Academic Articles
About Leaders is pleased to offer an assortment of Dr. Mary Kay’s academic articles. You may download and share as many of these papers as you like.
eBook Resources
If you are looking for relevant, up-to-date information on a wide variety of leadership development topics, these downloadable resources are a great place to start.
Entrepreneurial Leaders
Michael Leblanc was an airline entrepreneur that continually failed. In contrast, Herb Kelleher, Southwest Airlines™ entrepreneur, succeeded in his vision as he inspired others to become a part of his cause to build a successful airline.
Leadership at the Top
Explore leadership models researched by leadership experts on characteristics and components of effective leadership teams. These models provide insight into building leadership skills and relationships between leaders and followers.
Leadership Vision
Research proposes leaders may have a great strategy, but without trust from followers neither will be fulfilled. Trust doesn’t ensure a plan will work, but without it, the action plan will fail.
Leadership Culture Models for Culture Integration
The results of this research reminds leaders that the timing and method a leader involves employees in newly formed organizational strategy determines whether or not their employees will support the new culture.
Recruiting and Hiring
Studies indicate that organizations get frustrated with finding good employees, hiring good employees, and keeping good employees. For some companies they say it is their most pressing issue that impacts the bottom line.
Best Practices for Leading Organizational Change
Dr. Mary Kay presents three models of change from thought leaders that have proposed change theories. You will learn different theories of change and how these theories apply to initiating change in the real world.
Organizational Ethics
Real examples from Southwest Airlines, W. L. Gore, and Nike are provided throughout this research. Read in this article how these companies feel about an ethics program and how it correlates with organizational profitability.
Merging Cultures
This research indicates that by emphasizing the people side of the business as a key strategy within the first three months of integration reduces the time spent on cultures clashing and people drifting apart.
Corporate Coaching
Should coaching be part of the organization’s strategy? Is coaching a means for developing leaders? Does coaching impact perspectives, attitudes, and behaviors to fulfill the vision within the organization? Is coaching a tool for obtaining a competitive advantage? Explore this article to find out the answers.
How to Attract and Retain the Best Talent
This academic article by Dr. Mary Kay, complete with source citations, is about the leadership skills and leadership qualities that are necessary to attract and retain the best talent.
Conversation Map
This conversation map will show you the steps to take to become an excellent communicator and leader by proper conversation.
Motivational Checklist
This guide unlocks how to proactively uncover what the people on your team need to be successful.
The Accountability Checklist
This guide includes a performance test to determine if an employee is on or off the team.
7 Simple Ways To Conflict Resolution
The key to conflict resolution is proper communication. Follow these 7 steps to resolve nearly any conflict from interoffice to customer service.
3 Building Blocks To Unshakable Company Culture
The secret building a great company culture is to create personal meaning and a sense of belonging in the workplace. Download this guide to learn the 3 building blocks.
Coaching For Peak Professional Performance
As a leader in your organization, you must think of yourself as a coach. Follow these 5 tips for Coaching Peak Professional Performance.
It All Starts With YOU
It All Starts With YOU – The Power of Pre-Emptive Leadership is a powerful book that will make you and your business more successful. The tools and concepts presented in this book not only quickly build exceptional leadership skills, but are also practical and easy to use.
