The power of close-knit community is a game-changer. In the past year, I’ve experienced the strength of being surrounded by people who have pulled together in remarkable ways as our city recovers from the devastation of a Category 5 hurricane. We are called #850strong – a tribe brought together through adversity. (850 is the area …
Most leaders think of themselves as strong. They are typically resourceful, hard-working problem-solvers with grit and determination. People rely on the them and they’re able to shoulder that responsibility well. There can be a sort of “super hero” mentality that develops within a leader that cultivates the unrealistic expectation that the leader is supposed to …
Chick-fil-A might bring to mind your favorite sandwich, but at the first Emerald Coast Chick-fil-A Leadership Summit, Mark Miller, Vice-President of High Performance Leadership made a memorable statement: “You might think we’re in the chicken business, but we are actually in the people business – and we serve them chicken. This emphasis is foundational to …
As a school child, I was constantly reprimanded for talking too much. Mrs. Bissell, my 5th grade teacher, told me she saw the back of my head more than she did my face. (Apparently, I was always turned around in my desk talking to someone.) More recently, while in the gym, a trainer commented that …
When I was in school, I had a job at a Botanical Gardens located on a busy curve on the bay front in Sarasota. It seemed like every week, we would hear the squeal of brakes, followed by the sound of crunching metal and shattering glass. Dialing 9-1-1 became routine around there. None of the …
Trust: The Critical Factor That Changes Everything Read More »
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 …
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 …
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; …
Women of Strength I come from a long line of strong women. Just ask the men in our family – they’re also stronger than the average bear. Add to that a hearty storytelling gene woven throughout the colorful personalities in our clan and you’ve got some real lessons along with a good entertainment factor (I may …
Keys to Success 34 years ago today, we said “I do”. Two imperfect people with a lot to learn decided to do life together. Three grown children and three grandchildren later, we stand amazed. Has it been easy? No way. Has it been worth the struggles? Absolutely. And then some. As I’ve reflected on some …