Welcome to the April 2015 edition of the Leadership Development Carnival. The College Basketball championship game will be played tonight.

Over the last few weeks, social media has been abuzz with people who wanted certain outcomes. They hoped favorite teams would win, a <em>cinderella</em> would emerge from the lower seeded teams, and in some cases, that friendly wagers would go their way.

No matter how much research you do or how fervently you hope for a certain outcome, reality tends to dish out different outcomes sometimes than the ones we want or hope for.

As leaders, we are constantly dealing with the equivalent of <strong>busted brackets</strong>. Management changes, or our strategic plan is rebuffed, or people simply don't perform the way we think they will.

We appreciate these 23 leaders who have incisive ideas about how to succeed when complications arise, and how to nurture teams who can then thrive.

<h3>Let's Get Started</h3>

<strong>Anna Farmery</strong> of <a href="http://www.theengagingbrand.com/" target="_blank">The Engaging Brand</a> contributed <a href="http://www.theengagingbrand.com/2015/03/point-of-difference.html" target="_blank">Define Your Point Of Difference Like Van Gogh</a>. She paints a compelling picture of the way to define your point of difference - what it is that makes you stand out. Find Anna on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/Engagingbrand" target="_blank">@engagingbrand</a>.
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<strong>Anne Perschel, Ph.D.</strong>, of <a href="http://germaneconsulting.com/" target="_blank">Germane Consulting</a> submitted <a href="http://germaneconsulting.com/women-redefine-leadership/" target="_blank">5 Ways Women Redefine Leadership</a>. She shares: "Women have improved and redefined leadership in a number of important ways, which men have also adopted. But women but get little credit for these contributions. Read this to change that. Follow Anne on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/bizshrink" target="_blank">@bizshrink</a>.
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<strong>Bruce Harpham</strong> of <a href="http://projectmanagementhacks.com/#sthash.Zeperxcx.dpbs" target="_blank">Project Management Hacks</a> submitted <a href="http://projectmanagementhacks.com/team-appreciation/#sthash.JfqVwSxt.dpbs" target="_blank">Why Showing Appreciation To Your Team Makes A Difference</a>. Bruce says, "Appreciation is a powerful leadership tool. Learn five different ways you can show appreciation to the people you work with. Your team will be happier and more productive as a result." Follow Bruce on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/PMPhacks" target="_blank">@PMPHacks</a>.
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<strong>Dan McCarthy</strong> of <a href="http://www.greatleadershipbydan.com/p/about-dan-mccarthy.html" target="_blank">Great Leadership</a> submitted <a href="http://management.about.com/od/managementskills/fl/How-to-Give-Feedback.htm" target="_blank">How To Give Feedback</a>. He reminds readers, "Feedback can be one of the most powerful ways to develop employees and improve performance," then asks, "so why are many managers so hesitant to give it?" Find Dan on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/greatleadership" target="_blank">@GreatLeadership</a>.
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<strong>Dana Theus</strong> of <a href="http://www.inpowerconsultingllc.com/" target="_blank">In Power Consulting</a> submitted <a href="http://www.inpowerconsultingllc.com/dealing-with-difficult-people/" target="_blank">Dealing With Difficult People</a>. In her article, Dana explores how relationships can improve by getting alignment on three areas: emotions, beliefs, and intentions & expectations. Follow Dana on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/DanaTheus" target="_blank">@danatheus</a>.
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<strong>David Couper</strong> of <a href="https://improvingpolice.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Improving Police</a> contributed <a href="https://improvingpolice.wordpress.com/2015/03/28/are-you-a-quality-leader/" target="_blank">Are You A Quality Leader?</a> David's article outlines 12 principles of quality leadership. Although his site is specific to law enforcement, you'll see how the principles can transfer to many areas of business.
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<strong>David Dye </strong>of <a href="http://trailblazeinc.com/" target="_blank">Trailblaze, Inc.</a>, shared <a href="http://trailblazeinc.com/resources/engage-newsletter/mar-2015/" target="_blank">10 Questions To Ask When No One Will Listen</a>. In this article, David reminds readers "If you’ve communicated something once, you haven’t communicated." The 10 suggested questions in the article help leaders to truly listen. Discover David on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/davidmdye" target="_blank">@davidmdye</a>.
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<strong>Jeff Harmon</strong> of <a href="http://brilliancewithincoaching.com/" target="_blank">Brilliance Within</a> contributed <a href="http://brilliancewithincoaching.com/servant-leadership/the-single-most-important-leadership-lesson" target="_blank">If I Could Only Teach One Leadership Lesson</a>. In this article, Jeff explains the crucial role of true listening. He continues, "Service can come in a variety of forms, but whatever form it takes, take great care to ensure that you’re genuine in your interest." You can locate Jeff on Twitter at<a href="https://twitter.com/jeffdharmon74" target="_blank"> @JeffDHarmon</a>.
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<strong>Jesse Lyn Stoner</strong> of the <a href="http://seapointcenter.com/" target="_blank">Seapoint Center</a> provided <a href="http://seapointcenter.com/situational-team-decision-making/" target="_blank">Collaboration Does Not Require Consensus</a>. Jesse summarized: "Pushing for consensus when it’s not needed actually makes collaboration more difficult. The best collaborative environments are situational in their approach to team decision-making." Follow Jesse on Twitter at <a href="http://twitter.com/JesseLynStoner" target="_blank">@JesseLynStoner</a>.
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<strong>Jim Taggart</strong> of <a href="http://changingwinds.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Changing Winds</a> submitted <a href="https://changingwinds.wordpress.com/2015/03/15/five-ways-to-serve-your-organization-and-build-your-leadership-skills/" target="_blank">Five Ways To Serve Your Organization & Build Your Leadership Skills</a>. Jim uses this article to discuss the five pursuits people should pursue in order to integrate the personal aspects of leadership growth with organizational needs. Find Jim on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/72keys" target="_blank">@72keys</a>.
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<strong>Joel Garfinkle</strong> of <a href="http://careeradvancementblog.com/" target="_blank">Career Advancement Blog</a> contributed <a href="http://careeradvancementblog.com/women-leadership-roles" target="_blank">Women In Leadership Roles: Are They Perceived Differently?</a>. Joel has some great tips, including "learn from successful role models or mentors." Find Joel on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/JoelGarfinkle" target="_blank">@JoelGarfinkle</a>.
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<strong>John Hunter</strong>, on behalf of the <a href="https://www.deming.org/" target="_blank">W. Edwards Deming Institute</a>, provided the podcast <a href="http://blog.deming.org/2015/03/transforming-the-organization-deming-podcast-with-david-langford/" target="_blank">Transforming The Organization - With David Langford</a>. In the podcast, David Langford emphasizes why it is best to focus where you actually can have influence and discusses the fact that to transform you need to change the system. Follow The Deming Institute on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/DemingInstitute" target="_blank">@DemingInstitute</a>.
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<strong>Jon Mertz</strong> of <a href="http://www.thindifference.com/" target="_blank">Thin Difference</a> sent <a href="http://www.thindifference.com/2015/03/the-uncomfortable-truths-about-generational-culture/" target="_blank">The Uncomfortable Truths About Generational Culture</a>. Jon continues: "Do we build bridges between generations and cultivate an environment where everyone can excel? To lead more fully, we must listen to diverse voices and engage different generations." Follow Jon on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/ThinDifference" target="_blank">@ThinDifference</a>.
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<strong>Julie Winkle Giulioni</strong> of <a href="http://www.juliewinklegiulioni.com/company/">Design Arounds</a> submitted <a href="http://www.juliewinklegiulioni.com/blog/career-matters/is-it-time-to-kill-off-career/" target="_blank">Is It Time To Kill Off Career?</a>. In this article, Julie asks, "Has the term career outlived its usefulness in today’s business lexicon and is its continued used threatening employee engagement?" Follow Julie on <a href="https://twitter.com/Julie_WG" target="_blank">@julie_wg</a>.
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<strong>Karin Hurt</strong> of <a href="http://letsgrowleaders.com/">Let's Grow Leaders</a> submitted <a href="http://letsgrowleaders.com/communication-listening/weak-ties/" target="_blank">5 Ways To Strengthen Trust With Weak Ties</a>. In her article, Karin encourages each of us to be that guy. Read the article to find out who that guy is and why they are so critical to true collaboration. Follow Karin on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/LetsGrowLeaders">@letsgrowleaders</a>.
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<strong>Linda Fisher Thornton</strong> of <a href="http://leadingincontext.com/">Leading In Context</a> contributed <a href="http://leadingincontext.com/2015/03/25/authenticleadership/" target="_blank">What Is Authentic Leadership?</a> She says: "I believe that 14 personal, interpersonal and societal dimensions together form what we think of as <em>authenticity</em>. They involve overcoming the internal and external barriers to living an intentional, aware and ethical life. See if you agree." Follow her on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/leadingincontxt">@Leadingincontxt</a>.
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<strong>Michael Lee Stallard </strong>of <a href="http://www.michaelleestallard.com/" target="_blank">Michael Lee Stallard</a> submitted <a href="http://www.michaelleestallard.com/how-leaders-can-identify-and-establish-core-values-that-connect" target="_blank">How Leaders Can Identify & Establish Core Values That Connect</a>. He asks, "If you asked your employees what the organization's core values are, could they tell you? Most cannot, which results in lower levels of connection and engagement." His article contains four steps that can help leaders to identify and establish core values that are meaningful and encourage connection across the entire organization. Follow Michael on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/michaelstallard" target="_blank">@michaelstallard</a>.
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<strong>Miki Saxon</strong> of <a href="http://mappingcompanysuccess.com/">Ramp Up Solutions, Inc.</a>, shared<a href="http://mappingcompanysuccess.com/2015/03/influence-persuasion-and-manipulation/" target="_blank"> Influence, Persuasion, and Manipulation</a>. In the article, Miki discusses Influence, persuasion, manipulation. Despite the various words used, each one still carries power, and calls for caution on the part of the person wielding it. Find Miki on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/OptionSanity" target="_blank">@OptionSanity</a>.
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<strong>Neal Burgis, Ph.D.</strong> of <a href="http://www.successful-solutions.com/">Burgis Successful Solutions</a> submitted <a href="http://www.successful-solutions.com/2015/03/25/beyond-the-obvious-to-create-breakthrough-results/" target="_blank">Beyond The Obvious To Create Breakthrough Results</a>. In this article, Neal discusses how organizations can innovate by harnessing the power of new ideas and "shifting gears into thrive." Find Neal on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/Exec_Solutions" target="_blank">@exec_solutions</a>.
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<strong>Randy Conley</strong> of <a href="http://www.leadingwithtrust.com/">Leading With Trust</a> submitted <a href="http://leadingwithtrust.com/2015/03/22/6-steps-to-leading-like-a-badass/" target="_blank">6 Steps To Leading Like a Badass</a>. Randy shares: "There’s a part of every leader that wants to be known as a badass, but being a badass leader isn’t exactly what you think it is." Follow Randy on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/RandyConley">@randyconley</a>.
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<strong>Robyn McLeod</strong> of <a href="http://chatsworthconsulting.com/" target="_blank">Chatsworth Consulting Group</a> presented <a href="http://chatsworthconsulting.com/2015/03/19/eight-tips-for-having-that-difficult-conversation-with-your-boss" target="_blank">Eight Tips for Having That Difficult Conversation With Your Boss</a> from <a href="http://chatsworthconsulting.com/thoughtful-leaders/" target="_blank">The Thoughtful Leaders Blog</a> where she shares that while having a difficult conversation with your boss is never easy, taking the plunge can pay off in a big way if you follow a few simple tips for making it a productive discussion. Follow Thoughtful Leaders on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/ThoughtfulLdrs/" target="_blank">@ThoughtfulLdrs</a>.
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<strong>S. Chris Edmonds</strong> of <a href="http://drivingresultsthroughculture.com/" target="_blank">The Purposeful Culture Group</a> contributed <a href="http://drivingresultsthroughculture.com/one-companys-values-journey/" target="_blank">One Company's Values Journey</a>. In sharing this article, Chris explains: "I love learning about values-aligned organizations. Here’s my interview with <a href="https://twitter.com/MarkSFernandes" target="_blank">Mark S. Fernandes</a>, Chief Leadership Officer of the Luck Companies, on their evolution to embracing Values Based Leadership." Follow Chris on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/scedmonds" target="_blank">@scedmonds</a>.
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<strong>Susan Mazza </strong>of <a href="http://randomactsofleadership.com/" target="_blank">Random Acts Of Leadership</a> submitted <a href="http://randomactsofleadership.com/recognizing-leadership-in-action/" target="_blank">Recognizing Leadership In Action</a>. Susan asks us to consider the people we are around every day, then to look for acts of leadership we can recognize in them. She notes: "Great leaders become great by taking one act of leadership at a time over time." Find Susan on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/SusanMazza" target="_blank">@susanmazza</a>.
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<strong>Tanveer Naseer </strong>of <a href="http://www.tanveernaseer.com/about/" target="_blank">Tanveer Naseer Leadership</a> submitted <a href="http://www.tanveernaseer.com/transforming-our-leadership-from-getting-to-giving/" target="_blank">Why Successful Leaders Focus On Giving Over Getting</a>. In this article, Tanveer shares a story of a comedian and how he made a mental shift from "not looking to take, but looking for an opportunity to give." Follow Tanveer on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/TanveerNaseer" target="_blank">@TanveerNaseer</a>.
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<strong>Wally Bock</strong> of <a href="https://www.envisialearning.com/" target="_blank">Envisia Learning</a> sent <a href="http://blog.envisialearning.com/leadership-development-fat-smoker/" target="_blank">Leadership Development & The Fat Smoker</a>. In this article, Wall observes, "In other words, everybody talks about leadership development, but hardly anyone does anything." He encourages the reason this may be the case, and encourages us to "Stop just talking about leadership development and start doing something about it." Follow Wally on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/wallybock" target="_blank">@wallybock</a>

<h3>Until Next Time</h3>

We appreciate everyone who submitted articles for this month's carnival. We are pleased to announce that <a href="http://randomactsofleadership.com/about-the-author/" target="_blank">Susan Mazza</a> of <a href="http://randomactsofleadership.com/" target="_blank">Random Acts of Leadership</a> will be hosting the May Leadership Development Carnival. We will send submission details later this month.

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