Yearly Archives: 2022

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Asking Purposeful Questions

On a typical day, you probably ask plenty of questions. They are likely intended to gain information, get clarity, etc. From a leadership perspective, I believe they do more than this. Well phrased questions present opportunities to teach and reinforce shared values of the organization. I have found the key to asking good leadership questions is to think about the “quest” in your inquiry. Where do you want to take this person, group, team, etc. with your question? What values/beliefs are you trying to reinforce with your questions? For example: What questions can you ask if you want people to focus on integrity, trust, or customer satisfaction? Or their personal growth? How about creativity? Your questions of this nature should be [...]

By |2022-09-01T17:31:05+00:00September 1st, 2022|Development, Leadership|0 Comments

Model the way. 

I have a question for you, take a moment and think of a person in history whom you most admire---someone you could imagine following willingly. Who would that person be for you? I have asked that question countless times in my seminars and workshops. When I ask the follow-up question, "What would make you follow them?" The answers are as follows: "They have strong beliefs." "They are a person of principle." "They are passionate about their causes." "They live out their values." Abraham Lincoln said it best, "A good example is worth a thousand sermons." I know this to be true—so I am reminding all of us who lead people: what you do has more impact on others than all the [...]

By |2022-08-24T13:03:08+00:00August 24th, 2022|Connecting, Leadership|0 Comments

Is your culture one of merit? 

Here is what I have come to learn about culture. The environment dictates behavior. It is the key to execution and lasting results. Plenty has been written about having your organization, department, division, etc. as one big happy family, but have only two words for that statement: Be careful. Yes, we want a positive, upbeat environment; that is true. Care needs to be taken so that it doesn't lead to entitlement. In families, we tend to be too forgiving, with no judgment (can't pick your relatives), and everyone is accepted and benefits strictly because they belong (they're family) after all. You can't fire a family member. I believe family membership is the epitome of entitlement; it is assumed and not earned. It [...]

By |2022-08-17T13:03:30+00:00August 17th, 2022|Leadership|0 Comments

Check-in on your vision. 

Leadership author and expert Warren Bennis states, "Every leader needs a clear mental picture of a preferred future." Plenty of volumes have been written on the subject of vision, but my message today is a reminder for all of us to check in on the vision. Does it provide a clear picture of where you wish to lead and take your company? Organization? Team? Department? Division? What I have found to be true is that when you declare a vision, it becomes a matter of record. Your vision acts as your guide for the future. How do you want to reach the finish line? When do you want to reach the finish line? Being as specific as possible with your goals and [...]

By |2022-08-09T16:55:13+00:00August 10th, 2022|Leadership|0 Comments

It’s all about today. 

Years ago, I was inspired by a quote from Omar Khayyam.  In the book Rubaiyat, he writes, "The moving finger writes; and, having writ, moves on: nor all thy piety nor wit will cancel half a line, nor all thy tears wash out a word of it." This quote made it clear that I must take ownership of my actions, behaviors, and life. Breaking it down further, it is about today. As leaders, we are focused on vision and a better tomorrow. As we should be. However, what we do each day creates a better tomorrow. This quote, in addition to other events in my life, is the inspiration for my new book soon to be released: Make Today Your Masterpiece.  Think about it, [...]

By |2022-08-09T16:51:32+00:00August 3rd, 2022|Coaching|0 Comments
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