Welcome

This is my personal blog, on which I talk about a variety of topics purely as they catch my fancy. Some topics are serious, others whimsical. I love comments and questions so don't be shy, just courteous, even if you don't agree with me. I have another blog, The Story Template, on which I post writing-related topics on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Let's see, a bit about me... I'm married with two children, and spend much time taking care of our family. In my life BC (before children) I was a scientist who did bench research. I am a Christian who came to faith under protest through studying the historic circumstances surrounding the death of Jesus. I've written one novel, A Lever Long Enough, that I'm honored to say has won two awards. I also have written a nonfiction book, The Story Template: Conquer Writer's Block Using the Universal Structure of Story. This book is a programmed learner-type book that helps you, the writer, develop a complete compelling story (novel or screenplay) from a vague idea.

YOU CAN CONTACT ME at amydeardon at yahoo dot com.

Friday, September 20, 2013

Relationships and Results Both Matter: Book Review of Cloud's Boundaries for Leaders


 Relationships and Results Both Matter

People need to be valued, inspired, guided, and given freedom in order to do their best. Cloud talks about how the leader of a group develops a vision, takes full responsibility for fulfilling that vision, then helps and trusts his employees to fulfill that vision.

Cloud works with Boundaries, principles setting firm guidelines for what is and is not acceptable. His seven leadership boundaries are:

* Help people focus their attention on the things that matter most.

* Build the emotional climate that drives brain functioning.

* Facilitate connections that boost energy and momentum.

* Create organizational thought patterns that limit negativity and helplessness.

* Identify paths for people to take control of the activities that drive results.

* Create high-performance teams organized around the behaviors that drive results.

* Lead yourself in a manner that protects the vision.

Cloud's own vision in the book is encouraging performance and results that will make the leader's vision a reality, and build the employees in their feelings of competence and being *a team.* Obviously this is a win-win-win strategy.

The book is a bit dense explaining the neural reasons for why people do what they do, but helpful, and this lends credibility to why certain actions should be taken. Anecdotes break up the information to demonstrate, in a practical way, how to implement ideas.

Overall, a helpful read for any leader.

NOTE: I received this book from Harper Collins (Book Sneeze program) in exchange for my unbiased review. I was not required to give a positive review.