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 [...]

When you hear the word “leader," what immediately comes to mind? I have asked that question to audiences and groups countless times. The answers are typically a public figure, a CEO or company president, a famous statesman, an outstanding athlete, and often anyone with a title. Additionally, these people are frequently mentioned in the press therefore they can be top of mind. Here is what I know to be absolutely true, you could have the title of manager, director, vice president, etc. You can have direct reports, however, these titles would not necessarily make you a leader. Titles are granted, but being a leader is earned. It is earned and given to you by the same people you lead. The [...]

I was asked that question this week by an entrepreneur who is building his company and team. He is a new client to LeadOne and I think I shocked him with my direct response. I simply said, "How about you? You should be the first person you lead." I strongly believe if we can’t effectively lead ourselves, how can we lead others? He continued by asking, "What does leading myself look like?" Perhaps, you are asking that as well? I suggested he think of words or activities that he believes are critical to effectively leading others—in other words, characteristics and skills a leader should have. As soon as he started to identify them, he knew where I was taking him. Some [...]