18 Posts found for Author: Paul B. Thornton

In the old days the boss might have said, “Stop talking and get to work!” Today, the boss might say, “Start talking and get to work.” You need to communicate and collaborate with colleagues, consultants, customers, suppliers, and thought leaders to keep learning and get things done.

Content: Quotation | Author: Paul B. Thornton | Subjects: Communication, Management, Organizational Behavior

Giving people your total undivided attention is challenging. Your thoughts pull you to past events, future goals, and what you will say next. However, the rewards are big—you learn a lot, strengthen relationships, and people feel valued.

Content: Quotation | Author: Paul B. Thornton | Subject: Personal Development

Leadership starts as an inside job. First, you need to:

• Clarify your beliefs and values
• Focus your message
• Find your courage

Then it’s an outside job. Speak up. Take action. Influence and inspire others with your words and actions.

Content: Quotation | Author: Paul B. Thornton | Subject: Leadership

The best managers and leaders help people become more independent, more capable, and more confident.

Content: Quotation | Author: Paul B. Thornton | Subjects: Leadership, Management

When things go wrong, the first questions the best managers and leaders ask are:

1. What could I have done differently?
2. What can I learn from this experience?

Content: Quotation | Author: Paul B. Thornton | Subjects: Management, Personal Development

Effective leaders:

1. See what’s possible
2. Describe what’s possible
3. Pursue what’s possible

Content: Quotation | Author: Paul B. Thornton | Subject: Leadership

Effective feedback helps people see themselves in new ways.

Content: Quotation | Author: Paul B. Thornton | Subjects: Coaching, Human Resources, Management, Training & Development

Some people can’t see beyond today. They have no vision. Other people struggle describing their vision. Still others have a simple, clear, and compelling vision but they never take action. Effective leaders:
1. Have an exciting vision
2. Clearly describe their vision
3. And energetically pursue their vision

Content: Quotation | Author: Paul B. Thornton | Subjects: Leadership, Vision

The Cycle of Business

1. Great managers and leaders select, train, and develop great (efficient and effective) employees.
2. Great employees create loyal customers, who keep buying and spreading the word.
3. Loyal customers help increase revenues.
4. Increased revenues and properly managed expenses generates increased profits.
5. More profits creates happy shareholders and allows for new investments to continue the cycle.

Note, it all starts with great managers & leaders. … [ Read more ]

Content: Quotation | Author: Paul B. Thornton | Subject: Management

There are really only three management styles.

– Directing—Managers tell employees what to do, how to do it, and when to have it done by.
– Discussing—Managers ask appropriate questions and listen.
– Delegating—Mangers empower employees to take action and solve problems on their own.

Effective managers use a style or a combination of styles that best fit the situation.

Content: Quotation | Author: Paul B. Thornton | Subject: Management

Leaders don’t major in the minors. They pursue big, bold ideas.

Content: Quotation | Author: Paul B. Thornton | Subject: Leadership

Thornton uses his years of consulting and workshop experience to get to the “nitty-gritty” of leadership basics. After a brief introduction he begins a “step by step” guide to better leadership awareness. Chapter 1 deals with a sound leadership foundation, which includes mission, vision and values. In chapter 2 he introduces what he calls the “Three C’s of Leadership” which are the three things leaders … [ Read more ]

Content: Book | Author: Paul B. Thornton | Subjects: Leadership, Management

The self-fulfilling prophecy maintains that “what you expect is what you get.” High expectations lead to high performance; low expectations lead to low performance. The three parts of the self-fulfilling prophecy triangle include:
– Assumptions
– Manager/leader expectations and behavior
– Employee reactions

Content: Article | Author: Paul B. Thornton | Source: CEO Refresher | Subject: Management

Your career is a big investment. Career choices affect you every working day. When you invest in yourself through networking, utilizing mentors and self-promotion you will generate a robust return. You’ll achieve your career goals.

Content: Article | Author: Paul B. Thornton | Source: CEO Refresher | Subject: Career

“I believe there are three basic styles – directing, discussing and delegating. The appropriate style provides the right amount of structure and support for each situation. Each style is unique in terms of how managers communicate, set goals, make decisions, monitor progress and recognize good performance.”

Editor’s Note: originally found on CEO Refresher site, but now a direct PDF download from author’s site.

Content: Article | Author: Paul B. Thornton | Source: CEO Refresher | Subject: Management

What’s our mission? Vision? Values? Leaders find simple, clear and compelling answers to these questions. The answers have a profound influence on what employees think, say and do. These three building blocks are vital to establishing an effective organization.

Content: Article | Author: Paul B. Thornton | Source: CEO Refresher | Subjects: Leadership, Management

The Army’s motto – “Be All That You Can Be” is both simple and powerful. Leaders help people achieve that goal. In essence, leaders do three things: they challenge people; they build people’s confidence; and they coach people.

Content: Article | Author: Paul B. Thornton | Source: CEO Refresher | Subject: Leadership

What does it take to deliver a great presentation — preparation, practice and passion. It takes dedication and hard work. The best speakers do their homework and use many of these 10 techniques.

Content: Article | Author: Paul B. Thornton | Source: CEO Refresher | Subject: Personal Development