Next to hubris, anger will sink a leader quicker than anything. Right now in the Democratic race, Obama has the upper hand not because of experience or even his superior speaking skills but because of his temperament. He stays calm, focused and seemingly unflappable even when he’s being attacked. He seldom returns the attack but…
DetailsThe next president of the United States will be elected primarily on the power of his or her ability to communicate well. This isn’t as it should be; it simply is as it is. Regrettably, style often trumps substance. Recall some years ago when Dennis Miller famously ranted that V.P. candidate Stockdale committed the unforgivable…
DetailsYesterday Delta canceled a few hundred flights leaving travelers stranded. It was done in the name of “safety inspections” as if that should give Delta a free pass for not scheduling inspections previously or at least warning travelers in advance. (Wouldn’t you like a scapegoat in your business like “weather” and “safety” that could be…
DetailsIn his excellent new book, The Breakthrough Company, Keith McFarland makes this point: “A search of the Harvard Business Review web site revealed that nearly 50 percent of the articles published by the Harvard Business Review mention at least one of the following companies: IBM, GE, Dell, Wal-Mart, and Southwest Airlines.” Is it surprising that…
DetailsLast night my friend John and I attended the Denver International Car Show. We parked in the convention center parking deck which is seldom an enjoyable experience. For some reason you get routed up a tight spiral ramp to one of the top two floors. I’m beginning to suspect that there are only two floors…
DetailsWarren Wiesbe said, “Your heart grows by giving out, but your mind grows by taking in; both are necessary to a happy and balanced life of service.” This explains the leadership balance between head and heart. Leaders who intellectualize their work have a difficult time connecting with and serving others. Leaders who give without growing…
DetailsMatt is a great bartender at one of my favorite brewpubs. One reason I like him is that he is very well informed on many things. He’s liberal and I’m conservative and it makes for great discussions (as I’ve said before, I respect someone who disagrees with me and is well informed more than someone…
DetailsWho? Tiger Woods. He’s being called the best who ever played the game. At the age of 32 he’s earning $100 million a year and has won seven consecutive tournaments. I don’t golf, but I learn from Tiger. That’s because truth is transferable. What makes for mastery and remarkable performance is applicable in any arena.…
DetailsI’ve always said that the stock market doesn’t make anybody any money. Only people make money in the market. The market doesn’t lose anybody’s money either. People lose money depending on how they invest in the market. Yesterday the Wall Street Journal reported on some firms that made a great deal of money on Bear…
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