Those familiar with my book, Lead or Be Led, know that I finish almost every chapter with what I call an implementation tool—a specific, actionable step that gives you an immediate way to put new concepts into practice in your every day life. After spending the past 4 decades coaching and managing people (including myself!),
A Great Help to Thankfulness
This time of year, it’s especially appropriate to remember Charles Dickens‘s observation that “Not knowing where one’s next meal is coming from ’tis a great help to thankfulness.” Most leaders don’t fret about their next meal, but we sure can squander our time worrying about a jillion other things. Well, I suggest you let yourself
Is a Passive Leader an Oxymoron?
For those who want to lead, passivity is deadly. If you consider yourself a leader, here are 2 phrases (and attitudes) you’ll want to drive out immediately: As soon as and If only. “As soon as (the economy is better/the government gets their act together/I get that promotion/etc.) I will…” “If only (the customer’s advertising
Strengths and Weaknesses: Teaching Squirrels to Fly, aka Ways to Waste Time & Talent
Have you ever stopped to consider your strengths and weaknesses? If you answered “yes,” how far have you gone? Far enough to really understand what you’re wired for? Far enough to identify how the people around you are wired – your team members, family members, customers, you name it? Far enough to go back to 7th
Find Strength in Weakness
Those of you who are familiar with my popular attributes concept will understand why I cheered for this video clip of David Roche, president of Hotels.com, as he shared his wisdom about tolerating a diversity of weaknesses within an organization. Great strengths are often balanced out by corresponding weaknesses. So a healthy company will maintain a culture that not only values a balance of
Are You Blind to Your Biggest Source of Waste?
What’s your largest business operating cost? Materials? Salaries and benefits? We all know that when we reduce business costs, we can have a major impact on the future of our company, so we tend to be tuned into this question. In fact, you probably probably named your answer instantly. Now, pretend I’m your new financial VP, and