As a child, my grandfather encouraged me to learn something new every single day, even if I didn't think it would help me immediately. He also taught me that a continuous curiosity about the world around me was far more important than achieving a high grade or winning someone else's approval. As a result, I'm fiercely passionate about the power of learning both in my own life, and in the lessons I teach others.
7 Ways to Help Your Team Be More Innovative
We all have the ability to devise innovative, world-changing ideas. But without the right place in which to develop and nurture these ideas, they remain nothing more than a far-off dream. If you want to bring your team's most innovative ideas to life, follow these 7 actionable tips for creating an inspiring and encouraging team environment.
7 Mistakes Leaders Make with Their Teams
Are meetings getting in the way of work?
We’ve all been there: Soul sucking meetings with little direction, no clear champion, and no decisions. Brainstorming sessions that result in great ideas but no real deliverables. The "quick chat" that turns into hours. As a leader you must change the way meetings are conducted in your organization, knowing full well that they are a necessary component of communications in today’s environment.
Be More Innovative—Use the "IMAC Method"
The digital age has brought intense disruption and competition to every industry and every profession out there. So, understandably, organizations and teams must be more creative and innovative in order to simply survive… let alone thrive. Over the years, I've had the privilege of working with numerous organizations and leadership teams on ways to increase their innovation and speed to market with their products and services.
Try the Fire, Ready, Aim Approach
Lessons from the Portland Trail Blazers
5 Mistakes Leaders Make When It Comes to Change
What if your team improved 1%?
I spend a lot of time reading books and articles on leadership, peak performance, and innovation to help my clients reach their strategic goals. In my book Water The Bamboo® I encourage leaders and teams to identify their Bamboo Dream (vision) and to faithfully water it for five years before it grows 90 feet in 60 days. The watering (effort) is essential to success.
Manage Your Own Punch Bowl
Being a leader requires emotional energy. There are lots of demands on your time and energy. I was recently leading a seminar with a group of upcoming leaders and I was asked, "How can I stay positive in such a demanding world as a leader with the complexity of all my roles?" I responded that it’s up to you to fill your punch bowl. Every day I think about what activities I will engage in that will fill my punch bowl.
Can you and your team survive a punch in the face?
To Lead or Not to Lead
7 Ways to Get the FUD Out of Here!
3 Things Great Leaders and Dog Trainers Know
Success: Are you measuring the right thing?
What do you need to shed to be a better leader?
When giant timber bamboo grows it sheds the outer layer. The shedding allows for growth. In order for you to grow into the leader you want to be, you must shed. For leadership growth you need to answer this question: What am I holding on to that might be holding me back from becoming the leader I can be?
The 6 Knows of Leadership
Coach Yourself: Ask Yourself Good Questions
Key Principles of Chess Can Help You Become a Better Leader
My youngest daughter and I have been playing a lot of chess. In my youth I was my third grade class chess champion but of course only a few kids knew how the chess pieces moved. As I coach my daughter on some of the key principles of chess I realized that many of these principles could be applied to leadership.