Leadership & Development The Definitive Guide
Hello and a warm welcome to Leadership and Development.
My name is Martin Gilliard and after having completed an MBA at Leeds Metropolitan University in the UK back in 2003 I have had an ongoing interest in the subject of leadership, personal development and the development of others.
My experience isn’t all purely academic though… I have had a number of leadership positions for large multi-national companies at my home town of Leeds in the UK and also eight years in Mississauga just outside Toronto in the wonderful country of Canada.
Why This Site?
Due to my interest and experience in this area, I decided to put a website together so that I can continue learning about this fascinating subject area.
My intention is to use this website to share our knowledge, understanding and continued research with others who have similar interests or with individuals who simply would like to learn more about the subject of leadership and development.
Leadership
Leadership is generally about influencing a group of people towards achieving a common goal. This is usually done by communicating a vision of some future desired state. The vision needs to be communicated in such a way that others want to achieve it.
Great leaders use their life experiences, skills and personal attitude to inspire others. Successful leadership often depends on effective organisational and relationship skills.
Self Development
If you want to fully realize your potential then you need to be looking for ways to develop your own capabilities and performance. Self-development takes self-control and personal responsibility for yourself and your own learning. The plan is for this site to also include a number of thought-provoking, self-development articles that will help you develop your skills and abilities.
Leadership and Development Content
On the leadership section of the website, I have included some articles on the subject of team building. Team building is key in any leadership effort. A leader can only be as good as his or her team so it’s key to get your team right from the offset. Please check out this section for further details on teams and team dynamics.
I have also included a section on leadership behaviors. Behavioral aspects of leadership are incredibly important. Much of leadership is about how you behave and act in front of those who you are responsible for. It’s about being a role model for others to look up to and aspire to be.
And then there is a section on leadership skills. If you’re going to become a better leader then you need to be fully aware of the skills of the trade!
Then on the development section of the website I have included a section containing articles on personal development which is an area that appears to be high on most people’s agendas these days as we all strive to improve ourselves and reach that yet unrealized next goal.
And then there are a number of articles aimed towards developing yourself as a leader or manager.
I hope you find this site useful. Please use the comment sections on each page to provide us with feedback – I will do our utmost to respond.
Many thanks, Martin.
Navigation
Please use the navigation menu at the top of the page to read some of the articles I have put together on this subject.
Recent Posts…
The Art of Daily Reading: A Letter to My Younger Self
Dear Younger Me, As you navigate the labyrinth of life, let me share a secret: daily reading is your superpower. Specifically, immersing yourself in non-fiction books can transform your mind, broaden your horizons, and propel you toward greatness. Here’s how: 1. The Habit of Consistent Reading Make reading a daily ritual. Just as you brush […]
Learning from Others: A Letter to My Younger Self
Dear Younger Me,As you embark on your journey through life, I want to share some valuable insights about learning from others. These lessons might save you time, heartache, and missed opportunities. So, here we go:1. Be Curious and Open-MindedNever stop being curious. Curiosity fuels growth. Ask questions, explore different perspectives, and seek out knowledge. Remember […]
The Power of Breath: Advice to My Younger Self
Dear Younger Me,As you embark on life’s journey, remember that the simple act of breathing holds immense power. Whether you’re feeling stressed, seeking focus, or aiming for better health, harnessing your breath can transform your well-being. Here’s my advice on incorporating daily breathing exercises:1. The 4-7-8 BreathThis calming technique is perfect for beginners. It’s inconspicuous, […]
Choosing Your Circle: Surrounding Yourself with Respected Individuals
Dear Younger Self,As you embark on life’s journey, remember that the company you keep shapes your character, aspirations, and growth. Surrounding yourself with people you respect is like tending to a garden—you want to nurture it with care. Here’s my advice:1. Quality Over QuantityIt’s tempting to accumulate a large social circle, but prioritize quality over […]
The Art of Gratitude: A Letter to My Younger Self
Dear Younger Me,As I pen down these words, I want you to know that gratitude is not just a fleeting emotion; it’s a way of life. Here’s what I wish I had understood earlier—the transformative power of being grateful.1. The Gift of TodayYounger Me, life moves swiftly. Amidst the chaos, pause. Breathe. Look around. There’s […]
Embracing Your Weaknesses: A Guide to Collaborative Success
Dear Younger Self,As you navigate life’s twists and turns, remember that your weaknesses need not be stumbling blocks. Instead, they can be stepping stones to growth and collaboration. Let’s explore how to turn your perceived shortcomings into opportunities for collective achievement.1. Acknowledge Your WeaknessesFirst, recognize your limitations. We all have them. Whether it’s public speaking […]
Advice to My Younger Self: Follow Your Passion
Dear Younger Me,As you stand at the crossroads of life, I want to share a timeless piece of advice: follow your passion. It’s easy to get caught up in societal expectations, practical considerations, and the pursuit of stability. But remember, life is too short to settle for mediocrity. Here’s why embracing your passion matters and […]
Advice to My Younger Self: Save 10% of Everything You Earn
Dear Younger Me,As you embark on your journey through life, there’s one financial habit that I wish I had instilled in you earlier: saving 10% of every dollar you earn. It might seem like a small amount, but over time, it can make a significant difference. Let’s dive into why this practice is essential and […]
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