Category Archive: Leading

How to Play to Win Rather than not to Lose

***** Playing to win trumps playing not to lose, always. Start worrying when sports teams play to protect their lead rather than build it. Athletic play declines and scores erode when play degenerate… Continue reading

The Secret Power of Destroying Secrets

Manipulators, backstabbers, and poor performers love organizations with secrets. In fact, they create, nurture and protect environments where secrets are normal, even virtuous. Most organizations have too many secrets. Too many conversations are… Continue reading

How to Leverage the Benefits of Confusion

Progress requires clarity. Confusion paralyzes. Great leaders create clarity; poor leaders confuse. Worse yet, confused people pull back. Paralyzing confusion is bad but confusion has benefits. Confusion precedes breakthrough. Pushing confusion away pushes… Continue reading

From Defeated Pessimist to Realistic Optimist

***** Pessimists can’t lead. Solving problems requires you first see and acknowledge them. If you plan to move forward, stop dancing around the elephant and dance with it. Ask hard questions. Healthy pessimism serves leaders.… Continue reading

Creating a Life of Opportunity

Life without opportunities is dull and unfulfilling. Lost opportunities discourage; lack of opportunities defeat. We’ve all heard people wishing they had more opportunities. This happens for two reasons. Comparing our opportunities with others… Continue reading

How John Maxwell Navigates Leadership

I sent a note to John Maxwell. This is part 2 of his reply. What do you do to navigate the changes your leadership journey brings to you?  First, I think everyone navigates according… Continue reading