Leadership

Here’s something a little different today. I want to share some ideas and concepts that have helped me throughout my leadership journey. My hope is that you’ll find value in them and maybe even apply one or two in your own life. Being kind is more important than being right. Money doesn’t buy character. Under everyone’s hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and valued. Ignoring the facts doesn’t change the facts. Everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile. When you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere. Surround yourself with lifters—they’ll make you better. There’s no right way to do a wrong thing. Integrity matters. In leadership, what you end up with is a combination [...]

Let me just say it: new generations are arriving. If we want to grow and build sustainable businesses, we must embrace them and make space. The truth is, we will always be working alongside people from different generations—whether we’re collaborating, leading, or being led by them. In some cases, they might even be your partner. Younger generations bring different mindsets, belief systems, and work ethics (work-life balance is the current buzzword). A 24-year-old doesn’t just dress differently from a 60-year-old—they often see the world in a different way. They approach their daily work differently, have different relationships with technology, set different boundaries, hold different expectations, and communicate in different styles. You may have seen this chart or one like it [...]

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 [...]