Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg and Wharton professor Adam Grant have recently released a new book on resilience. Sandberg lost her husband suddenly in 2015. As she struggled to adjust to life without her mate she became interested in resiliency and how she could demonstrate this quality in response to her own personal tragedy. As I came across […]
posted on June 28, 2017 by
Transparency: Corporate Buzzword or Leadership Necessity?
Our world these days is filled with jargon and nowhere is that more apparent than in the realm of leadership. Every few years another term takes hold that is often used mindlessly in an attempt to motivate and inspire. In reality, these terms are often dismissed by experienced team members as the latest flavor of […]
posted on May 4, 2017 by
What All Leaders Can Learn from NASCAR
This weekend the NASCAR racing series returns to the Talladega Speedway. Last year I was interviewed by Megan Englehart of Fox Sports about the pressures facing young drivers in the Truck Series elimination race at this track. As the circuit returns to Talladega this year, I’ve reflected on some lessons all leaders can learn from high-pressure events […]
posted on April 14, 2017 by
Connect With Those You Lead
What comes to mind when you hear the term leader or leadership? For most, it is some combination of power, charisma, intelligence, charm and motivation. It is true that many effective leaders have these qualities. Yet, in order to be a truly great leader you must genuinely connect with those you lead. You cannot do […]
posted on January 8, 2017 by
Why New Year’s Resolutions Don’t Work
Next time you are in the gym, take a look around at the new faces you see. These are the people who set a New Year’s resolution to get in better shape and lose weight. Most of them won’t be in the gym with you in a couple of months. Research shows that less than 10% of […]
posted on November 17, 2016 by
REI Reaps Rewards By Putting Purpose Before Profit
As we approach the holidays, retail businesses are in high gear preparing for their most profitable season. For many companies, the holiday season largely determines their outcome for the year. The fate of leaders during this season has a profound effect on their careers. Miss your targets and your job may be in jeopardy. Resulting […]
posted on September 9, 2016 by
Microsoft Learned from MINDSET — So Can We
In Rich Karlgaard’s recent Forbes column, he recommends three books for vacation reading. While vacation is over for most of us, I was struck by the longevity of one of his recommendations. Karlgaard referenced the success of Microsoft since Satya Nadella has taken over as CEO and noted the recent conversation he and other colleagues […]
posted on August 15, 2016 by
4 Keys to Simone Biles’ Success
Simone Biles has officially captured the hearts of worldwide gymnastic and Olympic fans. Her performance in Rio has been dominant, winning four gold medals along with a bronze. She is so talented that her teammates reportedly joke about competing for first place in the “non-Simone division.” In watching Simone compete and reading the press accounts […]
posted on June 29, 2016 by
How Lin-Manuel Miranda Created a Smash Hit: Leadership Lessons
When’s the last time you’ve heard so much buzz about a Broadway musical? Hamilton creator and star Lin-Manuel Miranda has turned a history lesson into a serious case of ticket envy across America. Even before Hamilton was nominated for a record sixteen Tony awards and claimed eleven top prizes, people have been willing to stand in […]
posted on October 4, 2013 by
How Do I Get in the Zone?
You know the feeling. Everything is going your way. The ball goes straight down the fairway every time. Before you hit your shot you KNOW it’s going to be good. The words are rolling off your tongue during the speech or presentation. You have the audience on the edge of their seats. You close the […]