Category Archive: Encouragement

3 Ways Dogs and People Rise

You and I are like dogs. A kicked dog expects to be kicked. When things go bad we expect things to go bad. Passivity and anxiety are normal in the face of prolonged… Continue reading

Believe in People: The Vitality of Authentic Leadership

You’re a drummer without a band – annoying – until you believe in people. Humanity is essential to… Leaders infuse vitality into stale leadership skills when they believe in people. Let me tell… Continue reading

The Dark Night of the Soul

Everyone descends into the dark night of the soul a time or two or three. Some absorb the darkness. Others rise. This post is about the difference. The difference between everyday blues and… Continue reading

3 Tips to Build Confidence in Timid Team Members

You make work miserable when you drain confidence from your team. Confidence is fuel to face the future with optimism. Confidence turns toward opportunity; self-doubt turns away. Frivolous cheerleading doesn’t build confidence. It’s… Continue reading

Seagull Management: 4 Ways to Stop Dumping on People

Seagull managers fly in, make lots of noise, dump on everyone, and fly away.* You might say a seagull manager is full of crap. The seduction of problems makes you a seagull. Stay… Continue reading

3 Ways to Make Encouragement Count

“How can you tell if a person needs encouragement? If that person is breathing.” S. Truett Cathy You may not intend to, but managers discourage good people. Encouragement feels like power. Encouragement invites… Continue reading