A Cult-Like Culture, Intolerance, and Obsession

Robert Kohlhepp spent nearly 50 years working for one Company. He started as the Controller and retired as the Chairman of the Board. When he first joined, Cintas sales were about $1.5 million… Continue reading

12 Things Smart Leaders Don’t Say

#1. I should have. ‘Should have’ is backward facing. Do your best to speak into the future. Instead of shoulding-yourself, say, “Next time.” #2. You should have. Why didn’t you? See #1. ‘Next… Continue reading

The Five Stages of Decline

You might feel like Superman, but kryptonite is real. Success goes sideways when leaders feel invincible. 5 companies that were great once: Borders Sears & Roebuck Blockbuster (Blockbuster has 1 store in Bend,… Continue reading

7 Questions that Change the Way People Think

When making decisions the most important thing is to make them. The principles of decision-making include: Go with your highest point of clarity. (Important decisions are never perfectly clear.) Keep moving forward, especially… Continue reading

5 Things to Do When Pedaling Faster Doesn’t Work

We have a bizarre capacity to pedal faster when something isn’t working. We think if we try harder the problem will magically disappear. Trying harder works for people who aren’t really trying. More… Continue reading

Put One Big Rock on Your Calendar

The end of this week is your last opportunity to put a big rock on next week’s calendar. Once day-to-day urgencies appear, they prevent you from accomplishing important tasks. You’ve been meaning to… Continue reading