Small Dreams Are Dangerous

Small dreams require more courage than big. Grand vision is sophisticated procrastination.

Passion you can’t act on today is safe.

Small dreams are dangerous because delay sounds ridiculous.

Don’t worry about Mt. Everest until you climb the hill behind your house.

How to dream small in big ways.

5 Kinds of Complainers

Raising issues isn’t complaining.

Complainers talk about problems while standing aloof. They expect others to change. They seek personal advantage.

Builders point out concerns to understand. They seek improvement. They get dirty making things better.

You’ll always face complaints. Some lift. Others tear down.

Build a culture where forward-facing ownership wins.

Tap The Power of Subtraction

Subtraction is harder than saying no.

Saying no prevents future obligations. Subtraction kills current commitments.

Subtraction creates space.

Stop seeking more time. Eliminate obligations.

Click to learn 7 ways to practice subtraction.

Fuzzy Values Make Exhausted Leaders

Others run your life until you know your values.

Stop wandering in a fog of “shoulds.”

“Our values show us the path and motivate us to pursue it.” Paul Ingram

When values are fuzzy decisions are exhausting.

Escape the Flattery Trap

“They flatter one another out of contempt, and their desire to rule one another makes them bow and scrape.” Marcus Aurelius

Using flattery invites people to look down on you. Neediness is obvious. (Adapted from Epictetus)

Solomon said, “The one who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his steps.”

How Leaders Shrink People

It’s easy to amplify the negative voice in someone’s head. Challenge them to contribute. Say nothing when they do.

People who feel they don’t matter hold back. Potential dies quietly.

Leaders shrink people with silence.

Ingratitude denies worth.

People who feel strong go further than those who feel weak.