Category Archive: Goals

Five Techniques That Make You Matter Most

The need to tell others you’re important suggests you don’t feel important. Insecure leaders build, protect, and validate themselves. They spend their days like male peacocks fluffing their tail feathers. “Look at me,… Continue reading

A CEO of Southwest Airlines on Goals

We forget the expected and remember the unusual. I’ve been remembering something unusual that was said to me about ten months ago. Jim Parker, former CEO of Southwest Airlines told me, “Don’t set… Continue reading

The Essential Secret to Full Engagement

The reason your team isn’t fully engaged is you aren’t fully committed to them. They know, you’re dedicated to them only so long as their performance pleases you. They know organizational interests come… Continue reading

Stop Asking Stupid Questions

Questions focused on the present are management questions. “What’s the problem?” for example. Leaders, on the other hand, ask questions about the future, “Where do we want to be next year?” Managers ask… Continue reading

Six Strategies to Get Your Tough On

Err on the side of pushing harder not easier. When you wonder if you should challenge or comfort someone, challenge them. Expect more not less. Encourage those who are struggling but don’t exclude… Continue reading

Overcoming the Mediocrity of Doing Your Best

“Do your best,” is an excuse for not doing your best. It’s code for, don’t worry if you don’t make it. Stop telling people to do their best; give them a goal, instead.… Continue reading