Category Archive: Influence

Vulnerability, Respect and loyalty

This story is true. Names are excluded for the sake of privacy. He couldn’t believe his ears. A senior member of the management team actually said they felt like they were drowning. In… Continue reading

Grateful for gratitude

We play a part in the progress of people around us. Our evaluations, suggestions, and tweaks of their behavior may or may not be helpful. One thing is certain. Positive comments, gratitude, and… Continue reading

Identity influences interactions

This is the “I” installment of my “Alphabet for Leaders.” I’m a grandfather with three grandchildren (5, 4, and 1 year). Early on they called me poppi but that’s been shortened to pop.… Continue reading

Creating passion with managed emotion

Passionate leaders are intensely focused on clear targets. Emotional leaders express unmanaged feelings that typically hinder progress and hamper relationships. Leaders need passion. On the other hand, unmanaged emotion is counterproductive. John Maxwell… Continue reading

Heated passion or steady-calm

I’ve always leaned toward the passionate side of life. For example, debate energizes me. Public speaking excites me. Advocating for a compelling vision fires me up. I agree with those who say, “Passion… Continue reading

Pushing ropes or fueling fires

Motivating others can be as challenging as pushing ropes. Leaders and managers push people by pressuring, explaining, creating check points, measuring production, threatening, rewarding, and more. Successful leaders learn how to push ropes… Continue reading