Author Archive

Don’t Forget the Banjo: Leading Through Crisis

The survival of Ernest Shackleton’s crew is the greatest survival saga in human history. 

AUGUST 8, 1914—28 men departure for Antarctica.
AUGUST 30, 1916—The crew is rescued.

The survival of all 28 men is a tribute to the human spirit.

One lesson: Don’t forget the banjo when leading through crisis.

Become a Pro at Ignoring Stuff

Paying attention to everything will drive you nuts.

A Life Flight pilot told me he succeeds by ignoring the patients in the back.

The secret to doing stuff that matters is ignoring stuff that doesn’t.

10 ways to become a pro at ignoring stuff.

When Collaboration Backfires

Don’t collaborate on everything. Everyone shouldn’t make every decision. Everyone doesn’t have to agree on every decision.

Collaboration backfires when it dilutes responsibility.  

Lack of accountability means collaboration stagnation.

The Silent Superpower of Conversations

“Seek first to understand, then to be understood,” — Stephen R. Covey 

“As a matter of fact, have you never noticed that most conversations are simply monologues delivered in the presence of a witness?” Margaret Millar

Before selling your ideas, try to defend theirs.

10 ways to create vibrant conversations.

3 Ways to Amplify Your Speaking Power

Leaders speak to influence.

Leaders often fall into the “forgettable communications scourge.” Bill McGowan

Don’t bother speaking if you’re forgettable.

Bored people aren’t paying attention.

Listeners expect to hear something they don’t expect.

Influential words are clear, focused, and authenticity.

Great Conversations Break the Rules

Momma said, “Don’t interrupt.” Let people finish. Pause. Make space.

Master the habit of letting people finish before you speak.

And then break the rules. Great conversations break the rules.

Some of the rules the experts suggest get in the way of great conversations.