What a terrific impact Jim Collins' outstanding book, Good to Great has had upon our society!

Curriculum Director and Apple Distinguished Educator, Trang Lai from Orange County, CA, is featured in a thorough, provocative review of Collins' book. I know you will gain new insights as you hear her review. But, rather than just listening passively to this episode, I suggest that you do the following:

• Take good notes, making sure you capture the key points
• Write down any questions and/or comments
• Send them to the Think Like A Leader offices.
• Contact me if you would like to submit an audio file containing your comments on either the book or the review
• Let me hear from you (can you tell I really want your feedback and input???)

If you don't yet have your own copy of Good to Great, here is a link where you can find it:

I strongly encourage you to submit your comments and/or questions so we can use them in a future episode. No doubt, many of you have instituted some Good to Great principles in your school, company, or community. So, I encourage you to participate by sending in your material to the podcast -- or, at least, leave a comment at the end of this blog posting.

You can contribute to this podcast in any of the following ways:

• Email me <-- (click on the link)
• Podcast hotline: 206/984-3136
• Leave comments by using the link shown below

If you have not done so already, please subscribe to this podcast so you can receive all episodes automatically.

This exciting episode features a compelling interview with Dr. Evangeline Stefanakis, renowned author of Multiple Intelligences and Portfolios: A Window into the Learners Mind (link to the book is shown below).

This interview was recorded in Atlanta, Georgia during the National Educational Computing Conference in late June, 2007, immediately following a presentation I had just finished co-presenting with Dr. Gordon Dahlby of West Des Moines, Iowa. Dr. Stefanakis joined me at the front of the room for this chat, so I pulled out my iPod, connected the Belkin stereo microphone, and began recording. I am so impressed with all the things I learned from Dr. Stefanakis, as well as the inspiration and provocative energy she imparted for all listeners to this podcast.

Now, as you listen to the recording, here's how you can help:

• Make notes
• Write down your questions and comments
• Send them in to the Think Like A Leader offices.
• Contact me if you would like to be interviewed on this topic for a future session -- or if you can recommend an expert in this area.
• Let me hear from you (can you tell I really want your feedback and input???)

If you would like to contact Dr. Stefanakis, remember that she will be moving to Boston University, effective August 1, 2007. Thus, the BC address is the one I provide in the link here. If you wish to contact her at Teachers College, Columbia University, she gives that email address in the podcast episode.

She mentioned several books that are recommended to 21st Century Leaders:

I encourage you to send in your comments and/or questions so we can use them in a future episode. I know that many of you have compelling stories that will interface well with the content of these three episodes. So, I encourage you to participate by sending in your material.

You can contribute to this podcast in any of the following ways:

• Email me <-- (click on the link)
• Podcast hotline: 206/984-3136
• Leave comments by using the link shown below

If you have not done so already, please subscribe to this podcast so you can receive all episodes automatically.

The final installment of our 3-part series devoted to: How Leaders Deal with Adversity.

Episode Feature: Vickie Ramsey's Bout with Breast Cancer

Panelists included:

• Dr. Sam Pace, MD -- a noted gastroenterologist in Tupelo, MS
• Dr. Mary Pace, MD -- a physician who has her own private practice and who deals often with traumatic conditions (also, Dr. Sam Pace's wife)
• Vickie Ramsey -- an instructor at Northeast Mississippi Community College. She also has authored a book, Humor 'n Healing about her experience with breast cancer.
• Kristi Brown -- a popular speaker, author, and life coach. Kristi's book, To Walk on Fertile Ground: Extraordinary Living through Infertility and Cancer, is just hot off the press.

The original recording took place in December 2006; however, the entire program lasted for almost 1.5 hours. So, I split it into three parts.

I encourage you to send in your comments and/or questions so we can use them in a future episode. I know that many of you have compelling stories that will interface well with the content of these three episodes. So, I encourage you to participate by sending in your material.

You can contribute to this podcast in any of the following ways:

• Email me <-- (click on the link)
• Podcast hotline: 206/984-3136
• Leave comments by using the link shown below

If you have not done so already, please subscribe to this podcast so you can receive all episodes automatically.

Note: Please pardon the audio quality on these three episodes. When I set up the microphones for this group recording, I made a couple of wrong connections into the mixer; therefore, Dr. Mary Pace was not mic'ed correctly, nor was I. Then, when I finished the first run of post-production, I ran the audio file through the program, Levelator, so it would balance everything. Well, it did a pretty good job; however, you will hear some "dips" during the program when nobody is speaking. Therefore, please pardon these errors of mine. Just listen to the content and don't focus too much on the technical aspects, please.

This episode is Part Two of the 3-part program during which I interviewed four outstanding local leaders. Our topic for the discussion was How Leaders Deal with Adversity. Each panelist is particularly well-qualified to speak about this matter.

Episode Feature: Kristi Brown's Bout with Cancer

Panelists included:

• Dr. Sam Pace, MD -- a noted gastroenterologist in Tupelo, MS
• Dr. Mary Pace, MD -- a physician who has her own private practice and who deals often with traumatic conditions (also, Dr. Sam Pace's wife)
• Vickie Ramsey -- an instructor at Northeast Mississippi Community College. She also has authored a book, Humor 'n Healing about her experience with breast cancer.
• Kristi Brown -- a popular speaker, author, and life coach. Kristi's book, To Walk on Fertile Ground: Extraordinary Living through Infertility and Cancer, is just hot off the press.

The original recording took place in December 2006; however, the entire program lasted for almost 1.5 hours. So, I have split it into three parts. Part Three will follow this episode in approximately one week.

As you listen to this episode, I encourage you to make notes, then send in your comments and/or questions so we can use them in a future episode. I know that many of you have compelling stories that will interface well with the content of these three episodes. So, I encourage you to participate by sending in your material.

You can contribute to this podcast in any of the following ways:

• Email me <-- (click on the link)
• Podcast hotline: 206/984-3136
• Leave comments by using the link shown below

If you have not done so already, please subscribe to this podcast so you can receive all episodes automatically.

Many thanks to all of you who are such valuable subscribers and contributors to this podcast. I simply cannot do it without you. You just have to be the very best audience in all of "podcast-dom" -- I just know it!

Note: Please pardon the audio quality on these three episodes. When I set up the microphones for this group recording, I made a couple of wrong connections into the mixer; therefore, Dr. Mary Pace was not mic'ed correctly, nor was I. Then, when I finished the first run of post-production, I ran the audio file through the program, Levelator, so it would balance everything. Well, it did a pretty good job; however, you will hear some "dips" during the program when nobody is speaking. Therefore, please pardon these errors of mine. Just listen to the content and don't focus too much on the technical aspects, please.

Recently, I had the privilege of convening a panel of individuals who are recognized locally as strong leaders to discuss the important topic, How Leaders Deal with Adversity. This was a most informative and provocative interview.

Panelists included:

• Dr. Sam Pace, MD -- a noted gastroenterologist in Tupelo, MS
• Dr. Mary Pace, MD -- a physician who has her own private practice and who deals often with traumatic conditions (also, Dr. Sam Pace's wife)
• Vickie Ramsey -- an instructor at Northeast Mississippi Community College. She also has authored a book, Humor 'n Healing, about her experience with breast cancer.
• Kristi Brown -- a popular speaker, author, and life coach. Kristi's book, To Walk on Fertile Ground: Extraordinary Living through Infertility and Cancer, is just hot off the press. You'll want to email Kristi and request a book, ask a question, or make a comment.

The original recording took place in December 2006; however, the entire program lasted for almost 1.5 hours. So, I have split it into three parts. Parts 2 and 3 will follow this episode approximately one week apart.

As you listen to this episode, I encourage you to make notes, then send in your comments and/or questions so we can use them in a future episode. I know that many of you have compelling stories that will interface well with the content of these three episodes. So, I encourage you to participate by sending in your material.

You can contribute to this podcast in any of the following ways:

• Email me <-- (click on the link)
• Podcast hotline: 206/984-3136
• Leave comments by using the link shown below

If you have not done so already, please subscribe to this podcast so you can receive all episodes automatically.

Many thanks to all of you who are such valuable subscribers and contributors to this podcast. I simply cannot do it without you. You just have to be the very best audience in all of "podcast-dom" -- I just know it!

Note: Please pardon the audio quality on these three episodes of this program. When I set up the microphones for this group recording, I made a couple of wrong connections into the mixer; therefore, Dr. Mary Pace was not mic'ed correctly, nor was I. Then, when I finished the first run of post-production, I ran the audio file through the program, Levelator, so it would balance everything. Well, it did a pretty good job; however, you will hear some "dips" during the program when nobody is speaking. Therefore, please pardon these errors of mine. Just listen to the content, please.

Great leaders often do the small things in big ways. And, many times, this means they do "just a little bit more" than is required. That's what gives them the competitive edge over their competition--that razor's edge!

In this episode, we discuss just a few recommendations that, while seemingly small, can make all the difference in our success:

• Greet others first
• Smile!
• Be courteous
• Offer help before it's sought
• Send cards or letters to offer a word of encouragement, thanks, etc.
• Return phone calls promptly
• Check your email messages to ensure that they aren't harsh or could be misinterpreted
• Read Good to Great by Jim Collins and Psychology of Winning by Denis Waitley. These are just two of the many books I consider essential in a leader's library. Remember, "all leaders are readers."
• Seek ways to make others' jobs easier and faster
• Value others' opinions
• Apologize if wrong has been done. True/effective leaders take personal responsibility for their errant actions.

If you have not done so already, please subscribe to this podcast so you can receive all episodes automatically. Then, please feel free to send your comments and suggestions by one of the following methods:

• Email: larry@nctp.com
• Podcast hotline: 206/984-3136
• Leave comments by using the link shown below

Recently, I conducted a brief survey of technology coordinators and leaders in 3 states. My purpose was to ask them these questions:

1. Do you block iTunes in your school? (followed by, if so, why not?)

2. Do you allow students to bring iPods to school?

There were a couple more related questions, but the main focus of the survey was to determine to what extent iTunes and iPods are a part of the planned school learning environment.

I'll bet you can predict the responses.

So....what do you think they said? Let me hear from you. You can either shoot me an audio file (MP3 would be great), a voice mail or fax to my hotline number (206/984-3136), or email me.

After you send me some feedback, I will respond with the results. I am open to suggestions from you on how I can expand this survey to more states and/or countries, as well.

Until next time.....be safe!

My guest this episode is Sheriff Jim Johnson from Lee County, Mississippi (my home of Tupelo is in Lee County). As you will hear in this episode, there is another famous person who was born in Tupelo and Sheriff Johnson has some connections to this person's family.

During our conversation in Sheriff Johnson's office, he outlined several aspects of what makes an effective leader. He gives several examples of how these principles have been put into action in his life.

Links to some of the resources he recommends are given below:

• Cops-n-Kids -- a program that collects children's books, then distributes them to children living in abused, neglected circumstances.
• Max Lucado's book, In the Eye of the Storm

Sheriff Johnson invites any listeners who have ideas, suggestions, or questions to email him. Or, you may call his office at 1-662-841-9040

If you have not done so already, please subscribe to this podcast so you can receive all episodes automatically. Then, please feel free to send your comments and suggestions by one of the following methods:

• Email: larry@nctp.com
• Podcast hotline: 206/984-3136
• Leave comments by using the link shown below