I have been around the field of leadership for many years. I have trained leaders, worked with leaders and have learned a great deal about real leadership. One of the things that continually amazes me is the market value placed on leadership training. With that value comes, of course, the need to protect that value. Leadership books are marketed, leader courses are sold, leadership speakers come and go. And, through it all, great care is taken to make sure the leadership industry is supported.

In reality, leadership stripped away is a very simple concept - a leader is someone who can inspire others to reach for the next level. Leadership is many times associated with names like Colin Powell, Mahatma Gandhi, Napoleon or Sam Walton. The stories behind their leadership successes are inspiring and possibly daunting.

However, for every well-known leader, there are dozens of leaders and even more leaders in development. The neighbor who organizes the neighborhood to improve safety is a leader. The "manager" at McDonald's who consistently has her/his store recognized for its outstanding sales is a leader. The store clerk whose service wins customer loyalty is a leader.

As we spend time together we will look at leadership from different angles. We will look at how leaders motivate and how you can do the same. We'll explore tools that unlock your potential. We explain tools that will help you strengthen those who work for you. We'll see how to lead, not just manage, the people who work for you. And we'll do all this in a way that is easy to grasp and to take with you to your job, to your home or anywhere else it is needed.

I look forward to this journey with you. Feel free to ask questions, post comments and offer your own solutions. Some of you may not agree and that's OK as long as we both approach the dialog in a mutual learning environment. Rudeness is not welcomed.

For now, good night and Lead On!