When you encounter a “NO” in business, what do you do? . Does a “NO” set you back? OR Does it propel you? . Watch this video to learn more about “NO” #leaders #leadership #mentorshipmatters

Establishing partnerships on a global basis isn't easy. Many desired partnerships simply don't happen or they fizzle over time. . How you present your company can determine whether you are viewed to be simply a vendor or a trusted advisor with value & benefit for the long-term. . How do you challenge yourself or your organization to move beyond transactional to strategic? . In this video, you will learn (or enjoy a reminder) about the importance of viewing your company as a strategic player backing it up with an emphasis on delivering value and benefit to your counterparts. This sounds easier than it is ... enjoy the tips for success and share your experiences. #negotiations #partnerships #leaders

Establishing strategic partnerships on a global basis takes time, dedication and purpose. It also takes effective communication. . How you communicate can make or break the negotiations and ultimately what you agree to (and presumably implement). . In this video, you’ll learn about the three most important steps in communication when negotiating internationally. . Share your experiences of international negotiations, the broader network can benefit and learn from what you have observed. #thedefender #negotiations @ChristopherVoss

Finding the right ingredients for establishing a productive strategic partnership in the domestic environment can be tough enough as it is and many a company have struggled. . Successfully establishing a strategic partnership on an international scale takes a) a Win/Win approach b) the interest in truly listening to the other party c) respect (across a variety of dynamics) d) check your ego at the door e) a focus on establishing mutually beneficial objectives and guidelines for engagement Successful partnerships are those that endure for the long term and assist the parties in meeting (and often exceeding) their expectations. Share your experiences in building international strategic partnerships. Others in our network will benefit from your insights and perspective. And remember, “What works in Denver doesn’t always work in Delhi “. There is a wonderful world out there and your ability to adapt and adjust, will make all the difference. #cybersecurity

Establishing a strategic partnership starts/stops with the people "at the table". . Success comes from the recognition that it is important to establish a collaborative working environment and trust BEFORE the terms of a partnership agreement are negotiated. . Without the "right people at the table", there is high likelihood that you will miss the importance and key success factors of: a) establishing executive sponsorship and support b) identifying mutual objectives and/or complementary goals c) solidifying baseline expectations for the operating environment (post go-live) including how to manage conflict d) maintaining a positive and active focus on the partnership As a leader, if you follow these steps, you and your team will be in a much stronger position to ensure the long term success of the partnership you have established. For a great example of a strategic partnership, click the link in the comments below.

When only 1 in 10 business leaders share that they believe that their current cybersecurity measures meet their immediate needs, it makes you wonder what the future holds. . 55% of executives shared with Ernest & Young that they don't take cybersecurity into account when considering their business strategy. . If this is the case, what is a leader to do? Per HBR, "Cybersecurity is Every Executive's Job". This means that change is necessary; else you will let down your customers, shareholders, stakeholders and business. . Watch this video and learn more about the importance of cybersecurity to your business and to you as a leader.

There is a general consensus amongst analysts that between 50%-80% of business partnerships fail. AND Rather than focusing on the reasons why business partnerships fail, wouldn't it be more productive to focus on the reasons why business partnerships SUCCEED? . In this video, you will learn more about the ingredients that go into the formulation of a successful business partnership. . A special call-out to the wonderful team at Nextel from back in the mid-2000s.

As CISOs, risk management professionals and MNO retail and enterprise executives, you invest $ and dedicate significant time to planning for major disruptions, and those plans are never as realistic as we would like. Remember, the satisfaction of our customers needs to be at the core of everything we do and wrapped into your plans. . In this video, you will learn about the challenges and opportunities related to: - Channel Mix Irreversibly Changed - People & Skills Requirements Shift - Fraud & Security Attacks Escalate - Consumer Behavioral Change - Government Regulations We all hope that the COVID-19 situation is a once in a lifetime event (never to be repeated), but it is also a wake-up call for continual improvement. . The key, in times like this, is to adapt quickly. CISOs, MNO executives, risk management professionals, etc should consider what’s working well now, what could be better, and build their plans accordingly. #thedefender #learning

Today we celebrate Francois Mahieu and his leadership skill in GUIDING GLOBAL TEAMS. . This week, we've celebrated 5 GREAT leaders including Marti Konstant, Roh Singh, Craig McLennan, Keith Fuentes and today Francois Mahieu. With all the emphasis on what leaders aren’t doing, it’s time we focus on what leaders are doing well right within our networks. . While we are all on different paths in our careers and businesses, we look to leaders for guidance and advice. Francois has set the mark for leading GLOBAL TEAMS. Accomplishing this is not easy; it takes purpose, lots of coordination, a belief in the importance of cross-cultural collaboration and an emphasis on diversity of thought, experiences and background. . With only 10% of leaders naturally born that way, leadership skills can be learned, put into practice and perfected. There are certain characteristics, traits and skills that ultimately build the most effective leaders. BUILDING GLOBAL TEAMS is one of important skills. . Please like, comment and share your experiences with other GREAT leaders within your network. #thedefender

Today we celebrate Craig McLennan and his skill in MANAGING TIME & PRIORITIES . While we are all on different paths in our careers and businesses, we look to leaders for guidance and advice. Craig has set the mark for managing businesses with focus, efficiency and results. . Please like, comment and share your experiences with other GREAT leaders within your network. . With only 10% of leaders naturally born that way, leadership skills can be learned, put into practice and perfected. There are certain characteristics, traits and skills that ultimately build the most effective leaders. MANAGING TIME & PRIORITIES with adeptness is a skill that is lost in the majority of leaders today. They would rather delegate than set the tone. Craig sets the tone and is able to rally internal and external stakeholders to achieve extraordinary results. . Join me tomorrow for the 5th GREAT leader who will join Roh, Keith, Marti, Craig. With all the emphasis on what leaders aren’t doing, it’s time we focus on what leaders are doing well right within our networks. . @craigmclennan #thedefender

Today we celebrate Roh Singh and his skill in LEADING WITH EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE. . Roh is an author, speaker, guide and mentor to those on their path to developing their best selves. Check out his book Rise Warrior Rise and ExcelerateYou; Roh’s digital wellbeing and performance platform. . While we are all on different paths in our careers and businesses, we look to leaders for guidance and advice. Please like, comment and share your experiences with other GREAT leaders within your network. . With only 10% of leaders naturally born that way, leadership skills can be learned, put into practice and perfected. There are certain characteristics, traits and skills that ultimately build the most effective leaders. LEADING WITH EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE is one of the most important skills. . Join me the remainder week of the week in learning more about Roh, Keith, Marti and other great leaders. With all the emphasis on what leaders aren’t doing, it’s time we focus on what leaders are doing well right within our networks. . @rohileshsingh #thedefender

Today we celebrate Keith Fuentes and his leadership in establishing a HIGH PERFORMANCE TEAM environment. . Regardless of how you define the word leadership, there is no doubt that certain individuals can greatly impact the lives of others based on their experiences and insights. . While we are all on different paths in our careers and businesses, we look to leaders for guidance and advice. . With only 10% of leaders naturally born that way, leadership skills can be learned, put into practice and perfected. There are certain characteristics, traits and skills that ultimately build the most effective leaders. . Join me the remainder week of the week in learning more about Keith, Marti and other great leaders. With all the focus on the things leaders aren’t doing, we need leaders in our network to whom we can look up to and who we want to emulate. . Please comment, like, share and tag great leaders within your network. Together, we have so much to learn.

Regardless of how you define the word leadership, there is no doubt that certain individuals can greatly impact the lives of others based on their experiences and insights. . While we are all on different paths in our careers and businesses, we look to leaders for guidance and advice. . With only 10% of leaders naturally born that way, leadership skills can be learned, put into practice and perfected. There are certain characteristics, traits and skills that ultimately build the most effective leaders. . Join me this week in learning more about 5 great leaders and the qualities they represent. With all the focus on the things leaders aren’t doing, we need leaders in our network to whom we can look up to and who we want to emulate. . Today we celebrate Marti Konstant, MBA and her ability to articulate a very clear VISION . Please comment, like, share and tag great leaders within your network. Together, we have so much to learn.

Establishing a mentee - mentor engagement could be one of the best steps you've ever taken in developing your career, your organization and/or your business. . Many are lost as to how to go about finding a mentor. In this video, you will learn how to prepare yourself to focus your needs in advance of your first meeting with your mentor. After all, you are investing your time and effort and your mentor is reciprocating. Investing in your preparation will pay off for both. . How will you know if mentoring is really working? How do you know if you're making progress towards your goal? Here's one way: ​In advance of your first meeting with your prospective mentor, identify 3 outcomes that you'd like to be able to accomplish at the end of the mentorship. I recommend a mentorship between 3months and 6 months. Who knows, it might last for years. These desired outcomes should align with your overarching goals. Overarching goals can include: further your career aspirations, developing your executive gravitas, leading a high-performance team, etc. Test these measures of success in the real-world before your first meeting! To really validate our success measures, seek out some outside advice. ​One thing you can do is have a discussion with your manager or someone else you can trust, and share the following: ​Your overarching goals (3-5 max) Your measures for success (3-5 max and corresponding) Ask them if there are changes or other measures they would suggest Tip: Once you've validated and revised, share them with your prospective mentors.

Over 60% of managers promoted into their positions have reported that they lack the skills and necessary training in order to excel at their roles. . This is a staggering fact. With the vast majority of leaders "learning" from their immediate bosses, it is no wonder TOXIC managers still persist. . The big question for leaders who aspire to be GREAT is HOW to go about finding a mentor. . In this video, you will learn about the best venues to connect with mentors + unlock access to leading mentorship program: PATH.

Did you know that there are mentors out there who are genuinely interested in supporting you, your career aspirations and the growth of your business? . In this video, I want to talk to you about leveraging the power of a mentor. Over my 30 years of experience, I've had the amazing opportunity of mentoring executives and managers from such companies as UPS, Mattel, Twitter, OpenTable and many more. I've experienced the amazing results that can come from matching mentees and mentors. Learn how to start on your very own PATH to establishing a meaningful mentorship! . If you're ready to level up your leadership skills on your path to being a great leader, check out our flagship mentorship program, PATH: https://www.gregorymwade.com/program . PATH is a 7-step mentoring program designed to improve the quality of your mentoring engagement. If you want to learn how to set clear objectives and desired outcomes, establish rapport with your prospective mentor, determine the best fit for you, enter into a meaningful mentorship, stand out from your peers, and finally achieve all of the things you know you’re capable of, PATH was created for you. With 7 modules – each one based on real-world engagements – PATH is the only mentoring program that provides you with actionable steps to challenge your skills and develop the leadership characteristics you need to succeed. Step-by-step, PATH will teach you how to create genuine and meaningful connections with your mentor… and accelerate your success. PATH has already helped smart, driven, mentees from all over the world go from feeling “stuck” to leapfrogging their peers, and becoming GREAT leaders at places like UPS, Mattel, Twitter and many more.

Setting Individual Objectives is important to help align teams towards the company objective. How do you go beyond SMART or KISS objectives and establish TEAM objectives? . How do you define the Destination State for your team to accomplish? . Listen in for a great example of a Destination State that was accomplished thanks to a TEAM objective . TheDefender www.gregorymwade.com

What new habits have you developed during this period of challenge and change? . The WSJ published an article on April 11, 2020 highlighting the importance of moving beyond technology as an enabler to "allowing" ourselves the opportunity to center ourselves and put "pen back to paper". . Putting pen to paper means writing down objectives, expressions of gratitude, observations, etc.. In other words, a physical connection back to something we can refer to and use as guidance. . How do you assemble your objectives? Do you put pen to paper (maybe even virtually, through a stylus to an iPad)? . Shop for Your Dingbats Notebook here: https://bit.ly/2RxqTwZ . TheDefender www.gregorymwade.com

How do you go about making decisions that impact the short and long term direction for your team and organization? . Do you like to employ a decision-making methodology or are you more fluid in your approach? Do you prefer consensus-driven decisions vs. direct and resolute decisions? . One helpful methodology is the RAPID approach developed by Bain & Co.: Recommend (within Input), Agree, Decide and Perform. www.bain.com . Share your approach to decision making. Your network would love to hear from you. TheDefender

How do you approach opening your team up to strategic thinking? . Do you encourage curiosity? . More importantly, do you ask your team members to pose these questions of the challenges and opportunities they are facing? Who? What? When? Where? Why? and How? . In this video, learn the importance of taking a simpler approach to encouraging strategic thinking and alignment to your corporate objectives.

As a leader, how do you manage through stress? . How do you maintain your perspective and your focus? . Share your approach(es) in the comments below. For me, I like to train for half-marathons - this helps to center me and recognize what is important in mind and in body . #leadership #thedefender #leadershiptraits #businessleadership #positiveleadership