Category Archive: Marks of leaders

2 Comments
Picture of the face of a meerkat.

A Weekend Update: 7/26 TO 7/30

I was just looking at this years lineup for the Global Leadership Summit. The firepower of the presenters is off the charts. For example, Malcom Gladwell is speaking on The Urgency of the… Continue reading →

10 Comments
Image of potter forming a vase. "Pity the fool who is too busy shaping people to be shaped by others."

What’s More Important to Success than Leadership Skills

You’re a colossal screw-up if you believe success hinges on skills. It doesn’t matter how skilled you are at delegating, for example, if you’re a dishonest jerk-hole. Hitler was an exceptional communicator. Skills… Continue reading →

8 Comments
Picture of bees climbing on each other. "Busyness isn't happiness."

7 Ways to Be a Happy Leader Today

Life at an amusement park gets boring. A party every night turns to monotony. The pursuit of frivolous happiness inevitably evolves from delight to boredom to burden. A busy life is not necessarily… Continue reading →

7 Comments
Elderly lady looking out a window. If you want people to be glad to see you, be glad to see them with a big smile. Quote "If you want people to be glad to see you, be glad to see them."

5 Reasons People Wish Lousy Leaders Would Stay Away

I’m a huge fan of leadership walk-abouts. But if you’re a lousy leader, just stay in your office and keep doing the “important” work you think you’re doing. 5 reasons people wish lousy… Continue reading →

5 Comments
Mother duck watching over ducklings. Gently shift your attention to something bigger than yourself.

Self-Consciousness: Solving the Hidden Hinderance to Enjoyment and Performance

The more energy you expend worrying about yourself, the less energy you have to make a difference in the world. Self-consciousness drains energy, enjoyment, and effectiveness. Self-consciousness is your inner voice telling you… Continue reading →

10 Comments
People love to see leaders who love people. Image of a duck looking at the screen.

How to be the Leader People Love to See

Spending time with their manager is the worst part of the day for employees. What makes managers so un-delightful? Managers are unintentionally malevolent when they have an agenda that has nothing to do… Continue reading →