Have you ever watched an artist or athlete who made what they do look easy? Their performance comes so naturally that, as you watch you think, “I could do that.” Whitney Houston opens her lips, amazing music comes out. Michael Jordan goes in for a layup, jumps from the 3-point line and soars through the » Read More
Yesterday was my 29th anniversary. My how time flies. It seems like just a short time ago that Vicky and I were saying “I do” in a small church in rural west Tennessee. It was pouring rain too, which was great because my fraternity brothers had all driven miles to decorate my car and get » Read More
I have a confession to make. I’m a list person. I can’t resist the subtle seduction of bullet points and numbered priorities. There’s something satisfying about charting a course one step at a time and tracking progress with check marks and scribbles. I’ve tried project management software and organizational apps. But, in spite of my usual » Read More
Every day is filled with choices. Some choices are simple in the moment. To Wear The Red Shoe or The Cute Boot? To Eat Vegetables or Chocolate? To Shop or to Save? To Sit or to Dance? To Work or to Play? Some choices require a little more risk. To Laugh or Cry? To » Read More
Have you been passed up for a promotion? Or seen other people get promoted when you thought you were more qualified? Do you often wonder why it happened to you? Is it because you did not work hard enough? There could be a laundry list of reasons why you did not get the promotion. But » Read More
In my leadership book of fair play, one of the basic rules is to praise in public and criticize in private. I firmly believe that making people look — and feel — stupid (regardless how egregious, or not, their offense may be) in front of others serves no one well. So imagine my shock and surprise » Read More
Three years ago I moved to a new city. It was not until four weeks ago I realized that I don’t know my way around my city very well. The reason is simple and a little embarrassing. It is all due to my good friend named Garmin. For directionally challenged people (such as me) Garmin is a lifesaver; however, it can also create great challenges: mentally checking out while you are driving for one. You’re driving along and Garmin says, “turn right here,” then “turn left there,” and before you know it… “arriving at destination”. You have no idea where you even are or how you go there, but voila!, Garmin says, “you have arrived”.
I was sitting in a coffee shop writing a post and there was interview going on at the next table. What struck me, as I tried to write, was the amount of time the interviewer spent talking to versus listening to the interviewee. He would ask a question and as soon as she started to » Read More
How is your joy of leadership? How do you know? As you read those questions, a third question may arise – What does joy have to do with it? My answer is “everything!” When you think about leading a team, initiative, or organization, does it bring an inner sense of confidence and joy? The answer, » Read More
Character-based leadership is leading from who you are, not your position or power. Your character creates true influence, especially when your character also includes being competent. Your rank in the company or your title doesn’t create real leadership influence, but a substitute influence that manipulates others to do what you want done. Your true influence » Read More
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