We can be distracted by the little pebbles that call for our attention daily: the social media ping, the robocall, checking sports scores, etc. Soon we find that the pebbles have filled our day and we have no energy left to tackle the big rocks.
So we start with the big rocks first.
There is an exception to every rule. We think we are it. Or at least I did. For years I heard the adage, “Never hire family or friends.” Sounds like a good rule. But I didn’t really believe it. Until I broke it. I was pastor of a church trying to attract new people. WeContinue reading “One of My Costliest Leadership Mistakes”
A review of Mark Miller’s book, Chess Not Checkers: Elevate Your Leadership Game I have been a fan of Mark Miller’s ever since I heard him speak at a workshop many years ago in Florida. When I first heard him, I wished that his insightful content was available in book form. I heard him speakContinue reading “A Little Book with Big Ideas”
Sometimes I wish it was still the 1960’s. It was the days of the television show Lost in Space. In this cinematic gem, there was a robot who looked after a young boy named Will. In only one episode, the robot warned Will of impending danger by saying, “Danger, Will Robinson!” The saying caught onContinue reading “The Danger of Experience”
Low expectations can doom organizations. Here’s a key to keeping team members engaged.
It has been a long held dream of mine to become a published author. These days it is easier than ever, especially when it comes to self-publishing. I asked self-publishing expert, Catherine Ryan Howard what was a good starting amount of money to set aside to get started in self-publishing. Here is what she said:Continue reading “Living the Dream!”
Today is the “someday” we’ve been waiting for!
He who hesitates is lost. Adapted from Joseph Addison’s play Cato (1712):”The woman that deliberates is lost.” One of the most exhilarating experiences of my life was driving a race car around the Atlanta Motor Speedway in excess of 150 mph. I was fortunate to take part in a morning session of the Richard Petty DrivingContinue reading “Monday Quick Tip ~ Set the Pace”
Things are not always what they seem… – Phadeus, Roman poet I attended a gathering of leaders recently in which we were going around the room telling how things were going within our teams. Each of us, except one, stated some good things that were happening as well as some things with which we wereContinue reading “Monday Quick Tip ~ Don’t Be Fooled by Sunshine and Roses”
“They are a Jack of all trades, but master of none.” This phrase has been used in a derogatory way to describe a person who is scattered and undisciplined. We all know people who are so sidetracked they can’t get anything done. Focus eludes them. They are driven by distraction. We know others who are overworkedContinue reading “Monday Quick Tip ~ Focus on Mastery”
Experience keeps a dear school, yet fools learn in no other. – Benjamin Franklin In almost every leadership position we hold there is a honeymoon period that allows us to get settled in and learn the lay of the land. Very soon reality sets in and we realize there are challenges that are rising toContinue reading “Monday Quick Tip ~ Admit When You Don’t Know it All”
Laughter is the best medicine Have you ever been a cranky leader? I have on too many occasions. I’m currently going through a very busy season that only promises to get busier in the coming weeks. I find myself with a bad attitude that is in need of some serious adjustment. Here are some signsContinue reading “Monday Quick Tip ~ The One Who Laughs Lasts”
A rolling stone gathers no moss. – Publilius Syrus, 1st century writer of Latin maxims In the organization I lead, we’ve been going through a time of assessment and transition. My days have been filled with charts and graphs of income and expenditures. In my research, I’ve discovered the health of the organization is notContinue reading “Monday Quick Tip ~ Shake and Stir for Best Results”
Diligence is the mother of good fortune. Very few people are lucky in the purest sense of the word. It is possible, but extremely rare, that infrequent lottery ticket buyers hit it big. Most of the time we create our own “luck.” I know people who win big at sweepstakes and to the outside observerContinue reading “Monday Quick Tip ~ Get Lucky by Working Hard”
This is a guest post from Mark Miller. Mark’s latest book is, The Heart of Leadership: Becoming a Leader People Want to Follow. Originally Posted on greatleadersserve.org on Wednesday, September 4, 2013 GUARD YOUR HEART! The Heart of Leadership is built upon a simple premise: unless your heart is right, no one cares about your skills.Continue reading “Guard Your Heart”
Igniting Hope 4 Leaders