Read this article from chiefexecutive.net which is a Q&A from the world's fastest man Usain Bolt and his coach Glen Mills. It gives some interesting insights into the process of translating potential into achievements.

In this article from the Wall Street Journal last week, the authours give insight into an often overlooked facet of talent management during tough economic times "Companies that neglect the issue during a downturn maybe in for a nasty surprise when things start looking up." Read the article on the Wall Street Journal website here.

Check out this article from the Globe & Mail which points to some interesting research that suggests "decision makers who share a psychological connection with their predecessors....are subconsciously motivated to continue past policies and investment rather than make big changes." Read the article in its entirety here.

"Even amid a downturn, unexpected opportunities await executives who can capitalize on their firms' internal strengths" says McKinsey's Jiri Maly in this article that appeared in the Globe & Mail last week. Mr. Maly points to a recent McKinsey study that found adaptable organizations are more likely to thrive coming out of downturn. Read the article on the Globe & Mail website here.

"I think the optimism is increasing as we go forward" says Bedford Managing Partner Russ Buckland, in this article that appeared in the Financial Post last week. The article posits that mining executives are moving out of "survival mode" and beginning to bolster their teams. Read the whole article on the Financial Post website here.

Nothing defines business possibility more clearly than the quality, capability, flexibility and speed of response of the key teams that populate your organization. The Bedford Consulting Group and Leadership Advisor Dr. John Burdett, have launched a Coaching the team assessment tool. The proprietary workbook will allow team leaders and/or team members to "step back and reflect on the quality of the team that is being led or that they are part of...providing a platform to orchestrate the changes needed to "coach" the team to the next level." Contact The Bedford Consulting Group for more details.

Take a look at this article which highlights the findings of a recent survey conducted by the Association of Executive Search Consultants (AESC) regarding executive tenure.

Tough times call for a different type of leadership, but what kind of leadership qualities are desirable in our economic environment? We tend to associate the hardened, outgoing leaders who take control and shoot from the hip as the type of leaders that are successful in tough times. But this is not necessarily the case according to workplace expert Jennifer Kahnweiler in her new book The Introverted Leader: Building on You Quiet Strength, read the synopsis of her argument here on the Globe & Mail website.

On May 25th, 2009, Bedford Resources hosted a Mining Executive Roundtable at which some 12 senior executives from a variety of base metal producers, EPCM contractors and intermediate and junior firms attended to discuss, in-camera, how their firms have been dealing with the turbulence in financial markets and the impact on their operations.  The group also discussed how they were planning for the rebound and reviewed some of the results from the recently released Bedford Resources Global Mining Survey.

This article, which appeared in the New York Times in May, explores the most important characteristics and abilities for a CEO. The conclusions drawn may surprise you, check out the article here.