Category Archive: Mistakes

The Power of Dumb – I Shot Myself in the Head

I’ve done things that make Tweedledee and Tweedledum look like Einstein and Edison. Like the day I shot myself in the head. It all happened while teaching our boys to safely shoot a… Continue reading

How to End the Frustration of Recurring Problems

Frustrated leaders complain about having the same conversation. “We’ve talked about this problem over and over.” Repetition creates the path of least resistance like rivers eventually wear channels in stone. Pattern reflection: Tell… Continue reading

The Plate-Drop Challenge: How to Respond to Failure

The only way to learn how many plates you can spin is to break some plates. The question of capacity guarantees failure. T.S. Eliot said, “Only those who will risk going too far… Continue reading

Complaints Kids Make about Mom and We Make about Managers

The hardest part of having a mom is coming to grips with her frailties and mistakes. Kid complaints about mom: You won’t let me do anything. You don’t love me. You’re mean. Nothing… Continue reading

Dear Dan: I Have an Employee who Makes Repeated Mistakes

Dear Dan, I have an employee who rushes through her work. I’ve tried to get her to slow down, but she is always worried about getting in trouble for not getting work done.… Continue reading

Stop Punching Yourself in the Face: 13 Self-Defeating Behaviors to Avoid

It’s not good to knock-out yourself. Self-defeat is inevitable until you acknowledge you’re punching yourself in the face. 13 Self-Defeating Behaviors: #1. People pleasing that motivates to stress-out over opinions and approval. #2.… Continue reading