In our March issue of Leadership Excellence, our editor, Ken Shelton remarks about attending the training conference in Atlanta.

Always a highlight of traveling to conferences,  is the opportunity to meet our raving fans, champions of excellence, people committed to living a better life and being the best they can be no matter what it takes and interact with those in the training field..

. Such was the case at the conference in Atlanta. Ken mentions in his editorial note, one attendee, Althea Barnette and her positive response to his workshop on developing leaders in contrast to those who walked out, uncomfortable with “ in your face, keep it real, no nonsense “ delivery . But in addition to Althea, Gary Strack was also in attendance .

I would like to post Gary’s email response to the conference management.

L.N. ,

I recently read in the latest issue of Leadership Excellence the Editors Notes by Ken Shelton. He comments on several items including feedback on his seminar at Training 2009. As someone who attended this seminar this is my view and evaluation of his seminar. (It is based on my perspective and experience as President/CEO of major healthcare organization who did a mid career doctorate on leadership and taught extensively in higher education as a recognized outstanding teacher). His session was definitely worth the price of admission.  Mr. Shelton understands leadership development probably as well or better than anyone in America.  He knows leadership development, rather than just knowing about it. Leaders are developed over many years based on all kind of experiences and not by a microwave approach or a simple and elegant training methodology. Mr. Shelton reminded me of Harry Truman when Truman said “He doesn’t give people hell he just tells them the truth and they think it is  hell.”  Ken tells the truth about leadership development. One of my favorite poems about the truth and leadership is by Emily Dickinson entitled Tell  all the Truth but tell it Slant.

Tell all the truth but tell it slant-

Success in Circuit lies

Too bright for our infirm Delight

The Truth’s superb surprise

As Lighting to the Children eased

With explanation kind

The Truth must dazzle gradually

Or every man be blind-

There were obviously a few individuals blinded by some of Mr. Shelton’s leadership truths that weren’t slanted. Mr. Shelton was generous enough to give every seminar attendee a free subscription to the three outstanding publications, Leadership Excellence, Personal Excellence, and Sales and Service Excellence. These publications have a subscription price of $375.00. However, the content for a future leader or teacher of leadership is almost invaluable because of the outstanding authors and wisdom contained in each issue. This was a gift that will keep on giving for every attendee.

In my opinion, not having Mr. Shelton or a representative of his organization present at next years Training2010 would be a loss for the conference. I would be happy to talk to one of the conference leaders to share any other views they might want to discuss….Sincerely,  Gary Strack

Thank you Gary Strack, you are a Champion of Excellence.

I would invite you to get a copy of our March issue of Leadership Excellence with Barack Obama on the cover as he is the subject of Warren Bennis’s article on Optimism and you can read Ken Shelton’s editorial  on 99 –second leadership.

Now is not the time for tender footing about in leadership. It is time to take seriously our personal responsibility to be outstanding in our respective fields… not just “out, standing in the field”

Nancy

Email me for your complimentary copy of March LE        nancy.low@eep.com

Tags: leadership development, leadersip excellence, Personal Excellence, training

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