Four Ways to Accept Imperfection and Pursue Excellence At the Same Time

Leaders who can’t accept themselves are sure to look down on others. Perfectionism is self-rejection. Disapproval is the hammer of perfectionistic leaders. Arrogance, humility, pursuit, and perfectionism: Pursuit is energized with humility and… Continue reading →

Solution Saturday: How to Change Perceptions

Dear Dan, I work for a great company, don’t all questions start this way?  Lately, we’ve been having a lot of conversations about perception. It’s such a difficult thing to predict or change.… Continue reading →

How to Limit Distraction and Feel in Control of Your Day

Everyone has priorities. For ineffective managers, it’s the next email, text, phone call, or person who walks through the door. Meaningful work requires a closed door. The person who always responds immediately to… Continue reading →

Two Simple Commitments that Radically Improve Life for Leaders

Everything becomes distraction and reaction when you lose control of you calendar. In an article titled, Clayton Christensen’s “How Will You Measure Your Life?, Christensen wrote, … life is just one unending stream… Continue reading →

How to Turn Cautious Teammates into Visionary Thinkers

Visionary thinking typically receives quick turndowns from cautious leaders. People start thinking small and safe. Everyone dreams small when cautious judgmental leaders control decisions. Traditional management culture encourages everyone to lower expectations and ask for… Continue reading →

The Three-Legged Stool of Effective Performance Conversations

If half-truths are lies, being nice makes us liars. The need to be nice is about: Preventing offense. Keeping the peace. Protecting status. Being liked. Being too nice often includes shading the truth. Too nice:… Continue reading →