Genuine, generous, honest, flawed leaders are the best leaders. Why? Honest, straightforward people who help folks but make ample mistakes are called “human beings”. Human beings are about the best leaders for fellow human beings because human leaders teach human followers from fallible, less than perfect, genuine energies. In terms of corporate, politics and education, …
I’ve started many groups over the years. An online Toastmasters club where people become better speakers, business owners’ groups, church groups, pick up soccer groups, fitness groups, and this site with all the associated social media groups. I want to tell you that it’s easy to start new things when you know how, but that’s …
What makes a charismatic leader? Are great leaders born or made? Why do we still remember the leadership of Martin Luther King Jr? Why is Barrack Obama’s leadership still desired by other leaders? What leadership secrets did Mahatma Gandhi have that other leaders lack? It’s not easy to define a great leader. Typically, everyone can …
Is passion a lie? We’ve all heard quotes like “Do what you love and you’ll never work another day in your life.” Yes, passion exists. Some people genuinely love what they do. There are those who still love their spouses after decades of marriage. But we’ve been told a lie about what passion looks like. …
As an executive and business owner, I have to chuckle sometimes when I see books like “The 4-Hour Workweek.” Work-life balance is not a 4-hour workweek. Don’t get me wrong, I actually like that book, it has some solid advice. But I feel like the expectation that material like that sets up is completely unrealistic …
In the book, “Built to Last,” a study of highly successful companies, authors identified rejecting the “Tyranny of the OR” and embracing the “Genius of the AND” as one of the habits of highly successful leaders. They found that one of the real powers behind these companies was that their leaders didn’t settle for the …
A school bus size killer whale doesn’t take kindly to punishment. Even playing around, they can live up to their name as some unfortunate trainers found out. Yet whale trainers are consistently able to get these dangerous and majestic creatures to perform amazing stunts. Our book of the month for February is “Whale Done: The …
“We need a replacement speaker for the conference Saturday, the guy who was supposed to do it isn’t going to be able to make it. Can you help?” “Sure,” was my reply. “Thank you so much!!!” Years of Preparation When I first joined Toastmasters eight years ago, I would have never considered giving an hour-long workshop …
Have you recently taken over a leadership role and found it difficult to ask team members to complete tasks? You don’t want to seem too bossy, and you worry you are burdening busy people with extra work. You end up doing everything yourself because you feel personally responsible, or because it feels easier that way. …
From a young age, I never followed the crowd. I was the kid who went exploring at summer camp while the rest of the people went to an especially boring-sounding activity. Sometimes, I would look back and realize others were following. In those instances, I would find myself leading a small pack of boys, and …
I recently saw a post asking, “How can I find a millionaire to be my mentor?” Every business or leadership book on the planet will tell you that the key to your success is to find a mentor. NO ONE reaches the top alone; you’re not born with everything you need to know to be a massive success, …
This month’s personal development book is John C. Maxwell’s 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth. One of my favorite authors, I know you’ll enjoy and be challenged by this one. Enjoy!
...I saw a meme the other day that said, “Intentions are powerful.” That’s true; intentions are powerful. But intentions alone won’t get you very far. You probably know several people who you don’t trust for critical tasks even though you realize they have the best of intentions. Why is that? You don’t trust them because they …
I was talking with a new manager (let’s call her Sue) the other day who couldn’t understand why one of the people she was in charge of was upset. An employee (let’s call her Jean) had come to her saying there was a task she didn’t want to do. Knowing that Jean had a lot on her plate and …
I looked at my email, and my heart sank. “Where are you?” I had forgotten the conference call I was to lead. No call, no show, and every one of my techs knew it. It was too late to call in; the meeting was over. The ironic thing was that I had forgotten the call …
Yesterday the lead high school minister for West Side Christian Church, Drew Peterson, delivered his last official service here. A fantastic leader, he has had a tremendous positive impact on thousands of young lives. Drew was offered a lead pastor role for an entire church, and couldn’t turn down the offer. A good friend who …
