What’s the single most important word in Leadership? There are a lot of good words. Courage, confidence, vision, loyalty, humility, passion, intelligence, character. But if everything rises and falls on leadership, what one ingredient, if missing, would cause a leader to fail? The dictionary has an entry, but words can’t define it. It’s only real …
Memorial Day had its beginning in May of 1868, just three years after the Civil War ended, as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of those who died in battle and remember. Today, it evokes all kinds of thoughts and emotions for people. Remembering those who have gone before inspires me to …
The law of sowing and reaping is right in there with the law of gravity when it comes to immutable laws. If you want an abundant harvest, you’d better plant liberally. It’s easy to be enthusiastic when the seeds go in, but what about when it’s time to get out the hoe? Admittedly, if we’re really …
I read so many books that if I reviewed each of them, that might be all I’d be blogging about. I just finished 166 Days by Jennifer Clark and you’re going to want to read it too. After hearing Jennifer speak and deliver a compelling message, I knew I wanted to read her book. I …
Out of gas. Stuck. Frustrated. Burned out. You know where you were headed and when you were supposed to be there, but now you’re delayed. Not to mention embarrassed – on a number of levels. How are you going to respond? First of all, responding is the key word. Reacting is a knee jerk action …
When a bird starts his day, does he listen first for the sound of other birds before he starts to sing? Does the ladybird compare the sound of her tweets to the others of her species and rate herself? Does the little bird decide to stay silent, thinking, “What difference could my sound possibly make …
Ever had one of those days when it seems like nothing is working? Or maybe you are making progress but it feels like you’re slogging through mud with a 70 pound pack strapped to your back. You’ve traded momentum for frustration. We’ve all been there. Would you rather have a day like this? How do …
The employee who’s stealing. The spouse who’s an alcoholic. The malignancy that’s growing. Ignorance is not bliss. What you don’t know CAN hurt you. Bold leaders develop discernment and discipline to search out the hidden things that could bring down relationships, teams and ultimately, organizations. One of the first employees I ever hired taught me …
What characteristics do heroes and role models have ? Your answers reveal a lot about your core values. I’ve asked hundreds of women to name their top three role models and not surprisingly, I often hear names like Oprah Winfrey, Eleanor Roosevelt and Margaret Thatcher. Also not surprising is that women almost always include a …
As I ran down the hill with arms flailing wildly to slow my momentum and catch my balance – narrowly avoiding a face plant into the road – I revisited an important lesson about success. I’m a newbie runner training for a half-marathon and learning everything the hard way. That’s the story of my life; …