globalization: america's leadership challenge ahead introduction

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Page 1: Globalization: America's Leadership Challenge Ahead Introduction

GLOBALIZATION: America’s Leadership Challenge Ahead

Introduction

John Carroll

Author

Email: [email protected] Web: http://www.trescoach.com

Twitter: @TresCoach LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/trescoach

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trescoach

Page 2: Globalization: America's Leadership Challenge Ahead Introduction

Copyright © 2011-12 John Carroll

TresCoach Books™

Keller, TX

All Worldwide Rights Reserved, Keller, Texas

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval

system or transmitted, in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, recorded,

photocopied, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owner.

ISBN-13: 978-1468047622

http://www.trescoachbooks.com

Page 3: Globalization: America's Leadership Challenge Ahead Introduction

GLOBALIZATION: America’s Leadership Challenge Ahead

Introduction

So much has been written about globalization, it was hard to know where to begin this

introduction. Just Google “globalization” some time, and you will get a sense of how

broad this topic has become over the years. You can literally find information about

globalization from “A to Z.”

In its purest form, the definition of globalization is “the worldwide movement toward

economic, financial, trade, and communications integration.” Globalization implies the

opening of local and nationalistic perspectives to a much broader outlook of a truly

interconnected and interdependent world with free transfer of capital, goods and

services across geographic boundaries.

The initial modern era of globalization was thought to have begun somewhere around

1900 and lasted for a brief period of only 17 years. The advent of World War I put a halt

to the initial globalization movement and it took several decades for globalization to

once again gain momentum. However, by 2011, we are now well into the second age of

globalization with no apparent end in sight.

During a recent Blog Talk Radio interview I was asked to provide the listeners with a

definition of globalization. At the time, I thought this was a curious request since my

topic was this book’s title. However, in hindsight, it makes clear the fact that each of us

has a different perspective regarding globalization, its definition and the far reaching

implications it has on both our personal and professional lives.

As our world has become more interconnected and global as a direct result of expanded

international trade, the Internet, social media and many other factors, the complexity

associated with operating in a global society presents numerous new opportunities and

challenges for leaders on all fronts. Are our leaders in government, business and

education equipped to manage the complexity and challenges of a rapidly evolving

global society? And what are the associated leadership challenges we must overcome as

members of this new global society? You will discover that Globalization: America’s

Leadership Challenge Ahead offers as many questions as it does answers to the

leadership challenges we face that are common for all mankind.

One of the most pressing challenges we face in today’s complex global society is

leadership. Growing up, my generation was blessed with extraordinary leaders we could

point to in all areas from government and politics, to sports and religion. There were

numerous examples of iconic role models including Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F.

Page 4: Globalization: America's Leadership Challenge Ahead Introduction

Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, U Thant, Henry Kissinger, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther

King, Robert McNamara, Mother Theresa, Vince Lombardi, John Wooden and many

others.

In today's global society, do we have recognizable leaders that embody the same

leadership qualities and character of these extraordinary leaders of the recent past? The

short answer is yes, and history will determine the lasting impact that our current

appointed leaders have upon society as a whole. No one can predict who will become the

latest generational leader or when the next John F. Kennedy or Martin Luther King or

Henry Kissinger will emerge. And we can no longer sit idly by and hope that the day-to-

day problems we face will solve themselves or that someone else will assume the

leadership role to come up with the solutions. That responsibility to a large degree now

falls to each of us.

Far too often, we sell ourselves short by not taking a more active leadership role and by

believing that as individuals we cannot make a difference. However, we have seen

examples time and time again where the reverse is true. So, start thinking about how

you can make a difference and how individually and collectively we can have a powerful

impact on creating the kind of world that each of us wants to call home.

Although the challenges brought about by increased globalization are complex, the basic

human needs of all nations are not so dissimilar. Each of us has basic needs, wants and

desires that include food, shelter, clothing, etc., as well as a strong desire to improve our

standard of living. Ultimately, everyone also seeks a higher level of success, career

advancements and the rewards that go along with achieving their goals.

So, how do we get there from here?

Well, a starting point is to eliminate the boundaries that have held us back, e.g., race,

politics, religion, etc. Let’s focus our combined energies and resources on the solutions

to our global societal problems. I know, this sounds very naïve and overly simplistic.

However, coming up with lasting solutions to our common problems necessitates

starting to think differently about our world in order to affect the changes needed for

growth and stability.

And the time for action is now. It is my hope as you read this book that you'll find

motivation and opportunities to take a broader leadership role in solving today’s real-

world problems. By doing so, you will be immeasurably helping others and providing

the impetus they need to do the same.

Consider how you can make a difference and how, by working together, we can have a

powerful impact on reshaping our interconnected world for the better.

Page 5: Globalization: America's Leadership Challenge Ahead Introduction

Globalization is no longer just about the movement of goods and services across

geographic boundaries. Confronting the enormous “New World” leadership challenges

that lie ahead will require new and different leadership approaches, skills and

competencies. Leadership in solving global problems cannot and should not rest solely

in the hands of elected officials and CEOs of big companies. The challenges are much

too broad and complex and require that all of us take a proactive role in finding the

solutions.

As you go through Globalization: America’s Leadership Challenge Ahead, take some

notes, write out your thoughts on the specific chapter topics and make a list of ways you

would address the key challenges highlighted at the end of each chapter. This will help

you to determine the course corrections you need to make in your own life to ensure a

brighter future for you and your family.

Are you ready to take on the global leadership challenge? After you've had the

opportunity to read the book, the answer to this question will be clearer. You will have

developed an outline for the actions you need to take to become an active member of the

new leadership our evolving global society so desperately needs.

If you are ready to take the first step to accepting the global leadership challenge, then

let’s get started http://www.trescoachbooks.com/

COPYRIGHT © 2011-12 John Carroll

About the Author: John Carroll is the founder and CEO of Tres Coaching Services™,

a business & leadership coaching, consulting and training services company located in

Keller, TX.

During his 30-year professional career, John held Director, Vice President and COO

positions within Fortune 100, mid-size and emerging companies, leading high-

performing business divisions that generated more than $1 billion in revenue.

John is also the author of Globalization: America’s Leadership Challenge Ahead and

works extensively with both entrepreneurs and small business owners to help them

maximize business performance, and “achieve the results to move beyond their

vision”.

For more information please visit http://www.trescoach.com or follow John or Tres

Coaching Services™ on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and SlideShare.