For intelligent and humorous relief from the insanities of the business world (and the personal world) keep in touch with Kenny The Monk. His latest post, “Authentic Leadership and Disobedience” is a prime example of how he helps us to navigate through life’s puzzles and contradictions. Like, when do you break the rules?

“Doing what you’re told is not always good.  Breaking the rules is not always bad.  There is something sacred about differing with those in authority when the reason is right.  There are higher guiding principles than financial success, political re-election and corporate expansion.  When in our heart we know something’s wrong, we cannot collude.  Even though our personal aspirations may get temporarily burned at the stake, we must speak up.”

Part 5 of Managing by Harold Geneen deals with leadership.

“No one really manages a business by shuffling the numbers or rearranging organizational charts or applying the latest business school formula. What you manage in business is people.”

Leadership is the most important ingredient for success. The top three are:

1. Quality of leadership
2. Climate of growth and opportunity, freed from fear and insecurity, and supported by open, free, and honest communication up and down the ranks
3. Total, wholehearted support in all things, including resources to aid managers in trouble