Foreword


For the last four years I have been the unwitting but willing participant in what may prove to be the largest natural-organizational change experiment ever conducted. I call this the FISH! Phenomenon. All over the world men and women have been stimulated by the image of a dozen fish mongers drawing on the old wisdom we call the FISH! Philosophy, to create a workplace so amazing that people flock from around the globe just to experience the energy.

And the response of these unlikely change agents who visit the market in books, films and in person, has been to do things once thought impossible or improbable at best. They have redefined the field of organizational change by provoking massive cultural shifts in hundreds of organizations from the inside out, fueled with natural energy and little else.

While the rules of change and motivation are being rewritten, the role of leadership is also under considerable scrutiny. If large scale changes can be fomented from within an organization, as well as from the top, what does this say about the role of leadership? It is that question that brings me directly to the book you have just started reading.

We have learned that a change which requires individual commitment to succeed can be initiated anywhere in the organization but is only fueled by natural energy. And this natural energy is inspired and maintained by certain kinds of leaders; leaders who practice what Barbara Pagano calls transparent leadership. The transparent leaders are those who build credibility through overwhelming honesty, real vulnerability, fierce conversations, keeping commitments, grace, humility, composure and sincere cheerleading. It is with the support of transparent leaders that we are able to build and sustain a workplace that is both productive and deeply human.

In the rich book that follows, Pagano outlines the elements of transparent leadership, supplies powerful examples for each and then clarifies each element down with behavioral anchors that are immediately useful to anyone who understands you don’t have to be bad to get better at leadership. I strongly endorse this book’s content and its spirit.

—Stephen C. Lundin Ph.D.
author of FISH!, FISH! Tales and FISH! Sticks

Acknowledgments

Prior to writing this book, the two of us sailed a 43-foot boat more than 2,000 miles for five months. Little did we know how apt a prerequisite that journey was for writing this book. The hard work, triumphs, and long nights required in sailing a small boat alone foreshadowed our writing experience. We met both challenges successfully but certainly not with our strength alone. We owe a debt of gratitude to people who helped along the way as well as those who cheered us on.

Laureen Rowland, our agent, was like a half moon in a dark night sky, lighting our way, encouraging our work, and believing in what could be. She consistently meets all nine expectations of credibility. She is phenomenal.

Our editor, Mary Glenn, upped the ante on our ideas and created a vision we likely would have never found. She and the rest of the McGraw-Hill team, including Daina Penikas and Ed Chupak, were upbeat and always helpful.

Jennifer Taylor and Karen Walker at Assessment Plus were early believers in this project, and without their generosity of time, talents, and resources, this book would not be so rich. We left every meeting with them inspired. Gabe Hudson’s expertise made the data reader friendly.

We emailed certain people often and asked, “Can you help us?” Bud Carter, Susan Wise, Susan Gordon, Cindy Solomon, and Linda Wind opened their vast networks and gave us entr es to leaders whose stories enriched this book. We’re sure they had other important things to do and so we are very grateful.

We especially thank Cecil Murphey, Renee Grant-Williams, Sandra Ford Walston, and Marti Barletta for taking the time to share their experiences.

Thank you to those leaders who gave us their confidence and willingly shared their stories, both openly and anonymously.

We also acknowledge each other. This book is a result of our combined talents, differences, and unique perspectives.

An oval ring of stainless steel engraved, “Never, Never, Never Give Up”—a gift from Deanna Berg—arrived midway through this project and glowed on my desk at dawn, keeping me focused. Everyone should have a friend so special.

My colleagues, Susan Wise, Casey Hawley, Yvonne Weinhaus, and Connie Glaser, had reserves of encouragement when mine were low. Thanks to Richard Weylman for his suggestions on an early version of the manuscript and for the dock space at Miller’s Marina.

My first opportunity as a leadership consultant was at Sara Lee, after Chess Chesser came from the back of a college classroom and said, “I’d like you to come to our company.” It was a career changing moment, and I am grateful.

Kevin Hummel, Tom Heinselman, and Meg Burns, successful consultants all, share not only their talents but also opportunities to partner.

No one could have predicted a friendship for over thirty years between a girl from eastern Kentucky and a genuine New Yorker, but my life is rich because of Janice Caruso, who never fails to offer sound advice and support. I love her laughter.

Thanks to my husband, Herb Ludwig, who donned his tux and went to holiday parties alone, because I was “on a roll” with my writing. He has forever given me freedom along with his love.

—Barbara Pagano
Pensacola, Florida
July 2003 vii

I have deep respect and appreciation for my teacher, partner, and co-captain, Barbara Pagano, who also happens to be my mother. She’s been my coach—fee waived—for more than three decades.

Some from my past who inspired or taught me: Mary Hance, Tonnya Kennedy, Pat Embry, and especially Tim Tanton.

My dear friends, Dr. Gene Battles and Geoff Sobeck, were not only supportive company but filled my condo with tulips in the dead of an isolating winter. Betty Brooks is an adopted grandmother, and I thank her for cheering me on and caring for Smyrna, the cat. Special appreciation goes to Casey Hawley, for her wisdom and generous spirit. And for their constant interest and friendship, thanks to: Tammy Boland, Sam McPherson, Ingrid Baker, Tisa McMackin, Debi Bembenek, Beth Chaplin, Bruce Meyer, and my NAPC book club.

Love and thanks to Jerry Jordan for his care and laughter. Herb Ludwig’s support and encouragement, in everything I’ve ever done, have never waned. No stepfather could be a better friend.

I thank Cynthia Pagano for her good heart. And to my father, Ray Pagano: thank you for your example-of hard work and entrepreneurship and for the pride in your eyes.

—Elizabeth Pagano
Atlanta, Georgia
July 2003

About the Authors

Barbara Pagano, Ed.S., has coached more than 3,000 senior leaders and business owners to achieve lasting change in management behaviors for better results in organizations. As president of Executive Pathways, Pagano acts as an advisor, facilitator, and corporate leadership university faculty member to small businesses and Forture 100 companies like American Express, The Coca-Cola Company, AT&T, and Target.

Elizabeth Pagano has been an award-winning business reporter and columnist for a daily newspaper and numerous publications, covering a range of industries, decision-makers, and workplace issues of Fortune 500 corporations and small businesses. For more information, visit www.transparency edge.com.

To learn more about our consulting and coaching services and the instrument that measures leadership transparency and credibility, Transparency Edge 360™, please visit www.transparencyedge.com or reach us at:

Executive Pathways

Website: www.executivepathways.com
Email: info@executivepathways.com
Phone: 850-916-1129 or 888-865-0923

Assessment Plus, Inc.

Website: www.assessmentplus.com
Email: general@assessmentplus.com
Phone: 800-536-1470




The Transparency Edge. How Credibiltiy Can Make or Break You in Business
The Transparency Edge. How Credibiltiy Can Make or Break You in Business
ISBN: N/A
EAN: N/A
Year: 2004
Pages: 108

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