GenXmanager: Leadership for the Generation X Manager

This post is a bit different from my normal posts regarding social media, personal branding, or leadership. However, the most watched video on my YouTube channel is when I created a test video with an infinite white background using a green screen. You can see it here.

I’ve gotten numerous emails asking how I setup my green screen. I finally had a chance to record a video showing my green screen “studio”. This is a really cheap and easy way to create “semi-pro” green screen effects.

All you need to set this up is:

1. 3 clip-on shop lights available at Home Depot or Lowes ($7 each)
2. 1 piece of at least 6ft x 12ft green fabric available at a fabric store (less than $20)
3. 3 tripods or some other item that stands 4-6ft ($0 – $40 depending on what you may have around your house)

Here is how it is setup:

Finally, here is the video. Enjoy.

‘Leadership’ as a word certainly brings forth an element of mystique and emotion. The word conjures images of great people who stand apart from the rest of us. But it shouldn’t. Everyone can be (and should be) a leader. If you don’t think you’re a leader, think again. The basic definition of leadership according to Peter Northouse is

“…a process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal.”

You influence and motivate people every day. Sure, there are different styles and approaches to leadership but we are all leaders. How can you be a better leader? I like to use the model proposed by James Kouzes and Barry Posner in their book, The Leadership Challenge.

1. Challenge the process
2. Inspire a shared vision
3. Model the way
4. Enable others to act
5. Encourage the heart

Read more about each of these steps on The Leadership Challenge website.

Follow these steps and watch what happens. If you’re skeptical, take a look at the video that I link to below. Watch how an unlikely employee becomes an inspiration. It would be hard to argue he is not a leader.

The Simple Truths of Service