Hair of the Dog that Bit You
Irresponsible spending is not the cure for irresponsible spending.
DetailsClarity is Critical
leaders must be clear otherwise even the best intention and plans will fail
DetailsGood Questions
My long-time pal and colleague in the speaking profession Joe Calloway just interviewed me for our professional association. There are many things I like about Joe but I was reminded of something he does exceptionally well: he asks good questions. Asking good questions is a well-worn if not worn out topic in leadership. But what…
DetailsMagical Service
The National Speakers Association is meeting this weekend at the Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando. I have been using the newly opened business center/concierge room. The facilities are nice, but the attitude and demeanor of the staff are exceptional. My first day here I had a concierge named Martha check on dinner reservations for Valentine’s…
DetailsOvercompensation
I’m not referring to Wall Street payouts, but to how society tends to respond to problems. Case in point: a laxity of regulation has resulted in a rush to over-regulate. Wall Street, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac sounded the alarm and now Washington pours water on a fire already out. The current trend is not…
DetailsPositive Discontent
One of my clients is Kiewit (large construction and mining) which is this year celebrating its 125th anniversary. Peter Kiewit, who provided legendary leadership in growing the company, used the phrase “pleased but never satisfied.” I’ve embraced a similar philosophy I call “positive discontent.” Be positive about what you’ve accomplished but don’t become content. Keep…
DetailsMichael Phelps and the Principles of Greatness
He made a mistake. He is truly great athlete, and he is fully human. Greatness does not equal perfection. We keep forgetting that. I’m not condoning his actions. The fact is that lots of people his age–and some much older–take a hit off a bong. Most of us would agree that is wrong behavior. I…
DetailsBusiness as Usual in Washington D.C.
I respect President Obama and truly admire his communication skills. I don’t always agree with the content of his remarks. With the debate and resistance over the stimulus plan, the president asked Congress if they weren’t tired of “business as usual” suggesting that coming together on the plan would truly be change. Realize that spending…
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