Accountability. It’s something we seek from others, and when in a leadership position, are asked to “hold people” to it. Accountability can never be delegated. Responsibility. It’s something we admire in others; responsible people own their actions and decisions. Responsibility can be delegated. If I ask a friend to mail a letter to a client for me, they can take…
“Most serious mistakes are not being made because of wrong answers. The truly dangerous thing is asking the wrong question.” – Peter Drucker As a leader, making the time to ask the best question is critical. Often, when I’m rushed, my schedule is full, or I’m over tired, I don’t ask great questions which leads to the wrong answers. Slowing…
The older I get, the more I appreciate my health. Being of support to others or observing couples and families or work teams as they navigate health challenges has been one of the most sobering experiences in my life. To be on the sidelines, feeling out of control, knowing your family and friends are fighting every day for their life…
How do you learn? There are three approaches to learning: thinking, watching, and doing. Thinking or analyzing means you approach new things by reading the manual, watching videos, doing the research, talking with people who “know” already, observing others and once you’ve got a better comprehension of all that is involved, then you act. Your tolerance for making mistakes is…
The biggest opportunity to build trust is when there’s a break or absence of trust. It’s true. When there’s a break, disagreement, conflict of any sort we all cringe. No one looks forward to conflict, healthy or not. And yet, it’s the single greatest opportunity to build trust, repair the relationship, gain deeper understanding of the situation and each other…
When things get overwhelming, simplify. You can easily lose time, energy and momentum because you’re swept up in all the things that could or are happening. The best thing to do is to pause, step back with a wide-angle view of things, and do one thing which will have maximum impact first. You can’t do that if you’re “in” the…
Many of us, me included, appreciate this time of year for reflection and gratitude. As I appreciate those in my life, time with friends, business greats, and the health of those I love, know you are among my blessings. It is challenging to convey the overwhelming amount of gratitude I feel when the most touching note, comment, or email arrives…
Have you ever said, “when I have/reach______________ I’ll be happy (or successful or better)”? If so, let me be the first to say there is no “there.” You’re delaying your joy until some external event happens. Denial of today’s happiness is a great price to pay for the temporary happiness tomorrow brings. The unspoken message you’re repeatedly sending to yourself…
It’s always wonderful when you can read something, and it wakes you up. It’s simply said and makes the point. It’s a great reminder every day. Here’s what I read today: “Your day will go the way the corners of your mouth turn.”
As a leader, you have the honor of caring for the tone of your culture daily. Some days, that may feel like a privilege and other days it may seem a burden. What’s the difference? It’s how you’re relating to the complex beings around you and the interpretation you have about how they “should” be versus how they “are.” I…