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Independent business blogs are blogs that aren't supported by an organization like a magazine, newspaper, company, or business school. Those people provide lots of great content, but they don't need any additional exposure. In this post, every week, I bring you posts of quality from excellent bloggers that don't get as much publicity.

This week, I'm pointing you to posts on leadership and energy, collaborative solutions, definitions of "manager," money as a motivator, and leadership wisdom.

From You're Not the Boss of Me: Unlocking the Energy – Another Job for Leaders
"Frances Hesselbein once said, “the Leader’s job, after all, is not to provide energy but to release it from others” Admittedly, the initial image that popped into my head, on reading that quote, was a bit bizarre. (I’ll spare you the details).  And, I thought that Ms Hesselbein’s remark was not quite right or perhaps an oversimplification of a very difficult job. But then I wondered.  What does it actually take for people to unlock hidden reservoirs of energy from others and have them use it willingly in the accomplishment of great work?  As a matter of fact what does it take to make me give my best?"

Wally's Comment: Gwyn Teatro suggests five things you can do to encourage your team members to give their best.

From John Moore: Collaborative solutions are a work in progress at Pitney Bowes
"Pitney Bowes was founded in 1920 and, since that time, has built a solid business focused on mail, workflow management, customer experience, and business insight solutions.  They are clearly best known as a company that delivers solutions complimentary to the United States Postal Service.  This is an old school business. However, this old school business understands the importance of bringing new school, collaborative, strategies and solutions to their business.  They have done so for a couple of years and, while still in the early stages, are making very good strides."

Wally's Comment: Here's a good and informed description of what one company is doing to use information technology and social networks to do a better job.

From Compensation Cafe: What is a Manager?
"What does your company think a manager is?  A manager is someone who leads and directs the work of others.  Managers are frequently held accountable for the work of those who report to them.  We generally expect managers to grow and develop their direct reports.  But we don’t always align our programs and processes with these expectations.  The way we hire managers, the job descriptions we develop, and the way we review managers sometimes send a different message. "

Wally's Comment: Darcy Dees zeroes in on one reason why so many managers don't do what we want them to do. She suggests that many of those "ineffective" managers are doing exactly what their job description suggests and what they get graded on at performance review time.

From Fistful of Talent: So, It's Not About the Money!?
"Call me crazy, old school, or whatever else - but I do think it's about the money, and no one - not even Linchpin himself, Seth Godin - can convince me of anything differently.  Everyone, I mean EVERYONE, has a price - mine might be a bit lower than most, but still I have a price, and I am always willing to discuss that price with anyone. I'm in a constant state of negotiation in my life.  Would I give up my oldest son for a million dollars - no! But please don't offer me a billion - now that might get dicey (joking - but let's talk about my dog...).  I was never a big GenY believer in that "it's all about doing something you love" that matters. Let me give you a tip - all work matters, if you're getting paid!"

Wally's Comment: Tim Sackett's post is a welcome counterpoint to all those people who tell you that money doesn't matter. It does. There has to be enough money or else money is very likely to be the focus of thought and action. I think Tim's got a lot right and some things wrong, but this post will definitely get you thinking. For some additional perspective, check out Ann Bares recent post where she's "Reflecting on the Money-Happiness Connection."

From Nicholas Bate: Leadership Dozen
"1. Leadership is 99% mindset, 1% job title. Act as you wish to be perceived."

Wally's Comment: What you see just above is only one item. There are eleven more.

That's it for this week's selections from independent business blogs. If you liked this piece you may enjoy my regular post on "Leadership Reading to Start Your Week" which features five choice articles from the business schools, the business press and major consulting firms. The last issue had pointers to articles about GE's leadership development, deliberate practice, experimentation in business, big retailers you may not know, and women in high tech.

And be sure to check out Weekly Leader where I'll try to get you thinking about The Big Idea of the Week.

Wally's Working Supervisor's Support Kit is a collection of information and tools to help working supervisors do a better job. It's based on what Wally's learned in over twenty years of supervisory skills training. Click here to check it out.