Author Archive

Lessons in Leading-Up from a Two Year Old

Children develop leading-up skills at an early age. Most of them teach us things we shouldn’t do. Leading-up from a two-year-old’s perspective: Bargaining. “I’ll be good.” A two-year-old uses good performance as a… Continue reading →

How to Send Signals that Enable Connection

Imagine you just met Wilma at a party. You’re shaking hands when she says, “I’m Wilma. I’m the CEO of Widgets Across America.” Choose to build trust rather than create distance.   Connect… Continue reading →

How to Deal with Distractions While Making Crucial Decisions

You’re making a crucial decision and a few stakeholders want to air unrelated concerns or grievances. Distractors bring up peripheral issues when crucial decisions are under consideration.  Distractions include: #1. New opportunities. You… Continue reading →

How to Overcome Arrogance

All that’s ugly in leadership begins with arrogance. You might be arrogant if you: Look down your nose on those you serve. Arrogance views others as burdens and irritations. Beat yourself up over… Continue reading →

On Chemistry Sets and Pogo Sticks

This morning I thought of Henry Mintzberg again. About six years ago I asked Henry to share the one piece of advice he most loves to share. He said one word, “Connect.” “Connect”… Continue reading →

Four Books that Recently Arrived on my Doorstep

Here is a sampling of books that recently arrived on my doorstep. The Long-Distance Leader This book is for everyone who leads remote teams. The principles of leadership don’t change as people disperse.… Continue reading →