globalization: america's leadership challenge ahead introduction
TRANSCRIPT
GLOBALIZATION: America’s Leadership Challenge Ahead
Introduction
John Carroll
Author
Email: [email protected] Web: http://www.trescoach.com
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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
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.
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.
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.