Compromise vs. Compromising: More of the First, Less of the Latter
Today, in many ways, we seem more solidified in positions, a bunker mentality of sorts. Negotiation is seen as a weak activity. Stalemate is acceptable. Compromise is unacceptable. And, accordingly, our progress forward stalls. Running in place is better than moving forward to solve problems or launch initiatives. At some point in time, however, we…
Knowledge Isn’t Always Power
I once took a class on flirting. They had a better name for it on the university syllabus to satisfy academia (and, more importantly, parents paying for tuition). They called it, “Dyadic Communication,” which refers to face-to-face interactions between two people. But, a big part of the class, or at least the part I remember…
The Potter Box: Staying on the Right Path
In a world where money rules, doing the “right thing” often competes with ever-tightening budgets. When the pressure to meet financial goals heats up, people don’t mind cutting those corners, telling those little white lies, and putting profits before people because it’s quick, easy, and it delivers; but it’s dirty. At some point in our…
Graduation is Just a Phase
Graduation is often viewed as a launching point to solve complex problems and tackle big challenges. After years of learning, graduates are prepared and ready to take over. The stark reality is graduation is just a phase, like a trimester. (tweet to share) Graduating means another development phase has passed. Viewing graduation as a completion…
Your Life Quest: Create. Curate. Conflict.
This week an amazing quest began. Jeffrey Davis and the Tracking Wonder community formed to create #Quest2015 – 12 Days with 12 Visionaries to Imagine Your Best 12 Months. What I can say three days in is “wow!” Tough questions requiring open souls and minds and eventually an answer we can stick with. I love…
The Simplicity of Life Dreams
We have discussed before how we make life and leadership more complicated than we need to. Both are fun to write about, especially life. Writing about life is easy. Living life is messy. Although well-crafted inspirational life messages serve a purpose, there are some very simple principles to keep in mind and stay on a…
In the Middle of You and Life Is Leadership
Maybe I am on a simplicity kick. We tend to overcomplicate things. I know I am guilty at times. Let’s be real simple. Life is what happens to you and comes at you – good and bad. You come at life with your attitude, strengths, weaknesses, gifts, and talents. In the middle is your leadership…
What Is on Your Horizon?
The prairie is my ocean. As far as my eyes can see, there is an endless flow of grass, fields, and sky. Looking out, I see possibilities. In life’s distance, a path forward begins to form, at least within my thoughts and expectations. Horizons are deceiving. When we think horizon, we think limitless or, at…
Leadership Lessons from Johnny Cash
A while ago, George Anders recommended reading the new biography by Robert Hilburn entitled Johnny Cash: The Life. I placed it on my Christmas wish list, and it was a gift that delivered and stuck with me. Whatever your opinion about Johnny Cash’s music and life, he did amazing things and built a legacy many…
Where Do Answers to 3 Simple Questions Lead You?
When you wake-up, you have an experience. At first, your eyes may be blurry, trying to blink into what you are really seeing. And then your mind may begin to kick in and recall the routine. As you roll out, you begin with little thought or out-of-the-ordinary movements. As your awakening continues, you begin to…
Uncomplicated Meaning
If you mean it, say it. If you say it, mean it. If you say it, do it. If you do it, mean it. If you say it, say it with empathy, civility, and good intentions. If you do it, do it thoroughly, constructively, and wholeheartedly. To mean it, follow through on it….
The Importance of Story
Through social media or just more awareness, we gravitate toward good stories. The importance of story grows in how we lead and live.