Sometimes Leadership Means Saying "No" ...

Saying "no" as a leader can be a smart move.

Especially if your company is attempting to take on a well-established giant.

Take Dell Computers, for example. Reuters News reports that Dell has plans to take on the ever-popular Apple ipod. From a story based on a Wall Street Journal report,

"... the music player which Dell has been testing features a small navigation screen and basic button controls to scroll through music play lists, the Journal reported."

The story recalls Dell's previous failed attempts at leveraging the MP3 market:

"[Dell's device] would connect to online music services via a Wi-Fi Internet connection, and Dell would likely price the model at less than $100, the Journal said. Dell's first foray into the music market in 2003 was a huge disappointment. It withdrew from the music-player market after its DJ Ditty player failed to make major inroads."

I am predicting that this will be another failed attempt on Dell's part. There is little to separate their new MP3 player from the ipod, except for pricepoint. The mp3 market is already saturated with players in the $50 - $150 USD range.

With little to distinguish their product, I would have encouraged Dell's leadership to have said "no" to this project.

Time will tell.

Mindfulness on the Outer Banks ... a complimentary download.

Mindfulness -- the ability to powerfully attend to the present moment -- is an important skill for every leader.

I recently had the opportunity to spend some time vacationing on the beautiful Outer Banks in North Carolina. During my vacation I was able to spend some time being mindful on the beach near Duck, North Carolina.

I recorded two mindfulness coaching sessions for leaders that I'm making available here. Both session were recorded right on the North Carolina beaches in Duck, so you'll hear the rolling surf and the wind and even a sea bird or two calling out as they fly overhead.

You are welcome to download either version and keep it in your iPod or other mp3 player for those times when you are stressed out as a leader. Also, please feel free to share these mindfulness moments with friends, co-workers and colleagues.

Short Version:
This version is about 2 minutes in length. Perfect for those times in-between meetings when you need an emotional boost. Download it here.

Long Version:
This version is about 15 minutes total. It's perfect for your morning commute or when you are waiting for that delayed flight. Download it here.

Enjoy!