A one-string banjo doesn’t sound happy. Overconfidence in one strength brings leaders down.
Visionaries fail when they can’t get stuff done. Relationship builders fail when they don’t have tough conversations. Doers without empathy build disengaged teams.
Leaders fail by leaning too hard on one strength.
The survival of Ernest Shackleton’s crew is the greatest survival saga in human history.
AUGUST 8, 1914—28 men departure for Antarctica.
AUGUST 30, 1916—The crew is rescued.
The survival of all 28 men is a tribute to the human spirit.
One lesson: Don’t forget the banjo when leading through crisis.
Paying attention to everything will drive you nuts.
A Life Flight pilot told me he succeeds by ignoring the patients in the back.
The secret to doing stuff that matters is ignoring stuff that doesn’t.
10 ways to become a pro at ignoring stuff.
Don’t collaborate on everything. Everyone shouldn’t make every decision. Everyone doesn’t have to agree on every decision.
Collaboration backfires when it dilutes responsibility.
Lack of accountability means collaboration stagnation.
“Seek first to understand, then to be understood,” — Stephen R. Covey
“As a matter of fact, have you never noticed that most conversations are simply monologues delivered in the presence of a witness?” Margaret Millar
Before selling your ideas, try to defend theirs.
10 ways to create vibrant conversations.
Leaders speak to influence.
Leaders often fall into the “forgettable communications scourge.” Bill McGowan
Don’t bother speaking if you’re forgettable.
Bored people aren’t paying attention.
Listeners expect to hear something they don’t expect.
Influential words are clear, focused, and authenticity.
