How to Hold People Accountable without using Authority

If you didn’t have authority, how would you hold people accountable? Don’t demand what must be given. Authority as a hammer: Maslow said, “I suppose it is tempting, if the only tool you have… Continue reading

The Proximity Principle

The Proximity Principle: Leaders tend to serve people they see, touch, and spend time with. Leaders who huddle rather than mingle grow inward and serve each other. Distance allows detachment. Detached leaders falsely believe the work… Continue reading

CA – Caring Anonymous

You care, even though you might feel uncomfortable showing it. Personally, for years, I’ve joked, “I’m from Maine. We have feelings on Christmas Eve and the Fourth of July. I’m not a touchy-feely.”… Continue reading

Don’t Pressure Timid People to be Brave

Fear might feel safe, but leadership requires boldness. Fear congeals the past. Boldness builds the future. Fear is survival-mode. Boldness is opportunity-mode. Boldness follows hope. 4 ways to build bold teams: Provide training. Celebrate mistakes.… Continue reading

Solution Saturday: I’ve Been Stabbed in the Back

Dear Dan, I built what I thought was a pretty solid relationship with some colleagues. Recently they hired a new person. Once she got comfortable she started becoming the backstabber. She quickly changed… Continue reading

The Race to Insignificance or Issues of Greatness

Life’s darkest frustrations hover over the gap between feeling unimportant and hoping to be significant. Desires for greatness are holy. No one wakes up in the morning with burning desires to be trivial.… Continue reading