomas A. Edison I know you’ve heard this many times, but it bears repeating: Failure = Opportunity to Learn. A device I use to remember this comes from a story I heard many years ago during a coach training class. We had just been taught a new skill…

Why You are a Terrible Judge of Your own Leadership

Posted on November 24, 2010 by Martha Carnahan | 0 Comments

Many managers I talk with feel they are pretty good leaders. That is, until they receive the results of a staff and peer review. Some are shocked that their scores are so low. Others just can’t take in the data – they actually reject the feedback. If you do not possess the skill of empathy – of being able to…

Soft Skills More Important than Technical Skills?

Posted on August 9, 2009 by Martha Carnahan | 0 Comments

Accountants say, yes!, according to a survey by Ajilon Finance, a leading specialty finance and accounting staffing firm, and the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). Two findings I thought were particularly interesting: 1. Soft skills ranked as more important than hard skills. Thirty-three percent of the accountants who responded felt that an ability to inspire and motivate is the most…

Leaders Must Open Up the Hatches

Posted on July 20, 2009 by Martha Carnahan | 1 Comments

In a crisis, our reaction is often to “batten down the hatches” — a nautical phrase meaning to seal the hatches (doors & portals) against a storm. But in this current economic downturn (a more pleasant word for “crisis”), it’s a time for business leaders to open up the doors and windows. This is a time to look outside, to…

Brilliant Leaders Learn To Use Relational Presence

Posted on March 2, 2009 by Martha Carnahan | 0 Comments

I’m a big fan of Lee Glickstein, who teaches “Relational Presence” through his work with Speaking Circles International. I’ve taken his trainings and participated in a Speaking Circles Study Group for several years. His process has removed my fear of public speaking, enhanced my ability to authentically connect with an audience, and boosted my confidence as a relational leader. Relational…