“Education has been critical. First at Kansas and then at Harvard Business School. It helped me build the confidence that I could go out and do things in the world. It taught me to put myself in the shoes of a decision maker and figure out what I would do if I were in his/her shoes. This is why I am a big believer in education as a foundation for reaching your unique potential.” WorldSchoolDecisionUniqueBeliever Author:Robert S. Kaplan
“Why do leaders fail? Isolation and inability to learn. They are afraid to express doubt, admit vulnerability or seek advice from subordinates. Leaders must actively work to seek feedback and a reality check. They must be open to asking questions and framing issues. As the world becomes more complex and global, the risk of isolation becomes greater. The need for leaders to be open to learning becomes greater. Great leaders will need to ask the right questions and balance inquiry with advocacy.” WorldRealityLeaderDoubtFailingRiskAdviceBalanceVulnerabilityIsolationFeedbackGreat LeaderAdvocacyFraming Author:Robert S. Kaplan
“There are three main areas of focus: vision, priorities and alignment. It is critical to articulate a clear vision - how do we add value based on what key competences? Some leaders fail to be clear enough or fail to update the vision based on changes in their industry and in the world.” WorldEnoughValuesLeaderVisionFocusFailingPrioritiesCompetenceAlignment Author:Robert S. Kaplan
“You're changing, the world is changing, and your hopes and aspirations are regularly being updated. That's why I say this is a life long struggle - for everybody.” WorldLongStruggleAspirationChanging The WorldLong Life Author:Robert S. Kaplan
“Rather than the word career, I prefer to discuss how you make a positive I pact on the world. This could mean raising your children, professional activities, non-profit work, or various other actions you take that impact others. I have found that, at all ages, people want to be needed and play a role in impacting the world.” PeopleWorldMeanChildrenAgeActionOur ChildrenVariousYour ChildrenPact Author:Robert S. Kaplan
“The vision must be realistic - it has to be based on clear distinctive competencies. Again, what would the world lose if you didn't exist? A vision is very powerful because it gives you a basis to judge every action you take. Every action should be viewed through the prism of whether it furthers the vision.” WorldGivingActionPowerfulVisionJudgingRealisticVery Powerful Author:Robert S. Kaplan
