Category Archive: Optimism

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

The “Sweet 16” of Positive Work Environments

If people start worrying when you show up, you’re a downer. If people love to see you leave, you’re a loser. If your team hates receiving calls from you, you’re a lousy leader.… Continue reading

Four Ways to Create Unflinching Boldness

Timid people achieve less than bold. Boldness builds the future. Fear stalls progress and congeals the past. Fear is survival mode. Boldness is opportunity mode. 4 Ways to Build Boldness: Prepare people for… Continue reading