I am a focused person. Few obstacles will stop me from continuing to focus once I start working on something. I may not know all the sources that feed my focus, or all the ways in which I practice focusing. I do know at least three steps that strengthen and sharpen the way I focus. […]
3 Steps Toward Sharper Focus Read More »
I have been learning about character my whole life. Some people would say probably that is why I am such a character today. I was born in Wisconsin, on the first day of winter. I remember long winter nights. I grew up with month after month of cold, grey, icy existence each year. Over and
Leadership Builds Character Read More »
Leaders who inspire me are shrewd. The leaders who bring out the best in me rely on practical wisdom that builds trust and respect. For one thing, they recognize what they have. The leaders who inspire me assess and activate the resources at their disposal. They do not waste time wishing they had more or
Leadership is Shrewd Read More »
Gravity holds us together. Without gravity, we would float out, away from the center of the earth. We need a center of gravity. Leaders, in particular, rely on their center of gravity. It is easy for us, especially those of us who believe in the power of both contemplation and action, to begin drifting away. Gravity
Leadership Needs Gravity Read More »
I have worked with people who apparently would like to be coated with a nonstick surface. They hope that everything will slide off easily, leaving no stains or residue. They tend to see leadership as obstacles waiting to happen to them. They do not want to be blamed for any imperfections. The leaders who inspire
Leadership is Taking Responsibility Read More »
I know people in leadership positions who believe in taking big risks. They are visionaries, painting big pictures in broad strokes. They are dramatic; they are bold. They put everything on the line, follow their passion, trust the universe. These people are like those athletes for whom an entire game, an entire season, comes down
Leadership is Doing Small Things Well Read More »
No one is excellent at everything. Leaders know their limitations. Leaders know what they do well, better than anyone else. Great leaders surround themselves with people who do different things well. I know people who believe they must do everything well. One friend of mine believed that he probably needed to leave his career as
Leadership Knows Its Limitations Read More »
I rely on my ability to pay attention, to focus. Concentrating has served me well, delivering significant benefits in school and in my career. Studying, reading carefully, listening closely, not letting my mind wander, remembering; I was encouraged to do all of these as my intellectual abilities developed. These skills helped me gather a lot
Unfocused Awareness Read More »
Leadership is not about logical, rational arguments. Leaders usually do not persuade me through reasoned argument or clear, cogent thinking. Leadership is not about well designed, well built structures. Leaders really do not motivate me with supporting organization or effective administration. Leadership is not about personal, emotional appeal. Leaders generally do not encourage me by
Leadership Brings a Tear to My Eye Read More »
Leadership is about learning how to dance. Being a leader is not about making us all be the same. Leaders are not about measuring our efforts and getting rid of whoever does not measure up. Leadership is not about making other people try to be more like me. I have worked with people in positions of
Leadership Teaches Us the Steps Read More »
