What are some capacities that make a great leader? In a recent blog post, Tony Schwartz (@tonyschwartz) talks about four key capacities that show up, to one degree or another, in the most inspiring leaders he has met.

1. Great leaders recognize strengths in us that we don’t always yet fully see in ourselves.

2. Rather than simply trying to get more out of us, great leaders seek to understand and meet our needs, above all a compelling mission beyond our immediate self-interest, or theirs.

3. Great leaders take the time to clearly define what success looks like, and then empower and trust us to figure out the best way to achieve it.

4. The best of all leaders — a tiny fraction — have the capacity to embrace their own opposites, most notably vulnerability alongside strength, and confidence balanced by humility.

Read his entire post on Harvard Business Review: http://bit.ly/blGorH

(Source: blogs.hbr.org)

Superior user experience = easier consumption = more consumption = more chances to connect

smarterplanet:

The Case For Social Media in Schools

A year after seventh grade teacher Elizabeth Delmatoff started a pilot social media program in her Portland, Oregon classroom, 20% of students school-wide were completing extra assignments for no credit, grades had gone up more than 50%, and chronic absenteeism was reduced by more than a third. For the first time in its history, the school met its adequate yearly progress goal for absenteeism. At a time when many teachers are made wary by reports of predators and bullies online, social media in the classroom is not the most popular proposition. Teachers like Delmatoff, however, are embracing it rather than banning it. They argue that the educational benefits of social media far outweigh the risks, and they worry that schools are missing out on an opportunity to incorporate learning tools the students already know how to use. What started as a Facebook-like forum where Delmatoff posted assignments has grown into a social media component for almost every subject. Here are the reasons why she and other proponents of educational social media think more schools should do the same.

smartercities:

A Better World by Design, the internationally acclaimed student-run conference on reshaping the built environment, wants to your ideas for eliminating urban food deserts.

What is a food desert? Quite simply, it is a geographic area with limited access to fresh, nutritious, or…

horizonwatching:

System of Systems (via IBMSocialMedia)

• A tree without a root doesn’t survive. No matter where you’re heading, never forget where you come from.
• Don’t let your aspirations distract you from the little things that get you there.
• Don’t go too fast because love is slow.
• Don’t go alone because together you can go further.
• Be thankful for what you have and don’t look at what you think you need.
• Thank God everyday for the people in your life because they are there for a reason.
• Don’t try to make sense out of everything in life, just accept it and be happy.
• If you learn to wait patiently, you will end up with the best.
• Always give and never expect anything in return.
• Just say no to those that try to take advantage of you.
• Just because it feels good doesn’t mean it’s the right thing.
• Pride and arrogance proceeds the fall so be humble and never look down on anyone.
• Help others because they might be the ones helping you one day.
• Smile always, especially when you don’t feel like it.
• Care about other people and think about how you can make their day better, everyday.
• Don’t waste you’re time trying to live someone else’s life.
• You are better at being yourself than anyone else in the world, so be proud of it.
• Believe in yourself and don’t let other people’s opinions bring you down.
• Don’t worry about what other people are thinking of you but what God is thinking of you.
• The more you ask for, the more will be required of you.

Any thoughts? =)

“Earlier today, IBM and Disney unveiled a new SmarterPlanet exhibit at INNOVENTIONS at Epcot in Orlando, Florida. In exploring this exhibit, millions of Epcot visitors from every corner of the world will understand the individual role they play in creating a smarter planet. When they leave, we hope they are inspired to consider how they can contribute to making the world work better.”