Individual Growth:
To be what we are, and to become what we are capable of becoming, is the only end of life.
– Robert Louis Stevenson
Politics. Gossip. Back stabbing. Whining. Distrust. Selfishness. Bad Attitudes. Work environments characterized by one or more of these traits are miserable places to work.
I often run into leaders that know they are leading teams that have these issues. Unfortunately some of these leaders fail to realize that the cultures of their teams are the results of their leadership. Or more accurately, their lack of leadership. Continue Reading…
Cowardice and courage are obvious before and during battle. In 1991, I witnessed another 1st Lieutenant back out of mission that I later volunteered for as a result of his cowardice.
In another part of the battlefield, I had a friend dismount from his tank and walk his platoon through a minefield while under enemy fire. That act of courage earned him a Silver Star. Those examples of cowardice and courage are easy to identify.
But, cowardice and courage in the business world are not always as obvious. Sometimes they appear in the big moments when others are watching. At other times they occur when no one is around to see them.
I define courage as acting without regard for perceived or actual personal risk. Continue Reading…
Facing us is the River of Fear, made deep and wide by our hesitations, timidity, doubts, and paralysis.
Courage is rightly esteemed the first of human qualities…because it is the quality which guarantees all others. - Winston Churchill
Other than the words in this paragraph, this entire blog is taken directly from the introduction to a fantastic book I am reading by a fellow West Point graduate, Gus Lee. Courage: The Backbone Of Leadership clearly states what I believe about the role of courage in leadership. (Click on the title above to read more on about this book). Continue Reading…
My last 5 years leading sales teams I noticed a shift in our corporate culture. Because of increased regulations corporate compliance became a mantra throughout the organization.
Playing within the rules is a given in business. But, the increased communication around compliance had a negative side effect. Compliance became a goal in and of itself. The implication was that if I had a compliant team, I was a successful leader.
Titles mean something. Team Leader, Manager, Supervisor, Vice-President- they are all titles bestowed on those who are called by an organization to lead. They have the official duties and responsibilities that go with the title.
John Maxwell says leadership is influence. If that is true, are the people with the titles the only ones called to lead? No. The title gives them some positional authority, but leaders are needed at every level of an organization. Continue Reading…
“You are one of my projects. I want to help you and teach you some of the things I’ve learned the hard way.” Mitchel took a drink of his beer, looked at me, nodded and thanked me.
I had just transferred to a new geography. Mitchel and I were peers. The only difference was I had been in leadership in our company for 5 years and Mitchel had recently been promoted. I knew he and I would work well together and become fast friends.
I was right…and wrong. Continue Reading…
Recently, I spoke with a friend who decided he needed a change. He has been very successful in his industry for more than a decade. But, what was once a passion has become a J. O. B.
Statistics show he is not alone. Gallup’s engagement data tells us that 70% of American’s are disengaged at work. Further, other recent data shows that 60% of employees plan to pursue a new job when the economy improves.
In 2011, I stepped away from a 20 year career and began a new life. There are two questions I recommend you answer before you leave a decent job. Continue Reading…
“I met the standards. What is the problem?” There are likely two problems here. Problem #1 is the attitude. Problem #2 is the standards themselves.
I have either caused or witnessed both of these problems. Some people believe the first problem is with the follower and the second problem is with the leader. This is a fallacy. Continue Reading…
Self-awareness sounds like some new age, kumbaya, talk show topic. As an aspiring man’s man, my low sensitivity level has not always allowed me to consider things like self-awareness. But, obviously I have or I would not have been able to write that last sentence…
Self-awareness is a critical element for the success of a leader. As a leader, if I do not recognize who I am and how I affect other people, I will never reach my potential. Continue Reading…
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