12 Things Smart Leaders Don’t Say
#1. I should have. ‘Should have’ is backward facing. Do your best to speak into the future. Instead of shoulding-yourself, say, “Next time.” #2. You should have. Why didn’t you? See #1. ‘Next… Continue reading
Category Archive: Leading
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The Five Stages of Decline
You might feel like Superman, but kryptonite is real. Success goes sideways when leaders feel invincible. 5 companies that were great once: Borders Sears & Roebuck Blockbuster (Blockbuster has 1 store in Bend,… Continue reading
5 Things to Do When Pedaling Faster Doesn’t Work
We have a bizarre capacity to pedal faster when something isn’t working. We think if we try harder the problem will magically disappear. Trying harder works for people who aren’t really trying. More… Continue reading
Put One Big Rock on Your Calendar
The end of this week is your last opportunity to put a big rock on next week’s calendar. Once day-to-day urgencies appear, they prevent you from accomplishing important tasks. You’ve been meaning to… Continue reading
Positive Discontent: How to Intervene Before Things Fall Apart
While he was on vacation, one manager’s team lost momentum. We discussed how to intervene before things fall apart. I gave him two phrases for reflection, protecting gains and positive discontent. “Protecting gains… Continue reading
Four Dumb Things Smart Leaders Do That Hinder Employee Engagement
I was reminded, during a recent team meeting, that successful leadership is often about simple practices and straight-forward behaviors. If leadership practices are complicated, you’re doing it wrong. You don’t have to be… Continue reading