Category Archive: Encouragement

The Stupidity and Strength of Youth

Young leaders focus on themselves too much. They mistakenly believe success depends on them rather than others. They think about their own potential and neglect the potential of others. Small dreams are reached… Continue reading →

Lessons from the End of the Rope

Your failure-to-success journey is the most interesting thing about you. All successful leaders stumble, fall, and climb out of the ash heap only to be better for it. Flaunt it; don’t hide it. Facades… Continue reading →

Women Don’t Take Risks Like Men

They determined the single most important thing about leadership is the ability to take risks. If you can’t take risks you can’t lead. What happened next angered Alyse Nelson, President and CEO of… Continue reading →

Giving Criticism Like a Pro

Stop talking if you’re a critical boss. You may say, “I’m just being helpful.” Unrequested criticism is like a drive-by shooting – there’s no responsibility for positive outcomes. It’s sleazy and easy. After… Continue reading →

How to Adapt Without Losing Yourself

Image source The first thing Jim Parker, former CEO Southwest Airlines, said when I asked him to share the advice he most frequently gives leaders was, “Be yourself.” “I’m just being me,” can,… Continue reading →

The Advantage of Strategic Disadvantage

The bluebirds emptied their nest, yesterday. Every year we watch the egg to flight ritual. One year we saw the young leave. This year we found one quaking in the grass. Beginning: Mother… Continue reading →