Category Archive: Optimism

Jim Collins on Paranoid Leaders

Bad things will happen. It’s not a matter of if; it’s a matter of when. Even optimists knows it’s true. Hi performing leaders, according to Jim Collins are “paranoid performers.” They’re always asking,… Continue reading

One Question Away From Optimism

Image source You can’t lead if you aren’t dissatisfied. Every new beginning begins with dissatisfaction. If the present is satisfactory, you have nowhere to go. A preferred future stands on an un-preferred present.… Continue reading

Stop Wasting Your Time Solving Problems

Many leaders and managers have a compelling; even perverse interest in fixing things. Average managers solve problems and get results. Great managers build people. A recent conversation with a new manager reminded me that… Continue reading

How to Overcome the Fear of Losing

Fear of losing keeps you from winning; holding on holds you back. The more you have to lose the more you have to protect. Protecting is backward facing. Protect family and reputation but… Continue reading

How Blowing up a Factory Changed Jack Welch

I asked Jack Welch, at the World Business Forum 2011, to talk about tipping points in his life and he said, “I blew up a (GE) factory the first year I was there.”… Continue reading

Bob Burg on Becoming a Person of Value

I asked Bob Burg if he felt like a success; it’s a slippery topic that requires definition so we slipped back into how he defined it. At first Bob talked goals. “On the… Continue reading