Leadership

No matter your generation, you’ve likely heard the saying, “Curiosity killed the cat.” However, when it comes to leadership, curiosity is not a liability, it’s a strength. As leaders, staying curious and consistently asking thoughtful questions is essential to becoming more effective. We don’t have to wait for performance reviews, quarterly meetings, or annual retreats to find out what’s going on. Those who read my blogs know I’m a strong advocate for regular one-on-one meetings. These sessions offer valuable opportunities to gain insights simply by asking the right questions. For example, asking, “What is your biggest challenge right now?” opens the door for coaching and problem-solving. When you ask, “What could get in the way?” potential obstacles—barriers that often go unspoken—are brought into the conversation. This creates [...]

  One of my favorite quotes comes from legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden: “It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.” That sentiment perfectly captures what I believe leadership is all about: a commitment to lifelong learning. President Lincoln once said, “Example is the most lasting.” As leaders, we must lead by example, especially when it comes to our willingness to grow, change, and improve in areas that matter. There is no standing still in leadership. If we want to create a culture where learning and progress are expected, that mindset must start at the top. Simply put, growth is not optional. Over the years, I’ve come to believe that all growth happens within four key areas, [...]

In his bestselling book Built to Last, author Jim Collins introduces the concept of the “Mars Group.” Imagine having to recreate your company, department, or division on Mars. You can only bring a few people with you, and there’s no communication with Earth. The question is, who would you take? Naturally, you’d bring the leaders who are making the greatest impact on your organization. This concept ties into the “Pareto Principle,” also known as the 80/20 rule, which suggests that 80% of results come from 20% of people. This ratio holds true across many areas of life. For example, 80% of donations in nonprofits often come from just 20% of donors. In sales organizations, 20% of producers generate 80% of sales. [...]