Category Archive: Leading

15 Potent Strategies for Fighting Confusion

Confusion is common; clarity rare. Confusion rules until leaders courageously intervene. Successful leaders always fight confusion and find clarity. Secret weapon: Clarity is leadership’s secret and most powerful weapon. Clarity allows followers to know where… Continue reading

The Single Greatest Gift Successful Leaders Give

Image source I’ve seen frustrated leaders say things like, “That’s the way it’s going to be.” It’s their end game when confused or resistant people push them. It works with two year olds who… Continue reading

The Top 25 Temptations of Leadership

Using position to intimidate or manipulate. Believing talent, experience, or skills compensate for preparation. Choosing the easy way for you rather than the best way for them. Overlooking the destructive behaviors of high… Continue reading

Embracing the Joys of Fear and Pain

Fear and pain motivate you to stop, run, avoid, or stubbornly dig in. They don’t move you forward, they move you away. Fear and pain may, however, ignite passion to change. Politicians create… 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

Identifying Dysfunctional Relationship Patterns

“When relationships are dysfunctional, there are three basic roles people play: persecutor, rescuer, and victim,” Marlen Chism. The lists that follow are adapted from, Stop Workplace Drama. Victims: Constantly complain. Resist solutions. Lack… Continue reading