Category Archive: Taking others higher

The Dirty Truth About Acting Without Permission

You say you want people to act without asking permission. In truth, you want them to do what you want them to do without being told. How many times have you said, “Just… Continue reading

Overcoming the Seduction of Charisma

Charismatic leaders are bigger than life. You aren’t one of them. Very few leaders move people through charisma, personality, and up front skills. It’s not likely you have enough charisma to lead through… Continue reading

When Projects Fail

We had a project fail. Let it sting. Soothing pain is for babies, not big boys and girls. Team members who don’t care about losing are losers. Don’t sooth discomfort by minimizing failure,… Continue reading

Why Encouragement Fails – What to Do About It

He quietly explained, “Tell me my work matters.” We were in the living room discussing his role in our organization, when he said, “Sometimes I get discouraged.” I asked, “How would you like… Continue reading

16 Questions that Establish Maximum Impact

“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” Attributed to Albert Einstein Effective… Continue reading

The Problem of Potential Problems

Alarmists are irritating. They push the panic button at the first hint of smoke. They see what might go wrong and yell fire. While you’re dealing with “real” issues, they’re dealing with things… Continue reading