Leadership Matters

How Many Other Lines Can We Find?

2009-11-06T15:38:00Z

I was recently told a story about Starbucks coffee and their efforts to improve the quality of the coffee and lattes they produce every day. As part of the plan, the corporate office forbade their employees from re-steaming milk, something that apparently had become commonplace. As a result of this directive, the baristas were pouring millions of dollars worth of leftover milk down the drain. As store managers began to think about ways to operate more efficiently they came across a very simple idea...(read more)

Are You a Leader/Manager?

2009-10-15T16:21:00Z

About a month ago I came across a great article in Business Week by Henry Mintzberg. The crux of Mr. Mintzberg’s article was that we have too many business leaders that are detached from the messy process of managing, so they often times don’t know what’s going on. If the paragraph above describes your district or club leadership style, you could be in for a rough year because ultimately a club’s success is defined by the leader’s ability to engage its members. The best...(read more)

Out of Your Comfort Zone

2009-09-12T23:59:00Z

As someone who is often advocating for change, and for trying new and different things, I was reminded that it is easier to talk about than live out. I spent the day with some our university-age Kiwanis leaders and we did a number of team building activities. Part of the day had us 50 feet off the ground in a high ropes course. For 4 hours I was challenged to try things I had never done before, putting myself in some very vulnerable positions where I had to trust my equipment, my instructors and...(read more)

Planning to be club president

2009-09-08T15:45:00Z

As Kiwanis clubs everywhere are preparing for a new administrative year (the 2009-10 year begins October 1st), club presidents are planning for the “best year in the club’s history.” I know, because I’ve been a president in two different clubs. They are busy appointing committees, creating budgets, scheduling calendars… all those things that come with being in charge for the next twelve months. In short, their 2009-10 plan will most likely grow the club, increase service...(read more)

Who's Got Your Back?

2009-08-31T13:23:00Z

As a Kiwanis leader, I am sure there are things that you have accomplished primarily as a result of your own hard work, talent, or maybe just sheer determination. I also suspect that there are a number of successful endeavors you have been a part of that were only possible with the help of others. Any man or woman that believes they are “self-made, is probably not paying attention to what is going on behind the scenes, and all around them. Even hard-driving entrepreneurs ultimately discover...(read more)

Passionate college students making a difference

2009-08-18T17:09:00Z

Last week, a large group of Circle K members came together to do 3 days of intense community service (estimated 3,000 service hours!) and to participate in their annual convention. The passion these students exhibited in both service and in their organization was absolutely amazing! For those who participated in the "large scale service project," they had out of pocket costs to arrive a few days in advance including hotel, meals, and even a registration fee of $85 to help cover lunches...(read more)

One thing

2009-08-17T20:06:00Z

One of my favorite movie scenes is from City Slickers . It's the story of three New York guys who are experiencing mid-life crisis. They decide the best alternative for them is to head west to stay at a dude ranch and be part of a real cattle drive. The scene in question is where Mitch Robbins (played by Billy Crystal) is riding next to Curly Washburn, the crusty old trail boss (played by Jack Palance). Curly offers Mitch his view of the meaning of life . Curly holds up his index finger and explains...(read more)

4 Most Asked Questions From Members

2009-08-17T19:36:00Z

Four questions I've been asked about a lot in the last couple of months - Q: With the economic situation as it is, how is the financial stability of the organization? A: Kiwanis International is doing well. Although we took the same hit in our long-term investments that you did, they've made a decent recovery as of late. Our liquid assets (cash) are at the same levels we were at this time last year. In 2003 we had a dues increase, 7 years removed from the last dues increase in 1997. 6 plus...(read more)

Kiwanis Social Media Scavenger Hunt!

2009-08-17T12:28:00Z

If you have found this blog, then you have made it to the end of the scavenger hunt! Congratulations! Answer the question below to finalize your entry to win one of five 2010 International Convention Registration Packages. We will be announcing the winners of the Social Media Scavenger Hunt in the Facebook Group in a unique way that is true to social media. So be sure to check back that first week of January to see if you are one of the winners. Now for this blog post: We know that many people join...(read more)

Golden Rule

2009-08-14T04:10:00Z

I am writing an article about the Golden Rule and I had this idea that I am exploring. The idea is that maybe the golden rule is good for the average person, but as leaders, it should just be the minimum. As servant leaders, shouldn't we treat people better than we expect to be treated? I remember someone saying that when you are in a disagreement with someone, you need to meet them half way. The problem with that, is that if you are both only willing to meet half way, you could end up coming...(read more)

Advice for someone who is merging a struggling club into a healthy one?

2009-08-07T20:18:00Z

I just had someone ask for advice about how to successfully merge a struggling club with a healthy one. If you have ever gone through this, or have advice that relates to a similar experience, please post your thoughts as this club presicent will be monitoring this site. Thanks is advance for your assistance. Rob...(read more)

Life Lessons From Everyday Leaders

2009-08-05T15:20:00Z

I was just talking the other day with my boss about how some moments, seemingly meaningless to the leader, can contain life-long lessons for the student. Although, his Cub Scout leader would not remember him, let alone these moments, he vividly remembers one meeting where this gentleman taught him how to tie a necktie and another meeting where he first learned to pound a nail with a hammer; Skills that no one else taught him, and he uses to this day. I remember my Cub Scout leader, Mrs. Lambert,...(read more)

District Conventions

2009-07-30T20:44:00Z

I am on my way today to Georgia for their district convention. I will have an opportunity to spend some time with their delegates talking about leadership and doing a question and answer time. If you were talking to a group of Kiwanis leaders about the keys to great volunteer leadership, what would you tell them? Rob...(read more)

International Convention Learning

2009-07-16T00:54:00Z

It would be great to hear from our members who attended the convention about the things that they learned that will help them be a better leader in their club or district. Let us know what sessions you found helpful and any specific plans you have to implement something new this next year. Could be a club idea, or an idea on how to improve your own personal leadership. Tell us what you learned.......(read more)

Kiwanis Leaders to Gather in Nashville

2009-06-20T02:50:00Z

5000 Kiwanis leaders from all over the globe will gather in Nashville in a few days for our annual International Convention. If you are going to be there, post here and let us know what you are looking forward to seeing, attending or doing at the convention. I am looking forward to meeting new people, connecting with familiar faces and looking forward to the Grand Old Opry....(read more)