Chicago, IL (ContentDesk) July 6, 2006 -- We can learn a lot about leadership in business from the misfortunes of Ken Lay. Chicago motivational speaker, author and life change expert Cheryl Perlitz, sees the death of Ken Lay as an opportunity to evaluate what it takes to be an effective leader in business, and in our communities. Cheryls leadership programs are found at leadership programs.The death of Ken Lay was a shock to most of the world, but is no surprise given the stress he was under. In May 2006, he was found guilty of charges related to corporate abuse and accounting fraud at Enron -- a conviction that could have resulted in 20  30 years in prison. All employees lost their jobs, financial security, identity, and ability to trust.

He became a lesson in effective leadership skills for business.They say that Ken Lay was a nice guy -- a God fearing humble person who was a wonderful family man. What went wrong for him as a business leader? Only those who worked close to him know what kind of a leader he was on a daily basis. The rest of us can only take this opportunity to learn from his example.Cheryl Perlitz, author, life change expert, and Chicago motivational speaker suggests we use his death as a reminder of the importance of analyzing our leadership skills:*Is your job compatible with your own values? Can you go to sleep at night knowing that you are doing the right thing for your employees, for your community, for yourself?*Do you encourage open and honest communication and make sure that everyone shares a common and meaningful vision? A good sense of the business ethics, common value system and shared goals drive a successful business. They must be communicated honestly and openly with everyone in the company.*Do you lead by example? Are you authentic  do what you say you will do? Does your walk match your talk?*Are you flexible enough to adjust to unexpected changes and develop a new strategy when you need to? *Do you honor individual differences and get to know and appreciate what everyone brings to the table? *Do you really care about the people you work with? Do you know what they need and show interest in them?*Are you sure that everyone has the right job, work load for them? *Do you trust your employees to do the job you are asking them to do? Do you support them by letting them do their job without micro-managing them?*Do you encourage work / home balance for your employees, making sure they use their time wisely, and have time for a quality home life?*Do you reward your employees for a job well done  with verbal and material recognition that is right for them? *Are your employees learning all the time? Do they have opportunities to grow in the company intellectually and improve their position?*Do you make sure the company employees have opportunities to play together, encouraging team bonding?*Do your employees have the support systems they need -- counselors, baby sitting, support groups?Cheryl Perlitz is the author of Soaring Through Setbacks, a dynamic speaker and frequent radio and TV talk show guest. Her fun and motivational stories and survival tips help listeners and readers to transform their challenges into opportunities.To read articles on the inspired leader contact leadership articlesTo learn more about Cheryl, get media testimonials, show ideas media centerTo book an interview call cell 847-609-8032Cheryl is available for last minute interview.