LEADERSHIP for the Future ~ DINOSAURS from the Past: Discovering dynamic leadership competencies for times ahead. Reflecting on unique dinosaur behaviors of the prehistoric era.

By Paul E. Fein

Leadership is a life-long learning journey. This book is about leadership for the future, and some discoveries into dinosaurs of the past. Read and experience an authentic leadership voyage that encourages deep self-reflection as a personal growth and development process. Effective and impactful trusted leaders need to energize people and organizations based on personal connections, technical competencies, and intellectual capabilities.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Outskirts Press
• Release date: Jan 27, 2023
• ISBN: 9781977261618

Paul E. Fein

The author of: LEADERSHIP for the Future - DINOSAURS from the Past Paul E. Fein General Background  As part of a life-long learning journey, Paul has had many outstanding and diverse career experiences as well as several educational growth accomplishments.  He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, a Masters-in-Education & Chemistry, and a Masters-in-Management.  He has had a very interesting professional life based on his exceptional dedication and creative contributions in both the educational and business worlds. Professional Career  Paul has always been fully committed to the development and growth of people.  He has built his personal competencies and business acumen through many different learning paths, from teaching chemistry to marketing management within the technical manufacturing sector.  Before establishing his current executive development and coaching consulting practice, he was a dynamic business leader in human resources and in global management learning areas, specific to medical device products and the patient outcome world.  He has supported and helped drive critical corporate initiatives that focused on organizational employee engagement, corporate employer branding, and executive leadership development.  Paul has always continued his personal growth in management and leadership competencies by doing extensive post-graduate programs at University of Southern California, Harvard Law, Cornell University, and Copenhagen Business School.  He achieved his coaching certification at the Hudson Institute of Santa Barbara, California. Current Practice  Besides being an author of over 80 leadership and development articles, he is also the author of a book entitled The Chemistry of LEADERSHIP: A Self-Discovery Formula to Finding the Leader in You.  He is the Managing Leader & Director of the IDD Leadership Group LLC – New York.  He custom-crafts and facilitates leadership workshops and provides executive coaching.  His personal philosophy is to INSPIRE innovative imagination, DRIVE ideas into actions, and DELIVER strategic growth – always focused on enhancing individual and organizational effectiveness, and on growing leadership self-awareness based on human chemistry.

Book preview

LEADERSHIP for the Future DINOSAURS from the Past

Discovering dynamic leadership competencies for times ahead. Reflecting on unique dinosaur behaviors of the prehistoric era.

All Rights Reserved.

Copyright © 2023 Paul E. Fein

v2.0

The opinions expressed in this manuscript are solely the opinions of the author and do not represent the opinions or thoughts of the publisher. The author has represented and warranted full ownership and/or legal right to publish all the materials in this book.

This book may not be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in whole or in part by any means, including graphic, electronic, or mechanical without the express written consent of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Outskirts Press, Inc.

http://www.outskirtspress.com

ISBN: 978-1-9772-6161-8

Cover Photo © 2023 Paul E. Fein. All rights reserved - used with permission.

Outskirts Press and the OP logo are trademarks belonging to Outskirts Press, Inc.

PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

ENDORSEMENTS

Praise for ……….

LEADERSHIP for the Future DINOSAURS from the Past

Leaders are connectors, trust builders, optimistic drivers, and influencers.

A fascinating and impactful read all about forward-thinking leadership. It covers such a great breath of leadership competencies from empathy and active listening through to strategic thinking. I love the insights gleaned from dinosaur’s past….it’s relatable and powerful!

Rachael Forsberg – London, UK

Leadership Coach / Principal Consultant

Mental Health Facilitator

Amidst the COVID Pandemic, great resignation, remote work movement, gig economy, and generational turnover, today’s workforce is transforming at an incredible rate. Paul’s illustrative approach using dinosaurs not only explains the fundamentals of people-focused leadership but also challenges us with evolutionary ideas that are critical for our survival as leaders while having some fun.

Mark Rider – Rochester, New York

VanArsdale Chair of Entrepreneurship

State University of NY at Geneseo

"Make no bones about it, leadership-guru Paul Fein has developed another innovative approach to leadership theory in his new book. Short of an asteroid hitting the earth and ruining your day, you’re going to want to immerse yourself and assimilate the adaptive leadership behaviors modeled in LEADERSHIP for the Future DINOSAURS from the PAST."

Gerry Broski – Michigan, USA

Marketing Strategist – FounderTraction

I have had the privilege of reading many of Paul’s articles and his first leadership book. I value perhaps most of all is his dedicated passion for the art of leadership. Paul’s writings are a source of motivation for anyone who wants to inspire people and provide opportunities to grow together – as a company, community, or family.

Sylwia Valleberger – Gothenburg, Sweden

Product Support Manager – Endoscopy

Surgical Workflows – Getinge Group

"Metaphors are beasts, and in his new book LEADERSHIP for the Future DINOSAURS from the Past, Paul Fein reconstructs powerful new leadership models from the bones, sinews, and behaviors of the various giant reptiles who once ruled the earth. Present-day and emerging leaders, dodging meteors on their own organizational planets, would do well to heed Paul’s lessons."

Kevin Limback – California, USA

Vice President of Operations and

Customer Service (Retired)

TaylorMade Golf Company

In rapidly changing times like these, Paul Fein brilliantly articulates the fundamentals of effective and adaptive leadership, highlighting the importance of attentive listening, clear communication, a sense of purpose and mission, genuine collaboration, resilience and accountability. A clear contrast is made between new, adaptive and evolving leadership thinking and old school" management, with a strong focus on emotional intelligence and its principles which can be successfully used in both our personal and professional lives.

John A. Saavedra - San Francisco, USA

Senior Director of International Business

Mizuho Orthopedics Systems Inc.

THANKS and APPRECIATION

A very big THANKS to my wonderful grandsons !

Jack and Sam

Both led me into the interesting world of dinosaurs !

A sincere APPRECIATION for the great feedback communication regarding my globally distributed articles on leadership, learning & development, and coaching.

A special thanks to Creative Director,

Emma Reichert-Pasterick for the dino-mite

book cover design.

A Personal Acknowledgement

I have collaboratively worked and engaged with many exceptional individuals as well as truly outstanding global leaders during my career of over fifty years. The dedication and commitment by all of these wonderful connections have been amazing in driving creative business performance, in enhancing strategic employee motivation, and in inspiring incredible organizational leadership. Many of my diverse competencies and personal skills have been founded on the significant differences and abilities of these magnificent individuals and long-term relationships. All of these suburb connections have helped grow my life and successes throughout my life-long learning journey.

Table of Contents

PREFACE to the Leadership Learning Journey

A book about leadership……..for the future!

And…..a book with some insights into dinosaurs of the past!

Chapter ONE - People-Focused Leadership

An Introduction and Clear Purpose

Chapter TWO - Self-Aware CONNECTOR Leadership

Leaders as People Connectors and Self-Discovery Humans

Chapter THREE - Dynamic LISTENER Leadership

Leaders as Active Listeners and Feedback Providers

Chapter FOUR - Coach MOTIVATOR Leadership

Leaders as Coaching and Motivating Developers

Chapter FIVE - Relationship COLLABORATOR Leadership

Leaders as Team Builders and Collaborative Partners

Chapter SIX - Behavioral INFLUENCER Leadership

Leaders as Impactful Mentor and People Influencer

Chapter SEVEN - Courageous DRIVER Leadership

Leaders as Strategic Thinkers and Action Drivers

Chapter EIGHT - Critical DECISION-MAKER Leadership

Leaders as Empowering Analyzers and Problem Solvers

Chapter NINE - Passionate COMMUNICATOR Leadership

Leaders as Inspiring Innovators and Creative Communicators

Chapter TEN - Trusted VALUE DRIVER Leadership

Leaders as Organizational Culture Builders and Vision Drivers

Chapter ELEVEN - Focused CHANGE PLANNER Leadership

Leaders as Drivers of Practices and Time Management

Chapter TWELVE - Positive RESULTS SUSTAINER Leadership

Leaders as Builders of Financial Successes and Strategic Results

Chapter THIRTEEN - Closing Wisdom

Reflective Thoughts on People-Focused Leadership

Closing Thoughts and Wisdom

Chapter References

Leadership and Dinosaurs – Discoveries and Reflection

Dinosaurs may have had different leadership skills and capabilities.

Self-aware connectors

Quiet sharing listeners

Exciting leading motivators

Friendly team collaborators

Influencing mentors

Aggressively action strategists

Problem solving empowerers

Dynamic inspiring communicators

Positive enhancing value drivers

Trusted change planners

Successful results builders

Leaders also have a diversity of personal insights, technical competencies, and intellectual capabilities that serve as the foundation for effective as well as impactful leadership.

Leaders need to be (like dinosaurs) …………

Authentic Connectors

Building relationships as well as teams with confidence and realism.

Trust Builders

Building respect and trust with open communication as well as personal integrity.

Optimistic Drivers

Building motivators to achieve strategic goals and an inspiring vision.

True Influencers

Building strong contributors that can significantly energize performance

PREFACE

to the Leadership Learning Journey

A book about leadership……..for the future!

And…..a book with some insights into dinosaurs of the past!

An effective and impactful future leader must have many key characteristics and competencies. All leaders must be honest and have high levels of integrity. With a spirit of optimism and ability to adapt to change, future leaders must always connect with people and communicate with sincerity. They must use wisdom, experiences, and intellectual insights to drive actions, to encourage risk-taking, and to achieve the established vision. So, all leaders need to be capable of leading organizations through times of crises and uncertainty, being self-confident during chaos, and never losing the focus on people with trusting compassion and truthful authenticity.

It is clear that the business world is evolving drastically and changing every day. Therefore, enhancing impactful leadership, is building on positive relationships and unique partnerships, always finding opportunities for creative future growth, gaining a bright future. There must be a utilization of smiles to drive happiness and to establish ways to forget the past…all representing what impactful leadership is founded on for meaningful dynamics. There is a need for personal flexibility along with the employment of new technologies to effectively influence an evolving workforce as well as the workplace environment.

Impactful leaders need to foster a culture of learning and growth, always focused on people and the development of talent specific to new skills and stronger capabilities. They are drivers of organizational changes and business transformations, all that can inspire and motivate employees, build deeper relationships along with empowered individuals. Leaders and learners can grow through coaching activities and mentoring engagements, influencing performance and organizational outcomes as well as navigating challenges with improved competencies. And leaders need to always recognize achievements to enhance commitment for improvements along with the building of confidence. An empowered workforce can improve skills and boost innovative strengths to achieve successes and valued contributions.

Yes, leaders are now operating and managing in a new business and people world, all requiring deeper and personal self-awareness. Growing leadership competencies as well as soft skills clearly are critical components of the continuous learning journey. Leaders need to always enhance functional knowledge, strategic and insightful thinking, and flexibility as well as adaptability to address demanding business decisions. There must be an exceptional acceptance of innovative technologies and inspiring processes that have become more complex yet energizing.

So, leaders need to be more forward in thinking and have a willingness to address challenges that can impact operational performance as well as political and economic environmental systems. They need to embrace long-term profitability and financial successes, along with optimistic decision-making that can potentially change global issues. There is always a need to be adaptable and resilient with transforming policies and unfolding social situations.

Leaders need to clearly help build organizational direction and to cultivate critical values as well as personal life purpose and wisdom.

They can enhance the meaning of work and make employees stronger as well as appreciated contributors.

They can impact emotional relationships and drive truly motivational actions based on a well-defined direction.

They can energize creative as well as innovative thinking and even encourage the exploration of frustrating areas with challenges.

Paleontologists are scientists that have helped understand the historical and archeological dynamics of dinosaurs and that have impacted the insights into the varieties of species from the discovered fossils. Based on a diverse geological and chemistry educational background, these scientists have created a research foundation for their professional in-depth understanding and discoveries about dinosaurs and their possible interactive activities million of years ago. Investigations have built critical thinking regarding hypothesis insights and analysis. These investigators and researchers have helped create an understanding of an incredibly old society and provide greater knowledge in the historical dinosaur life on Earth.

Dinosaurs were amazing species roughly 245 million years ago, ranging from marine to vertebrate terrestrial predators and primitive creatures. These unique animals were large and small. A competitive nature helped generate positions in the survival chain. They continuously evolved dramatically from plant-eating dinosaurs to herbivores with digestive tracts. Mouths and jaw motion became more sophisticated to handle a greater diversity of foods. And these incredible creatures ranged in size, probably based on a special predatory focus. These outstanding animals evolved over time based on their sizes as well as key abilities. The tremendous diversity made these extinct primitive predators exceptional life drivers, by having horns, fins, and eccentric structures that enhanced behavioral interactions.

Dinosaur names are often made up of combinations of Latin and Greek words. The use of mega defined huge animals, and rex as kings. Raptors are robbers. And a dinosaur name with bronto is actually meaning thunder. All of these powerful dinosaurs were potentially intimidating predators as well as exceptionally different looking creatures. And these powerful and strong leaders were vicious creatures. Pteranodons had huge and sword-like beaks, and always showed aggressive behaviors. Allosaurauses were hunters in packs, and ocean beasts, eating sharks as snacks. They created a scary ocean environment and were inspirers by demonstrating clear power. Tyrannosaur Rex was a dinosaur that created fear and excitement, even though they were not the biggest or fastest carnivores.

So, dinosaurs may have been outstanding in their individual ways based on many of their behavioral aspects and specific capabilities.

Being good communicators and connectors with other dinosaurs

Being strong and powerful

Being friendly and kind to other dinosaurs

Being happy and peaceful

Being confident and believing in themselves

Being smart and having great insights

Being difficult and challenging, and not always nice to other dinosaurs

Being resilient and able to handle difficult situations

Being good listeners and engaging with other dinosaurs

Being truly team oriented as well as collaborative

The Book Structure and Flow

This book is composed of thirteen chapters that builds connections to the leadership learning journey and that provides tremendous insights into specific understanding of leadership capabilities and competencies. This is a true leadership discovery voyage that encourages deep self-reflection as a personal growth and development process.

Chapter One

This chapter sets the stage for the following twelve chapters. It provides some descriptions into the background of prehistoric times and the foundation for forward-thinking leadership dynamics as well as human inspiration.

Effective, agile, and innovative leaders are evolving organizational cultures with a focus on high-performance excellence.

Chapter Two

This chapter examines how future leaders must connect with people and be humanistic with empathy. Self-awareness encourages self-discoveries as interactive leaders.

The dinosaur connector is Spinosaurus.

Being a self-aware dinosaur that likes to be with other dinosaurs…..

Chapter Three

This chapter reviews the critical factors of being a leader with true active listening skills and the importance of enhancing relationships through communication feedback with purpose and focus.

The dinosaur listener is Stegosaurus.

Being a sharing dinosaur that likes to be quiet and lets other dinosaurs make noises…..

Chapter Four

This chapter looks at leaders as coaches and motivators. It also examines leaders as learning developers of people that can drive successful organizational strategies and goal achievements.

The dinosaur motivator is Tyrannosaurus.

Being a coaching and motivating dinosaur that likes to be number one and lead other dinosaurs…..

Chapter Five

This chapter addresses the critical importance of growing relationships and partnerships. Impactful leaders must also be effective teambuilders and enhancers of collaboratively functional teams.

The dinosaur collaborator is Deinonychus.

Being a relationship dinosaur that likes to be with others as a team member and a friend…..

Chapter Six

This chapter explores the power of leaders as authentic people influencers and interactive mentors, helping to develop employee abilities and happiness.

The dinosaur mentor is Argentinosaurus.

Being an influencing dinosaur that likes to show other dinosaurs how to do things…..

Chapter Seven

This chapter identifies the importance for leaders to be courageous action drivers as well as strategic thinkers that can produce valuable and successful business outcomes.

The dinosaur action strategist is Allosaurus.

Being a driving and action-oriented dinosaur that likes being out front and even aggressive…..

Chapter Eight

This chapter looks at the competencies of leaders for solving problems and analyzing situations to find beneficial solutions. Decision-making leadership drives clear goals and actions with the real decision process.

The dinosaur empowerer is Baryonyx.

Being a problem-solving dinosaur that likes to follow the rules to getting things done…..

Chapter Nine

This chapter identifies the importance of creative leadership communication and engaging messaging. Leaders need to be inspiring innovators based on diverse thinking and imaginative idea creations.

The dinosaur communicator is Coelophysis.

Being an inspiring and innovative dinosaur that likes to make noises and talk …..

Chapter Ten

This chapter reviews the dynamics of leaders defining core values and creating a culture based on strategies and a passion for successful results. Key for focused leaders is to energize the collaboration and openness with people that can enhance trust based on diversity and propelling vision.

The dinosaur value driver is Pteranodon.

Being a dinosaur that likes building a positive and dynamic world…..

Chapter Eleven

This chapter examines the success factors and practices of leaders managing changes associated with all aspects of planning and time management. Key is to always embrace as well as develop agile and dynamic organizations.

The dinosaur planner is Triceratops.

Being a dinosaur that is liked and trusted to drive change as well as new things…..

Chapter Twelve

This chapter focuses on leaders being drivers